Chocolate milk could reduce inflammation

November 10, 2009 A new study suggests skim milk with cocoa may reduce inflammation, possibly slowing or preventing the development of hardening of the arteries.

Volunteers at risk for heart disease either drank plain skin milk or drank the milk with cocoa powder mixed in. Those who drank the chocolate milk twice a day for a month had fewer signs of inflammation.

Researchers reporting in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted, however, that the effect was not as great compared to what they typically see with red wine.