For cardiovascular disease
Research suggests that the chocolate, cocoa and flavan-3-ols are used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease 19 . Consumption of foods rich in flavanols are also associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting that this specific group of flavonoids may have potent cardioprotective qualities 20 . Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of atherosclerososis by thickening and hardening of the arteries and by restoring flexibility of the arteries and preventing white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessel walls 21. The possible mechanism of these flavonoids may include reducing the oxidative stress, increasing the endothelial prostacyclin release, enhancing
the endothelial function 22 , increasing the sensitivity of insulin receptors, inhibiting the lipid oxidation and inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme 23