BBC News: (Dark) Chocolate 'has health benefits'

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

Eating dark chocolate could help control diabetes and blood pressure, Italian experts say.

Researchers found eating 100g of dark chocolate each day for 15 days lowered blood pressure in the 15 person-study.

The University of L'Aquila team also found the body's ability to metabolise sugar - a problem for people with diabetes - was improved.

But eating the same quantities of white chocolate did not have an effect, the researchers said.

-snip-

More at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4371867.stm

Well, DUH!

[progmom]

1. Yeeeeah. That's why I eat so much chocolate.

I knew there was a good reason. :)

[AntiCoup2K4]

2. dark chocolate for blood pressure?

Works for me!

[meegbear]

3. I *LOVE* dark chocolate!!

Now I have a medical reason to eat it! Whoo-hoo!

[jswordy]

4. It's old news, but I have three observations:

1.) Flavonoids can be found in lots of plants, minus the sugar and fat of chocolate. here ya go: http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/self/1926

2.) The article never says BY HOW MUCH the BP was lowered, that I could find. Nor how much metabolism was increased.

3.) "Small study" means trouble. The article never tells the study size.

Short conclusion: Puff piece.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

6. Of COURSE it's a puff piece.

That's why I posted it in the Lounge instead of Breaking News.

:evilgrin:

[jswordy]

9. Yeah, I hear ya dood...I just prefer the facts, myself. shrug

Cruciferous vegetables will supply you with tons of beneficial flavonoids, minus all the calories and sugar. It takes a LOT of broccoli and cauliflower to equal a small serving of dark chocolate on the calorie scale. Plus, you get the benefits of fiber from the veggies.

Sorry to be such a wet blanket. Heh. But I'd love to know WHO FUNDED the chocolate study!

[RagingInMiami]

12. ever notice how old news always seems to revamp itself

wine is good for your health, tomato-based products are good for your prostate and the never-failing, cigarettes might be linked to lung cancer.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. That is the best news I have heard in years. I love dark chocolate!

[redqueen]

7. White chocolate is as much chocolate as

american cheese product is cheese.

Meaning it's NOT.

x(

[ben_packard]

8. I have some cheese slices here....

Amongst the ingredients: cheese (6%). WTF!?!

[jswordy]

11. If it says "cheese product" it is not cheese.

The funny part of that story is that Velveeta was originally invented as a way to use all the leftovers remaining after cleanup from cheese production. So you are eating the congealed DREGS of making good cheese when you eat "cheese product." How appetizing, eh?

:puke:

It is indeed amazing what we can do with words to fool people.

[ben_packard]

13. Correction: was eating NT

[coffeenap]

10. Will my health insurance cover it now???? nt

[Freebird12004]

14. thanks for reminding me

about dark chocolate. I add cocoa powder to my coffee, I wonder if that helps.