A study presented at the International Liver Congress in Vienna reported that patients with end-stage liver disease who had a liquid meal with dark chocolate every day had a lower increase in portal hypertension han patients who were given a meal with white chocolate.
Researchers speculated that this difference was due to the presence of antioxidants in dark chocolate.
"The antioxidants in dark chocolate help to keep the inner lining of your blood vessels healthy. Damage to the lining of blood vessels increases the risk of high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks."
This may be very good news for people with cirrhosis of the liver. These patients have portal hypertension. They are also vulnerable to the possibility of ruptured blood vessels.
Cirrhosis of the liver can be slowed. Avoid alcohol, sugar and red meat. Control your weight. A liver tonic, along with some nutritional supplements, can improve your chances of protecting your liver.
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