Research Reflections: Ep. 10 | Dark Chocolate & Cholesterol

Does Chocolate Lower LDL Cholesterol?

Join us as we dive into the relationship between chocolate and lipids.

We discuss:

• How cocoa beverages and dark chocolate affect lipid profiles in people with normal versus elevated LDL cholesterol

• The drawback of no clear flavanol/polyphenol dose threshold and/or serving size

• Why keeping saturated fat content still matters

• The take home: chocolate doesn’t appear harmful, although it isn’t a cholesterol-lowering strategy, and cocoa powder may be preferable if saturated fat is a concern.

Watch the related polyphenol episode here.

The Study We Discussed:

Amoah I, Lim JJ, Osei EO, Arthur M, Cobbinah JC, Tawiah P. Effect of Cocoa Beverage and Dark Chocolate Intake on Lipid Profile in People Living with Normal and Elevated LDL Cholesterol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dietetics. 2023;2(3):215-236. doi:10.3390/dietetics2030017

More Research Reflections:

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