Abstract

Cardiopathy is the chief cause of death among worldwide populations. It includes the Coronary Heart Diseases, Heart Failure, stroke etc. In 2016, about 17.9 million worldwide deaths occurred due to Cardiopathy. Diet plays a key role in controlling the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Of all the food items that are healthy for heart functioning, chocolate is one of them. Chocolates, especially the dark ones, being rich in flavanols have positive effect on blood pressure, lipid profile and overall heart health. Numerous population studies show the defensive role of cocoa and dark chocolates against the inflammation and oxidative stress, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Dark chocolates also have antihypertensive and antiplatelet role, leading to the prevention of High Blood Pressure and diseases related to platelet coagulation such as Thrombosis. Hence, the relation between chocolate consumption and occurrence of cardiopathy is inverse. These beneficial effects occur due to the abundance of flavanols mainly epicatechins, present in them. The defensive role of dark chocolates is more than the white chocolates because the epicatechin content of the former is retained during its manufacturing course. Therefore, the consumption of dark chocolates more than 3 servings a week reduces the risk of Cardiovascular diseases, increases High Density Lipoprotein and improves cardiovascular functioning.