For those of you who would like to receive the benefits of red wine but don’t want the alcohol (or simply do not like red wine), there may be a tasty alternative: chocolate milk. Chocolate lovers can celebrate in the new findings that suggest that skim milk flavored with cocoa may be effective in reducing inflammation, and as a consequence, slow the progression of atherosclerosis much in the same way that red wine is believed to.

Researchers in Spain recruited subjects who were 55 years and older and who had a high risk for heart disease. Over the course of four weeks, half the group consumed skim milk with cocoa powder twice a day and the other half drank just skim milk alone. The groups were then switched after one month.

Blood tests revealed significantly lower levels of several inflammatory markers in the subjects who consumed chocolate milk. This same group also displayed higher levels of high density lipoproteins, or HDLs, the good cholesterol.

Chocolate has long been looked upon as a healthy food, and support for this idea goes beyond wishful thinking. The reason is that chocolate is rich in flavonoids, specifically catechins. Catechins have been found to reduce the amount of cholesterol that gathers in our blood vessels. They are also believed to decrease a person’s risk for blood clots and discourage the immune response that contributes to clogged arteries. Some experts feel that catechins can reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, cancer, and diabetes, and go so far as to suggest that they be classified as an essential part of our diet.

Other good sources of catechins include a variety of teas, fresh vegetables, and of course, red wine and chocolate.

When it comes to chocolate, experts point out that the most benefit can be attained from the dark variety. The processing of milk chocolate that we are most familiar with can destroy catechins while also adding unwanted calories and fat. With this in mind, it is also important to remember that the current findings are not a call to consume chocolate in excess, as the extra fat and calories could ultimately become part of the problem.

Atherosclerosis is a condition whereby the arteries harden due to the buildup of fatty materials (including cholesterol) on the vessel walls. Commonly referred to as “hardening of the arteries,” it results from the bodies immune response to the exposure of fat and cholesterol. Plaque formation leads to inflammation, which the bodies tries to sequester with a hard cover of muscle cells. This buildup eventually narrows the artery, reducing the flow of blood and as a result, raising blood pressure.

Certain risk factors for atherosclerosis can be controlled and include smoking cessation, exercise, and a good diet. While certain individuals may be genetically predisposed to the condition, many of us can reduce our risks by making common sense choices in our lives.

For questions or concerns, talk to your physician or an experienced dietician. For more information, check out the website for the American Heart Association.