Flavanol-rich cocoa help prevent heart attacks

A study published in the March-April 2009 issue of Journal of the American Society of Hypertension suggests eating flavanol-rich cocoa may reduce risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Hollenberg N.K. and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Massacusetts report in their study that the Kuna Indians residing in an archipelago on the Caribbean Coast of Panama have very low blood pressure levels and a reduced frequency of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The researchers found their diet commonly includes high amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa; the researchers speculate that flavonoids in cocoa trigger nitric oxide synthesis in healthy humans. Nitric oxide is important for heart health.