High cholesterol can increase your risk of serious health problems, ranging from heart disease a race, so it’s crucial to keep your levels in check. While chocolatey treats like cookies are usually a no-no when it comes to smashing your levels, a surprisingly sweet drink could help lower your cholesterol, according to research.
With temperatures slowly dropping, what better than a hot drink.
Soothing yet rich, hot chocolate not only offers a pleasant taste but also cholesterol-bursting powers
At least that’s the suggestion researchpublished in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases.
Epidemiological studies suggest that regularly enjoying cocoa-containing products may offer some cardiovascular protection.
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Based on this information, the research team set out to investigate the effects of cocoa on lipids.
Looking at 42 participants at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the research included both men and women.
These participants received hot chocolate, prepared with 40 grams of cocoa powder and 500 milliliters of skimmed milk or just plain milk.
Subjects had to enjoy their given drink daily for a period of four weeks.
Although there were no effects on vitamins B1, B6, B12C and E, the impacts on cholesterol were “significant,” the researchers noted.
The team concluded that enjoying hot chocolate “modulates” the lipid profile in subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
The reason cocoa is so potent is because cocoa beans are rich in plant chemicals called flavanols.
United Kingdom Heart explains: “These are types of plant-based antioxidants called polyphenols.
“Like all antioxidants, flavanols prevent unstable molecules known as free radicals from damaging our cells.
“Lack of antioxidants in the diet can increase the risk of heart disease, cancerstype 2 diabetes and other long-term illnesses, so it’s important to eat foods that contain antioxidants.”
In addition, flavanols, particularly epicatechin, have been associated with heart health benefits, including lower blood pressure.
Apart from the hot drink, another source of flavanols is dark chocolatethough it doesn’t contain as much as cocoa, the charity adds.
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