Dr. Roger Corder, William Harvey Research, London UK, is applying for permission to treat 40 patients who have cardiovascular diseases with plain chocolate.

(Dark Chocolate = Plain Chocolate. No milk in it)

Recent studies have shown that flavonoids are good for blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. Flavonoids are found in chocolates. Flavonoids are said to lower one's levels of bad cholesterol.

Many worry that although chocolates contain flavonoids, they are also high in fats and sugars. Would the risks of consuming more fats and sugars offset any of the benefits offered by flavonoids?

Dr. Corder says it depends which dark chocolate you are talking about. He acknowledges that not all dark chocolates are good for you. He believes it will take about a year before it is clear which dark chocolates could be used for his study. He stressed that recent research indicating the benefits of chocolate for health should not been seen as an excuse for an Easter chocolate feast.

Dr. Corder added "I am intrigued about how these ingredients change vascular function….we need to study it more. Most of the studies to date have been looking at volunteers or people with milder diseases. We have to look at patients with severe disease."

Dr. Corder said research into the consumption of grape seed extracts for heart patients could be just as useful.

Many fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, as does tea and some wines (red wines).

Most heart doctors see chocolate consumption as part of a problem for heart patients (as well as for anyone who puts on weight).

Some health professionals have written to us, most messages contain the gist of the phrase below:
"If other products, such as fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, why not do the study using those?"