Chocolate for better liver health?

Forget the old adage, “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.”  According to new research, it may be something far more delicious and luxurious that keeps the doctor away for those suffering with liver disease or damage.  The study found that dark chocolate can help to lower blood pressure in the liver, according to Business Week.  Additionally, it can also prevent damage to blood vessels in individuals with cirrhosis, which potentially scars the liver leading to cancer or further liver failure.  It is important to note, however, that not all chocolate is created equal.  The only chocolate that demonstrated these effects is rich, dark chocolate, so your garden variety milk chocolate bar just will not do.

For the study, Spanish doctors and researchers examined the effects of white and dark chocolate on twenty-one patients end stage liver disease.  The chocolate was provided as part of a liquid diet that the patients were currently taking.  They found an extremely small increase in blood pressure after consuming the meals in the group who ate the dark chocolate.  The researchers surmise that because dark chocolate is chock full of flavonoids, very strong antioxidants, that they responsible for improving overall blood health, including heart disease, circulation, and now, liver damage.  They do note, however, that people seeking the same results from standard milk or white chocolate may be sorely disappointed.  The researchers state that these candies and confections are full of sugar, which is very bad for the liver and does not provide any type of antioxidant benefit.  In fact, the chocolate used in the study was made up of eighty-five percent cocoa.  Fortunately, most of these types of chocolate varieties can be found in your local grocery or drug store.

So, why is lowering blood pressure so important for those living with liver disease?  According to the researchers, a blood vessel rupturing after a meal is a common and risky occurrence for liver disease patients.  This is due to blood pressure increases, coupled with pre-existing hypertension in their livers.  The rupturing is dangerous, as is the potential for liver scarring due to the elevated blood pressure.  Eating a bit of rich, dark chocolate everyday can help ward off blood pressure problems, thereby helping people manage their disease more effectively.  And, it something you don’t need a prescription for or a doctor’s orders.  Honestly, you cannot ask for a better therapy than having a few tastes of wonderful chocolate to protect your liver.