Chocolate!!!

In time for Valentine's Day, the American Academy of Neurology released details of several abstracts from the upcoming AAN meetings in Toronto, Canada. Unfortunately, details are scant as these studies have yet to be presented. The first study followed 44,489 people and found that those who ate one serving of chocolate per week lowered stroke risk by 22%. The second study followed 1,169 people who ate 50 grams of chocolate per week. Their risk of death after a stroke was reduced by 46% compared to a control group. However, a third study to be presented is said to have found no association between chocolate consumption and stroke.

This is all rather telegraphic, but these are studies which are yet to be presented. This information is likely presented as a "teaser." And, it remains unclear whether there are differences between different types of chocolate, cocoa concentrations and so forth. But, for now, be assured that the chocolate that you gave or ate around St. Valentine's Day may be of some benefit.

Chocolate is good. And, in small quantities, it has properties which may promote health and treat disease. One hypothesis is that the antioxidants, largely flavonoids, are responsible for these positive effects.