The Cardiovascular Advantages of Dark Chocolate: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Compounds and Health Implications | [Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research • 2024]

Author(s):

1. Mehak Muhammad Ashfaq: Faculty of Health Science, College of Public Health, Ziauddin University,Karachi,Pakistan

2. Aqsa Naeem Chawla: Faculty of Health Science, College of Public Health, Ziauddin University,Karachi,Pakistan

3. Muhammad Umaid Ali: Faculty of Health Science, College of Public Health, Ziauddin University,Karachi,Pakistan

4. Adnan Ahmed Bhutto: APPNA Institute of Public Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University,Karachi,Pakistan

Abstract:

| Chocolate rich in cocoa is referred to as “the drink of the Gods”. Originally called Theobroma cocoa, the cocoa tree” (meaning drink). Nutrient-dense flavanols are found in cocoa. Flavanols are unconjugated chemicals found in plants that comprise the group of polyphenols, which also include epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidin. Based on a ground-breaking study, eating foods high in flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and others. Nevertheless, due to research constraints and confounding variables such as study design, population size, and usage of various chocolate product types, dosages, and contents, additional large-scale human experiments are required to validate and advocate the chocolate diet. An increasing amount of research shows the beneficial efects of dark chocolate high in flavonoids, particularly on cardiac arrest, hypertension, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet functions through many mechanisms. Eating dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, both diastolic and systolic, increases the bioactivity of nitric acid, and strengthens endothelial function. However, due to the amount of sugar it contains, it adversely impacts our health, resulting in weight gain.

Page(s): 217-222

DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjar/2024/37.3.217.222

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 37, Issue: 3, Year: 2024

Keywords:

Flavonoid , cardiovascular disease , Hypertension , flavanol , Methylxanthines , Dark chocolate , Cocoa Theobroma cocoa , Theobromine

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