Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 15-20% of people over 70 years of age and, therefore, they have problems moving due to poor blood circulation to their legs that causes cramps and pain. Now, thanks to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , it is possible to apply a delicious and simple remedy against this obstacle: dark chocolate .
The study, carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Italy), was based on an experiment with two groups of PAD patients: the first group was offered a portion of dark chocolate before take a tour on a treadmill, and the second group, a portion of milk chocolate . The volunteers were 14 men and 6 women in their early 70s. The scientists found that subjects who ingested dark chocolate were able to slightly increase walking time and distance , as opposed to those who ate milk chocolate.
Specifically, the participants of the group who were going to eat dark chocolate had to walk on a treadmill, first without having ingested chocolate, and two hours later, after having eaten it. The result of the second test showed that they were able to walk 17 seconds longer and 11.8 meters more than in the first test.
“In the presence of atherosclerosis, following an adequate diet is essential to reduce the burden of vascular disease . This study has shown that the consumption of nutrients rich in polyphenols, such as dark chocolate, improved the blood circulation of the legs ”, says Lorenzo Loffredo, leader of the study.
