A fun and inspiring plant-based podcast from nutrition experts at The Physicians Committee. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll, who lost 280 pounds, is frequently joined by Dr. Neal Barnard and others to motivate and educate both new vegans and those who have been plant-powered for life. Learn the secrets to improving your health from doctors and nutritionists and become inspired by others who have already reclaimed their health! Dive into the science of a plant-based diet like the effects of eating a single beef hamburger or slice of cheese can do to the body!

Can Chocolate Protect Your Heart? A 21,000-Person Study Found Out | Dr. Howard Sesso

September 14, 2026 54:31 78.49 MB Downloads: 0

Can chocolate actually protect your heart or are we giving candy a health halo it doesn't deserve?

Dr. Howard Sesso from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School joins Chuck Carroll to reveal what the landmark COSMOS trial discovered about cocoa extract, cardiovascular disease and cognition.

The randomized clinical trial included more than 21,000 participants. One secondary outcome showed a 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease death among participants assigned to cocoa extract. However, the primary cardiovascular outcome did not reach statistical significance. Dr. Sesso explains what both findings mean and why the distinction matters.

You'll also learn:

  • Whether dark or bitter chocolate is automatically healthier
  • The difference between cocoa, cacao and cocoa flavanols
  • Why cocoa powder and cacao nibs may be better choices
  • Cocoa's effects on inflammation and cognition
  • Flavan-3-ols sources and why they matter
  • Why the findings still need to be replicated

Exam Roomie of the Week

  • Charles Shryock

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote!

๐Ÿ™ Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

๐Ÿซ COSMOS Trial

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://cosmostrial.org

๐Ÿ“— Howard Sesso Additional Research

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://bit.ly/sesso-research

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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