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Chocolate and Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

  • Nutrition (William S. Harris, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. The high content of polyphenols and flavonoids present in cocoa has been reported to play an important protective role in the development of CHD. Although studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of chocolate on endothelial function, blood pressure, serum lipids, insulin resistance, and platelet function, it is unclear whether chocolate consumption influences the risk of CHD. This article reviews current evidence on the effects of cocoa/chocolate on clinical and subclinical CHD, CHD risk factors, and potential biologic mechanisms. It also discusses major limitations of currently available data and future directions in the field.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Disclosure

O. Khawaja: none; J.M. Gaziano: none; L. Djoussé’s institution received an investigator-initiated grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology and Research Information Center (MAVERIC), Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA

    Owais Khawaja, J. Michael Gaziano & Luc Djoussé

  2. Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA

    J. Michael Gaziano & Luc Djoussé

  3. Divisions of Aging, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont St, OBC, 3rd floor, Boston, MA, 02120, USA

    Owais Khawaja, J. Michael Gaziano & Luc Djoussé

  4. Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    J. Michael Gaziano

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  1. Owais Khawaja
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  2. J. Michael Gaziano
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  3. Luc Djoussé
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Correspondence to Luc Djoussé.

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Khawaja, O., Gaziano, J.M. & Djoussé, L. Chocolate and Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review. Curr Atheroscler Rep 13, 447–452 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-011-0203-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-011-0203-2

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