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Dark chocolate rich in cocoa flavanols may support improved vascular function and overall heart health when included as part of a balanced diet.
Emerging evidence suggests that compounds in cocoa extract — especially flavanols — may offer meaningful benefits for heart health and inflammation. Researchers have found that these plant-derived molecules help improve blood vessel function, circulation, and antioxidant activity, all of which are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Cardiologist Dr. Gary Gonzalez, M.D., scientific reviewer for Life Extension Magazine, notes that Mediterranean-style diets — rich in foods like olive oil, nuts, and dark chocolate — are strongly linked to reductions in major cardiovascular events.
“Moderate cocoa flavanol consumption,” says nutrition expert Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, “may support vascular function and help reduce inflammation, which plays a key role in heart disease.”
Not all cocoa products deliver the same potential benefits. Highly processed chocolate often contains added sugars and fats that can negate heart-healthy effects. Instead, researchers emphasize high-flavanol dark chocolate (70% or more cocoa) or standardized cocoa extract supplements for measurable impact.
While larger clinical trials are needed, current research and expert insights support cocoa flavanols as a promising piece of heart-healthy nutrition when combined with an overall balanced diet and active lifestyle.