Chocolate and Cardiovascular Health

Chocolate and Cardiovascular Health

• Chocolate contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Flavanols in chocolate may have antihypertensive and protective cardiovascular effects.

Vasodilation

• NO-mediated:
  • S-nitrosoglutathione (a source of bioavailable NO) improves NO signaling.
  • NO scavenging of free radicals is mediated by free radicals.
• Non NO-mediated:
  • Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation.
  • Inhibition of endothelin-1 production (a powerful vasoconstrictor).
  • Increased availability of L-arginine (reduced degradation by arginase).
  • Other mechanisms.

Reduced Oxidation and Inflammation

• Flavonoids in cocoa reduce oxidative stress, peroxidation, and inflammatory markers in healthy individuals, smokers, type 2 diabetics, and obese/dyslipidemic/pre-hypertensive/hypertensive patients.
• Cocoa flavanols directly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species.
• They modulate enzymes related to oxidative stress (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase).
• They inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-2, interleukin-1β, tissue necrosis factor-α).
• They positively modulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-4, transforming growth factor-β).
• Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Other Mechanisms

• Cocoa may improve mitochondrial function and biogenesis, positively impacting endothelial function and reducing CVD.
• Reduced cardiac post-ischemic damage via prevention of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and reduction in superoxide production.
• Platelets: cocoa flavanols inhibit platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation.
• Glucose and lipid profiles: cocoa flavanols improve vascular function by regulating glucose and lipid profiles.
• Insulin secretion: cocoa flavanols can modulate insulin secretion and glucose absorption leading to improved lipid metabolism.

Risks

• Not all types of chocolate.
• High fat and sugar content.
• Most trials are short-term, limiting long-term effect assessments.

This quiz explores the impact of chocolate, particularly its flavanols and antioxidants, on cardiovascular health. You'll learn about the mechanisms of vasodilation, oxidative stress reduction, and the different ways cocoa can benefit heart health.