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Study: Dark chocolate helps liver cirrhosis

Category: General Health

Just about everyone likes chocolate for its delicious taste, but a new study presented at the International Liver Conference suggests that it may also have significant health benefits for individuals with cirrhosis of the liver.

The study found that eating dark chocolate reduces damage to the blood vessels in the liver, and also helps bring down blood pressure in the organ.

Researchers said that, when eaten after meals, the anti-oxidants in dark chocolate work to bring down blood pressure in the liver. Patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver often experience stretches of high blood pressure after eating.

Mark Thursz, vice secretary of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, commented "the study shows a clear association between eating dark chocolate and portal hypertension."

Thursz added that the study points to the importance of managing the condition, and gives hope that the condition doesn't have to be as painful to people in its later stages.

The National Institute of Health says that cirrhosis of the liver can lead to easy bruising and bleeding, swelling of the abdomen or legs, and kidney failure.