In a fifteen year study, dutch scientists have found that, "elderly men who consumed cocoa had lower blood pressure levels, and were less likely to die from cardiovascular problems," according to BBC. Although scientists have been trying to link cocoa to health benefits for decades, this is the first real evidence of a connection. Plus, the study was thorough, taking all factors into consideration.
The team, from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, studied 470 men aged 65 to 84 years. The study began in 1985 and each man attended follow up visits every five years. "The men in the group with the highest cocoa consumption were half as likely as the others to die from cardiovascular disease," the report stated. Other risk factors such as weight and smoking were taken into account as well, and even among those who purusued such life styles, the benefits were obvious. The higher the cocoa consumption, the longer they lived!
The researches beleive that many of the benefits stem from the fact that cocoa is packed with antioxidants which, "limit the tissue damage caused by highly reactive chemicals called free radicals, which are released by the body's energy-producing processes." I would like to take this time to thank these couageous researchers. Now I have a reason to eat away my sorrows with chocolate. It really can take the pain away!
Are you talking about the already sweetened cocoa? Because if you're not, you're referring to a very bitter brownish powder (what cocoa really is.)
Even evidence like this doesn't suggest that one can overeat chocolate to maintain health. Because having too much chocolate will harm other parts of your body (especially because of the sugar content in the oh so decadent sweet.) It's like how scientists say that wine is good for your heart, but in moderation.
Well yes, its one thing to over eat, but it actually is talking about chocolate and it does say large amounts, but I think that is assuming chocolate is not the only thing you are eating. Celery can be bad for you if its the only thing you eat.