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A Guilty Pleasure Without the Guilt - Cocoa & Heart Health
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darkchocolate_heartNew research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that a naturally occurring compound in cocoa called flavanols may benefit patients with heart disease by improving blood vessel function. (1)

It has been suggested that cocoa flavonols may work by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in blood vessels, encouraging relaxation of vessel walls, allowing for better blood circulation.

In the study, 16 patients with coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to receive either 9 milligrams or 375 milligrams of flavanols, twice daily for 30 days.

The authors reported that blood vessel function improved 47percent more with the higher concentration than the lower dose. The widening of blood vessels also helped to lower systolic blood pressure.

The authors concluded that regular dietary intake of flavanols may be beneficial to heart health. However, additional research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made.

Definitive or not, Leslie Beck RD, prominent Canadian nutritionist writes in her book, Heart Healthy Foods for Life, “a small square of dark chocolate appears to be a heart healthy indulgence. It’s certainly a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth than eating a box of Smarties”. (2)


References :

1.        Heiss C, Jahn S, Taylor M, et al. Improvement of endothelial function with dietary flavanols is associated with mobilization of circulating angiogenic cells in patients with coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 Jul 13;56(3):218-24.View Abstract

2.        Leslie Beck, RD. Heart Healthy Foods for Life. P. 127 Penguin Group. 2009.
 

Did you know?...

For many people, eating the nightshade family of food (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) can worsen Osteoarthritis. Read More...

 

Chocolate can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar, and can be a perfect treat for people with Type 2 diabetes.  Read More...

 

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Healthy Tidbits

Researchers found that flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a marker of blood vessel function and heart health significantly improved after resveratrol supplementation compared to placebo. These beneficial effects increased with higher doses.

A recent study of nearly 3 dozen healthy Zoomers revealed that 60-minutes of yoga, 3 times per week was able to trigger a natural “anti-anxiety” chemical in the brain called GABA,  versus the same amount of time spent walking. Those in the yoga test group had higher blood levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is often recommended as a dietary supplement for those experiencing anxiety and depression.

A study recently conducted states side on a group of Zoomers with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease demonstrated better balance and mobility amongst those who participated in an hour long dance class, twice per week.  Benefits lasted for several weeks after the dance classes ended and participants reported great enjoyment from partner dancing such as Tango.

According to a new study, researchers at Oxford University conducted a two-year trial with volunteers with mild cognitive impairment, characterized by slight problems with memory loss, language skills or other mental functions and found that large doses of B vitamins can halve the rate of brain shrinkage and may slow the progression towards dementia.

A recently published Swedish study, which followed over 30 thousand women during a ten year period, assessed the impact of a taking a daily multi vitamin and mineral supplement on heart disease and heart attack risk.

Of the healthy women who began the study, those taking a daily multi exhibited a 27% less change of having a heart attack versus their non-supplementing counterparts. The findings also suggest that the longer the women were taking their supplements the better the preventative effects.