Chocolate could prevent an overweight person's risk of heart attack

A new study has found consuming chocolate five times a week can reduce the risk of a heart attack in people who are overweight, the Daily Mail reported.

Overweight people are more likely to have a coronary artery disease (CAD)-related event if they do not consume it, the study also found.

Researchers from the VA Boston Healthcare System came to this conclusion after analysing 148,465 US veterans and monitoring their health for a period of time.

Chocolate does not affect individuals with a healthy BMI or CAD risk of an underweight person, the report revealed.

Build-up of plaque in arteries which supplies blood to the heart causes CAD.

Chocolate contains compounds that can improve blood flow and make platelets less likely to clot.

The study's findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions meeting in California.