High cholesterol can increase your risk of serious health problems, from heart disease to stroke, so it’s important to keep your levels in check. But research shows that one sugary drink can do wonders for lowering cholesterol.
With temperatures slowly dropping, there’s nothing better than a warm drink.
Calming yet rich, hot cocoa offers not only a pleasant taste, but also cholesterol-busting power.
At least that’s the suggestion of researchpublished in the journal Nutrition, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease.
Epidemiological studies show that regular consumption of cocoa-containing products may provide 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 study included both men and women.
These participants received hot cocoa prepared using 40 grams of cocoa powder and 500 milliliters of skim milk or pure milk.
Subjects had to enjoy a given drink every day for four weeks.
Vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, and E had no effect, but the effect on cholesterol was “significant,” the researchers noted.
The team concluded that enjoying hot cocoa “modulates” lipid profiles in subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
The reason cacao is so potent comes down to the cocoa bean, which is rich in phytochemicals called flavanols.
heart uk “These are a class of plant-derived antioxidants called polyphenols.
“Like all antioxidants, flavanols prevent unstable molecules known as free radicals from damaging cells.
“Eating antioxidant-rich foods is important because a lack of antioxidants in your diet can increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other long-term illnesses. is.
In addition, flavanols, especially one called epicatechin, have been associated with heart health benefits such as lowering blood pressure.
Aside from hot drinks, another source of flavanols is dark chocolate, but it doesn’t contain as many as cocoa.
