Eating chocolate can help reduce heart diseases

Good news chocolate lovers... consuming chocolate can be good for one’s health!

A recent study in Denmark, has revealed eating chocolate regularly can help prevent the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a type of irregular heartbeat.

According to the Heart Foundation, AF is a common type of abnormal heart rhythm. It often has no symptoms and can increase the likelihood of a stroke and other heart problems.

Researchers found out that adults who consumed one to three serves of chocolate at least once a month had a 10 to 20 percent reduced risk of atrial fibrillation.

The more chocolate you eat, the more you reduce your chance: 17 percent lower for one weekly serving; 20 percent lower for two to six weekly servings; and 14 percent lower for one serving monthly.

Overall, women were less likely to be diagnosed with AF eating one serving a week (associated with a 21 percent lower risk of diagnosis), while for men it was a delicious two to six weekly servings (23 percent lower risk).

The type of chocolate the participants ate wasn’t specified: but dark chocolate is linked to the most health benefits because of its higher concentration of antioxidants.

Please note that chocolate is high in fat and sugar - two things not always linked to a healthy heart, which is important to consider before you start scoffing whole blocks hoping to protect your ticker.