The objective of the study was to examine the individual and combined effects of consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa and almonds on markers of coronary heart disease risk. This feeding trial was conducted in 48 overweight and obese individuals aged 30 to 70 years. Each diet period was four weeks long, followed by a two-week compliance break, and participants consumed each one of the following four diets: (1) no treatment foods (average American diet), (2) 42.5 g/day of almonds (almond diet), (3) 18 g/day of cocoa powder and 43 g/day of dark chocolate (chocolate diet), or (4) all 3 foods (dark chocolate, cocoa powder and almonds).
Results showed that total cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol were lower after the almond diet and also in the chocolate + almond diet in comparison with the participants who followed the American diet. Thus, the study concluded that consumption of almonds alone or combined with dark chocolate may help improve lipid profiles. Including almonds, dark chocolate and cocoa into the diet may also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Results showed that total cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol were lower after the almond diet and also in the chocolate + almond diet in comparison with the participants who followed the American diet. Thus, the study concluded that consumption of almonds alone or combined with dark chocolate may help improve lipid profiles. Including almonds, dark chocolate and cocoa into the diet may also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.