Can Chocolate Protect Your Heart? A 21,000-Person Study Found Out | Dr. Howard Sesso

Can chocolate actually protect your heart or are we giving candy a health halo it doesn't deserve? Dr. Howard Sesso from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School joins Chuck Carroll to reveal what the landmark COSMOS trial discovered about cocoa extract, cardiovascular disease and cognition. The randomized clinical trial included more than 21,000 participants. One secondary outcome showed a 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease death among participants assigned to cocoa extract. However, the primary cardiovascular outcome did not reach statistical significance. Dr. Sesso explains what both findings mean and why the distinction matters. You'll also learn: Whether dark or bitter chocolate is automatically healthier The difference between cocoa, cacao and cocoa flavanols Why cocoa powder and cacao nibs may be better choices Cocoa's effects on inflammation and cognition Flavan-3-ols sources and why they matter Why the findings still need to be replicated Exam Roomie of the Week Charles Shryock Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🍫 COSMOS Trial 👉 https://cosmostrial.org 📗 Howard Sesso Additional Research 👉 https://bit.ly/sesso-research This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action