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Cardiovascular Benefits Found in Dark Chocolate says
Yale Study
 Oct. 19, 2005 The Hershey Company is sweet on
research it funded at Yale that concludes eating dark chocolate can
result in short-term improvements in arterial function and blood
pressure. The report released today is also likely to catch the eye of
many senior citizens always alert to cardiovascular benefits.
"This is the latest study to suggest a link between
dark chocolate, which contains natural flavanol antioxidants, and health
benefits," said Dr. David Katz, Associate Professor of Public Health at
Yale, and Director of the Prevention Research Center, who conducted the
study. "The dark chocolate tested in this trial improved blood pressure
and arterial function. This clearly suggests that dark chocolate isn't
just good; it's good for you!"
The Yale study used ultrasound technology and
sophisticated measurements to assess the effects of eating high-cacao
content dark chocolate, Hershey's Extra Dark, on the arterial function
of 45 moderately overweight adults. The study also measured subjects'
blood pressure before and two hours after eating two servings (74 grams)
of dark chocolate.
The study demonstrated improvements in blood
pressure, as well as the ability of blood vessels to dilate and increase
flow, a key indicator of cardiovascular health, after eating dark
chocolate. No such effects were seen with a low-flavanol placebo.
This is the first phase of an ongoing trial,
according to the Hershey news release. Future phases will explore the
relationship between the consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa and the
potential for longer-term health benefits.
"We are extremely encouraged about these results
indicating the link between Hershey's Extra Dark and potential health
benefits," said Thomas K. Hernquist, Senior Vice President and
President, US Confectionery, The Hershey Company.
"Hershey's Extra Dark is formulated with 60% cacao
dark chocolate, giving the product a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a
higher level of natural flavanol antioxidants, said Hernquist.
The dark chocolate category continues to grow at a
rapid rate as consumers discover the unique, bold taste of dark
chocolate and the fact that cocoa is a natural source of antioxidants,"
he said.
"This study provides more evidence on the positive
benefits of dark chocolate," said Dr. Debra Miller, Senior Nutrition
Scientist, The Hershey Company. "Dark chocolate is a great choice for a
treat, providing the delicious taste of chocolate that people love with
the added benefit of natural flavanol antioxidants. Like all treats, it
should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet."
The company has long promoted dark chocolate as an
antioxidant. -rich foods. Major sources of antioxidant are plant-based
foods including apples, onions, soybeans, blueberries, cranberries, teas
(green and black), red wines and dark chocolate are distinguished by
their high polyphenol content.
Polyphenols are found in many fruits, vegetables
and whole grains. The red and purple colors of berries come from
anthocyanins - a subclass of polyphenols. Another sub-class of
polyphenols is the colorless flavanols (or more precisely flavan-3-ols)
found in cocoa and some other plant-derived foods.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY)
is a leading snack food company and the largest North American
manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery
products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000
employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands
as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds,
Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as
innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In
addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a
range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional
interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include
sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, as well as Hershey's
SmartZone bars for people seeking balanced nutrition. It also markets
Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients,
toppings and beverages. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a
wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets premium
chocolate offerings, including Scharffen Berger, known for its
high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for
its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. Visit their Website at
http://www.hersheynewsroom.com/.
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