Research indicates that eating chocolate may help reduce the risk of long tern stroke. Previous studies have shown dark chocolate may have heart health benefits, but this time milk chocolate finds a sweet spot in science.
According to the report, the nearly 40,000 Swedish male participants, those who ate the most chocolate reduced stroke risk by 17 percent.
It also turns out that most of the men ate milk chocolate which contains more sugar and fat than dark chocolate.
A larger follow up analysis including data from U.S. and European studies shows that those who ate the most chocolate reduced stroke risk by 19 percent.
Dr Susanna Larsson who led the reserach says the benefit may be due to flavenoids. "Flavonoids appear to be protective against cardiovascular disease through antioxidant, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also possible that flavonoids in chocolate may decrease blood concentrations of bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure"
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.