Dark chocolate improves cardiovascular health

A research released during American Chemical Society in Dallas lately said it has revealed the mystery how bittersweet dark chocolate improves cardiovascular health.

Using a series of modified test tubes to stimulate body’s internal organs, the researchers found that certain bacteria in our stomach consume dark chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds which are good for our hearts.

According to the researchers, certain bacteria, including bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, feast on chocolate. The bi-products they produce can travel through the organ wall and be used by the body. They can lessen the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue, which can reduce the long-term risk of stroke and heart disease.

"These materials are anti-inflammatory and they serve to prevent or delay the onset of some forms of cardiovascular disease that are associated with inflammation," said researcher John Finley.

It is possible that the compounds within might one day be processed into pill form, said Finley.

However he personally is not excited about the prospect. "I would rather eat a big old chocolate cookie or a cup of cocoa than take a pill," he said.