Reduces blood pressure – A Randomized controlled trial demonstrated that cocoa reduces blood pressure. Small amounts of dark chocolate included in the normal diet were used to achieve these results in healthy people with above normal blood pressure. (JAMA. 2007;298:49-60.)
Lowers cholesterol – A comparative, double-blind study suggests that cocoa powder may help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. (J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6):1436-41)