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Increased risk of heart disease
has been associated with higher
levels of stearic acid in some
population studies. Mainly
because foods that are high in
stearic acid also have high levels
of other saturated fats, these do
cause elevation of cholesterol
levels.
While some studies have found that
eating dark chocolate is not
harmful to serum cholesterol
levels, reports that dark
chocolate is able to improve
cholesterol concentrations are
mixed. No matter what the effect
of cocoa products on cholesterol
concentrations, they have been
shown to decrease the likelihood
of LDL cholesterol oxidizing in
tests. Another cardio-protective
action of cocoa products is the
ability to thin the blood by
decreasing platelet activation.
These studies have shown a
decrease in platelet activity
after being given cocoa beverages,
cocoa flavonol supplements or dark
chocolate.
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