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Cholesterol Diagnosis on the Costa del Sol

Cocoa may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol risk — Cholesterol Diagnosis on the Costa del Sol

07/09/2024

Consuming very dark chocolate or cocoa extract has been shown in recent studies to have major cardiovascular health benefits. This article examines the implications of a recent meta-study's findings for people trying to get better heart health. We also talk about our cholesterol diagnosis on the Costa del Sol.

 

Key Findings from the Meta-Study

A meta-analysis, or comparison of several studies, looked at how cocoa affected different cardiovascular risk factors. These are a few of the main conclusions:

  • Decreased Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that eating cocoa lowers blood pressure in both the systolic and diastolic forms.
  • Reduced Bad Cholesterol: According to the studies, there was a drop in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels.
  • Reduced Blood Sugar: There was a decrease in blood glucose levels during fasting.
  • No Impact on Weight or Diabetes Biomarker: Cocoa did not significantly affect body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, “good” HDL cholesterol, or HbA1c, an important biomarker of diabetes.

Detailed Analysis

The meta-study looked at 31 randomised controlled trials with a total of 1,986 participants. The participants were separated into two groups:

  • The intervention group (1,110 participants) consumed cocoa extract or dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher for at least four weeks.
  • The control group (876 people) ate a placebo, white, or milk chocolate containing less than 70% cocoa.

Participants and Health Conditions

The study's participants were all at least 18 years old, with some studies focusing on older or younger adults. Many participants had the following health conditions:

  • Metabolic Syndrome: 3 studies
  • Dyslipidemia: 4 studies
  • Pre-Hypertension or Hypertension: 2 studies
  • Excess Weight: 4 studies
  • Type 2 Diabetes: 7 studies
  • Insulin Resistance: 1 study

The remaining 13 studies only included healthy people who had no known cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. 

Average Reductions Observed

On average, cocoa consumption led to the following reductions:

  • Overall Cholesterol: 8.35 mg/dL
  • LDL Cholesterol: 9.47 mg/dL
  • Fasting Blood Glucose: 4.91 mg/dL
  • Systolic Blood Pressure: 2.52 mmHg
  • Diastolic Blood Pressure: 1.58 mmHg

The Importance of Diet in Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in many countries, affecting both men and women from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Every 33 seconds, someone dies due to cardiovascular disease.

Diet is an important factor in preventing cardiovascular disease. Our doctor emphasises the importance of maintaining good nutrition throughout one's lifetime. While specific heart-healthy foods, such as cocoa, have been identified, a well-balanced and diverse diet is the most beneficial to heart health.

Why Cocoa?

Cocoa is high in catechins and flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds improve heart and blood vessel health by increasing nitric oxide production in the body.

Incorporating Cocoa into a Heart-Healthy Diet

To reap the benefits of cocoa, incorporate it into a larger heart-healthy diet. Here's some suggestions:

  • Dark Chocolate: For a healthy treat, try a square of at least 70% dark chocolate with berries.
  • Cocoa Powder: For a tasty drink, mix cocoa powder into a hot beverage.

Chocolate, however, should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption can result in high sugar and saturated fat intake, which can harm heart health. Furthermore, pregnant women should be wary of chocolate's added sugar and caffeine content.

Study Limitations and Considerations

While the study's results are encouraging, there are some limitations to consider:

  • Variation in Cocoa Consumption: Participants' cocoa consumption ranged from 1.4 g to 50 g per day.
  • Inconsistencies in Cocoa Sources: Different cocoa sources, such as beverages, bars, and candies, contained varying amounts of additional ingredients such as milk and sugar.
  • Processing and Storage Conditions: The availability of beneficial compounds in cocoa products is influenced by processing and storage conditions. 

Cholesterol Diagnosis on the Costa del Sol

Cholesterol is essential for your body, but high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is critical to regularly monitor and manage your cholesterol levels, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

At Helicopteros Sanitarios, we recognise the value of proactive health management, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health. Our Cholesterol Diagnosis on the Costa del Sol is designed to provide you with comprehensive information about your cholesterol levels, which is an important factor in determining your heart health.

If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels and overall heart health, add cocoa to your diet in moderation. Helicopteros Sanitarios provides a comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular health on the Costa del Sol.