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High levels of cocoa intake have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, a potential benefit attributed to its richness in polyphenols, particularly flavanols.
In a randomized, investigator-blinded trial, German researchers evaluated whether low doses of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate offer benefits. Forty-four adults (mean age, 64) with untreated pre- or stage 1 hypertension (mean blood pressure [BP], 147/87) received daily supplements of either dark chocolate (6.3 g — about the weight of 1.5 Hershey’s Kisses) or polyphenol-free white chocolate. Participants had no other cardiovascular or metabolic disease and maintained their usual diet and physical activity. At 18 weeks, mean systolic BP declined by 2.9 mm Hg and dia…