Can Chocolate Prevent Stroke?

Based on an analysis of 37,103 Swedish men, researchers have found that men who ate the most chocolate had a 17 percent lower risk of stroke than men who avoided chocolate.

And because we all love chocolate so much, this study is being written about in hundreds of newspapers, websites and blogs around the world.

Unfortunately, the nature of this study doesn’t allow the researchers to conclude that chocolate consumption CAUSES a reduction in our risk of stroke. All they can say is that:

1. Men who didn’t eat a moderate amount of chocolate were more likely to have a stroke, and
2. Men who did eat a moderate amount of chocolate were less likely to have a stroke

• We have no idea what else the chocolate eaters were or weren’t eating
• We have no idea if the chocolate eaters had lower levels of stress due to lifestyle choices
• We have no idea if the chocolate eaters were more likely to exercise
• We have no idea if the chocolate eaters were more likely to take heart-healthy supplements

And that my friends is the difference between correlation and causation.

But then again… do we really need a healthy excuse to eat chocolate???

Reference

• Neurology