Dark Chocolate Acutely Improves Walking Autonomy in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Good news for lovers of dark chocolate.  In this randomized study of 20 pts with peripheral arterial disease, walking distance and maximal walking time were evaluated 2 hr after ingestion of either dark chocolate or milk chocolate in a cross-over design.  Dark chocolate ingestion was associated with an 11% increase in distance and a 15% increase in time, likely related to NOX2 regulation.  No such changes were evident in subjects ingesting milk chocolate.