The Heart Foundation says there is no cardiovascular health benefit from eating chocolate or drinking red wine.
Coffee was another popular treat that also contained antioxidants, the foundation said, ensuring it was commonly referred to as part of a heart healthy diet.
Susan Anderson, the Heart Foundation’s national director of healthy weight, said a review of more that 100 scientific papers found this was not the case.
The message to chocolate, wine and coffee connoisseurs was that any cardiovascular benefit was more a case of wishful thinking.
“Chocolate, coffee and red wine are okay as part of a balanced diet,” Ms Anderson said today.
“But these findings confirm that if you’re consuming them thinking you’re reducing your risk of heart disease then think again.
“The best way to get enough antioxidants is to eat a variety of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrain breads and cereals, nuts and seeds every day.”
Source: Chocolate, red wine and coffee not on healthy heart list - News.com.au
Date: 11 May 2010
