“[It’s] a medicine, end of,” he claimed in the interview from 2025. Mills told listeners that eating 50g to 100g of the sweet treat containing at least 75% cocoa solids could be a saving grace for cardiovascular and brain health, citing studies showing short-term improvements in blood vessel function after consumption — but is there more to this?
According to the British Heart Foundation, cocoa is rich in flavanols which are plant compounds that can help blood vessels relax and improve circulation.
And a review published in Heart by BMJ reported that moderate chocolate consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic disorders, namely strokes.
The European Food Safety Authority says consuming 200mg of cocoa flavanols daily can help maintain normal blood vessel elasticity, which contributes to healthy blood flow.
Dark chocolate also contains stimulants such as theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, which may contribute to its uplifting effect, says the Cleveland Clinic.
But the NHS stresses it should only be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet due to its high calorie count and saturated fat, so moderation is key.
Mills warned: “We have to be clear here, we’re not talking about hot chocolate that comes from a packet or something necessarily.
“We would like it to be as dark as possible. 75% cocoa solids, you know, so it’s dark chocolate, and it tastes a bit more medicinal, doesn’t it? It’s not as sweet. But I’m saying to many of my patients, take 50 grammes a day, it’s a medicine.”
The World Health Organisation reports cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 20.5 million deaths each year.
The British Dietetic Association says protecting heart health should focus on an overall balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and healthy fats, alongside regular physical activity.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
