Results From 4576 references seven studies met the inclusion criteria
(including 114 009 participants). None of the studies was a randomised
trial, six were cohort studies, and one a cross sectional study. Large
variation was observed between these seven studies for measurement
of chocolate consumption, methods, and outcomes evaluated. Five of
the seven studies reported a beneficial association between higher levels
of chocolate consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. The
highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37%
reduction in cardiovascular disease (relative risk 0.63 (95% confidence
interval 0.44 to 0.90)) and a 29% reduction in stroke compared with the
lowest levels.