Dark chocolate contains a higher cocoa content, increasing this process. 'In our study we found that the fibre is fermented and the large polyphenolic polymers are metabolised to smaller molecules, which are more easily absorbed,' said Dr John Finley, who led the Louisiana team.
What's more, studies show that daily doses as low as 81 milligrams -- the amount in a baby aspirin -- can reduce the odds of heart attacks and strokes in people who are at risk. About 25 million Americans take aspirin for heart disease protection every day. But there's a catch. Like any other drug, aspirin has dangers.
5.0%. Mehta told heartwire that on the basis of these results, he is now recommending aspirin at a dose of 81 mg daily for secondary prevention, apart from in the acute situation and perhaps in the initial 4 weeks after a stent placement, where 325 mg would be preferable.