Chocolate consumption and cardiometabolic disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Observational evidence suggests a health benefit, but only randomised trials can give a definitive answer
- By: Alan Rodger
This is an intriguing topic and empirically the answer might seem obvious. Cardiometabolic disorders consist of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, which is described by the authors1 as a “cluster of factors associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.” The incidence of such disorders is increasing across the world. To a great extent this epidemic is preventable with diet, which, among others, is an important associated lifestyle factor.
Chocolate has a long history. With 19th century industrialisation it was incorporated into solid chocolate bars and confections,2 and its popularity increased considerably. Today chocolate consumption is considered a pleasure, and its possible effects on body mass index have been deprecated.
A recent observation in a relatively isolated community of indigenous Panamanian Indians has raised the possibility that it could confer health benefits.2 Those in the community who adhered to a diet rich in chocolate showed no age related rise in