A study from Australia predicts that if 10,000 men with big bellies and the “metabolic syndrome” (abdominal obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia , hypertension) ate 100 grams of dark chocolate daily, it would prevent 70 non-fatal and 15 fatal heart attacks per year. The total yearly cost of the chocolate is less than $50 per patient. Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate can reduce high blood pressure and lower lipids. This study was based on a model that predicted the effects of dark chocolate lasting for 10 years when, in fact, true research studies have not lasted that long.
This is a promising avenue of research involving a food substance that most of us enjoy. For my patients, almost any food in moderation produces success.
Filed under: Additional Qualifications, Aging, Best Doctor, Board Certified, Boca Raton, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boynton Beach, Broward County, Cardiovascular Disease, Concierge Medicine, Concierge Physician, Coordination of Care, Dark Chocolate, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Delray Medical Center, Diagnosis, Florida, Health Care, Hospitals, Internal Medicine, Medical Doctors, Medifast, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Overweight, Palm Beach County, Patient Referrals, Prevention and Treatment, Take Shape For Life, Weight Loss, West Boca Medical Center | Tagged: Diabetes, Heart Attacks, High Blood Pressure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Lipids, Obesity | Leave a comment »