From the HCV advocate website. Here is an interesting article about another good thing from the flavanols which are found in the cocoa.
Dark Chocolate May Cure Liver Disorders
A recently conducted study suggests that dark chocolate may help in dealing with high blood pressure and may also pave way for treatment of liver cirrhosis. According to www.reuters.com, the antioxidants known as flavanols which are found in the cocoa may help balance out the blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessel muscle cells. The rise in the blood pressure in the abdominal region is common in cirrhotic patients after they consume a meal which might result in rupture of blood vessels. Cirrhosis is a condition when liver scarring takes place due to excessive intake of alcohol or hepatitis infection.
As reported by www.phyorg.com, the study was conducted on about 21 patients who were in the last stage of liver disorder. It was found that those of who were made to consume meal containing about 85 percent of cocoa rich dark chocolate reported considerably smaller increase in the hypertension or blood pressure. The study also revealed that consumption of dark chocolate may provide certain additional benefits to maintain overall health.
“This study shows a clear association between eating dark chocolate and (lower) portal hypertension and demonstrates the potential importance of improvements in the management of cirrhotic patients,” concluded Professor Mark Thursz, London’s Imperial College.
Celebrities who have dealt with liver problems include Pamela Anderson, who battled Hepatitis C, and David Crosby, who had a liver transplant.