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.
Low doses of aspirin appear to pose less risk than higher doses, so sticking to 81 mg a day should help. It is even more important to avoid other NSAIDs, or if you have to use one, to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.spirin is 170 times more active against COX-1 than COX-2. That's why tiny doses can protect the heart and why they can also increase the risk of bleeding. Most experts now recommend 81 mg (a baby aspirin) a day for prevention. Much higher doses are needed to inhibit COX-2 and treat pain and fever.