Another reason to indulge in the sweet delights of chocolate without being racked by guilt. New research shows that regular consumption of little chocolate not only reduces the odds of succumbing to cardiovascular disease and stroke, but has a significant effect on high blood pressure as well.

Dr Brian Buijsse, a nutritional epidemiologist at the German Institute of Human Nutrition, Nuthetal, Germany, who led the research, stated, "The good news is that chocolate is not as bad as we used to think, and may even lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The bad news, at least for some of us, is that the amounts that are needed to benefit from these effects appear to be quite low."

Details of the study

German researchers tracked 19,357 people aged between 35 and 65 for ten years. The volunteers were questioned regularly about their eating habits and exercise regime.

None of the participants had a previous history of heart ailment and all had a similar body mass index.

The participants went through medical checkups at the start of the study. After every two to three years they were asked how often they ate 50 gram bar of chocolate.

The follow-up study revealed that those who ate at least 7.5grams of chocolate a day slashed their chances of heart attacks and stroke by 39 percent as opposed to those who ate less than1.7grams a day on average.

Although, the difference between the two groups amounted to 6g of chocolate, less than one square of a 100g bar, it was perceived that the small amount of the cocoa delight could have caused 85 fewer strokes or heart attacks per 10,000 people.

Dr Buijsse stated, "To put it in terms of absolute risk, if people in the group eating the least amount of chocolate increased their chocolate intake by 6g a day, 85 fewer heart attacks and strokes per 10,000 people could be expected to occur over a period of about ten years."

Though, the difference between the two groups amounted to 6g of chocolate, less than one square of a 100g bar, it was perceived that the small amount of the cocoa delight could have caused 85 fewer strokes or heart attacks per 10,000 people.

Link between chocolate and risk of heart attack assessed

The researchers attribute the health benefits to the natural compounds known as flavonols found in abundance in dark chocolate.

Experts speculate that flavonols help the blood vessels to widen. This in turn promotes artery health and reduces inflammation, which is responsible for a healthy heart.

However, the researchers caution that the results should not tempt people to gorge on chocolate. There is need for more research before small amounts of chocolate could be prescribed as part of a diet to reduce cardiovascular risks.

In conclusion Buijsse stressed, "Given the promising health effects of cocoa, it is tempting to indulge in more chocolate. But we should make sure we are eating as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

"Small amounts of chocolate may help to prevent heart disease, but only if it replaces other energy-dense food - such as snacks - in order to keep body weight stable."

The new study is published in the European Heart Journal.