Small daily portions of dark chocolate with added natural polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil was associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile, researchers found.
The results of a new study carried out by researchers from the University of Pisa showed that dark chocolate enriched with extra virgin olive oil improved cardiovascular risk profile in participants.
Small daily portions of dark chocolate with added natural polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil was associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile.- Rossella Di Stefano, lead researcher
The study was presented at the ESC Congress in Barcelona earlier this week by lead researcher and cardiologist, Rossella Di Stefano who told attendees, “We found that small daily portions of dark chocolate with added natural polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil was associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile. Our study suggests that extra virgin olive oil might be a good food additive to help preserve our ‘repairing cells’, the EPC.”
The study compared the effects of dark chocolate supplemented with Italian Panaia red apple against dark chocolate enriched with EVOO on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) progression in healthy volunteers with cardiovascular risk factors.
The results showed that the EVOO and chocolate combination was more effective in improving cardiovascular risk profile than the red apple combination. The olive oil enhanced chocolate boosted ‘good’ cholesterol levels, lowered high blood pressure and significantly raised endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) levels which are vital for blood vessel function and repair.
During the 28-day trial, the volunteers were given a daily 40-gram sample of dark chocolate. For 14 consecutive days the chocolate was enriched with 10 percent EVOO and on the other 14 days, the chocolate contained 2.5 percent Panaia red apple.
The study was carried out on 26 volunteers made up of 14 men and 12 women, all of whom had at least three cardiovascular risk factors which ranged from smoking, dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood), high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
The volunteers smoking status, body mass index, blood pressure, glycemia and lipid profile were also monitored during the study.
At the end of the trial, the researchers concluded that the olive oil enriched chocolate had substantially increased EPC levels and high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and lowered blood pressure in volunteers.
The subjects also showed reduced signs of atherosclerosis progression. The apple enriched chocolate merely led to an insignificant decrease in triglyceride levels and no critical health changes.
Olive oil chocolate first made the headlines in 2,000 when French chocolatier L’Espérantine de Marseille’s olive oil chocolate won the coveted Cordon Bleu award at the INTERSUC conference in Paris. A number of chocolate manufacturers have followed suit and gone on to launch olive oil chocolate.
Earlier this year, chef Thomas Keller and Italian olive oil producer, Armando Manni launched K+M Extravirgin Chocolate. The duo spent five years on research and development before perfecting their recipe for an olive oil chocolate that would be good for the body and soul.
Armando Manni, co-founder of K+M Extravirgin Chocolate told Olive Oil Times, “This exciting clinical trial is very promising and aligns with the goals that we have always had when developing our K+M Extravirgin Chocolate.” Manni added, “We are now beginning to see other people in the industry supporting what we have always believed in.”
“We know that K+M Extravirgin Chocolate has health benefits because the methodology of our chocolate production maintains a higher amount of the antioxidants flavonoids than traditional chocolate and the addition of a small amount of Manni organic extra-virgin olive oil, containing a very high quantity of antioxidants polyphenols, it works as a booster of the antioxidants.”
More articles on: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cooking with olive oil
Jan. 30, 2024
Starbucks Expands Oleato Line to All U.S. Stores
The move comes as the company braces for the publication of disappointing economic data and one year after the line of beverages made its debut in Italy.
Aug. 31, 2023
The Importance of Choosing Healthy Snacks for Your Overall Health
Choosing healthy snacks can be beneficial for overall health, even if you snack frequently.
Mar. 27, 2024
Olive Oil and Soparnik Are Indispensable for Croatians at Easter
Olive trees and extra virgin olive oil play important roles in Croatian Christians' celebrations of Holy Week, especially in the flagship dish, Soparnik.
Aug. 31, 2023
Higher Consumption of Polyphenols Linked to Lower Risk of Contracting Covid-19
Healthy adults who consumed phenols and plant sterols, some of which are present in olive oil, were less likely to contract Covid-19.
Apr. 22, 2024
How Oleuropein Influences Extra Virgin Olive Oil Taste and Health Benefits
Along with oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein is one of the main polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil that determines its sensory characteristics and health benefits.
Jul. 18, 2023
Research Explores Olive Oil Co-Extraction with Olive Leaves, Herbs and Spices
A research review examined how milling olives with olive leaves, herbs and spices could increase the polyphenol content of the resulting oil.
Nov. 6, 2023
Polyphenol in EVOO May Shield Kidneys from Diabetes-Related Damage, Study Finds
Researchers investigated the use of dihydroxyphenylglycol, a polyphenol present in extra virgin olive oil, to treat kidney disease caused by type 1 diabetes.
May. 30, 2023
Study: Polyphenols in Olive Oil Boost Help Heal Damaged Skin
Polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil enhance the healing abilities of fibroblasts, opening up possibilities for novel wound healing applications.