Woo Hoo! More good news about chocolate. A new study in Germany states that eating a little bit of dark chocolate every day is actually good for your heart. (We already knew it was good for your mood!)
Unfortunately, the study does not suggest you should eat a candy bar a day.
The recommendation is to eat about a square of dark chocolate that is 70 percent cocoa each day, or less than an ounce. On average, the study showed that people that ate just over a candy bar a week of dark chocolate reduced their risk of heart attack by 27 percent, and their chance of stroke by 48 percent. The thought is that the flavonoids in the chocolate reduce blood pressure, which results in heart health.
I don’t think I know of an easier, more pleasant way to take care of myself than to eat a little piece of chocolate every day. Incidentally, milk chocolate does help some, but not as much. White chocolate does not help at all.
Hopefully you will get some dark chocolate Easter eggs this weekend!
To read the full article, please click on the following link to the CNN website:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/30/chocolate.egg.per.day/index.html?hpt=C2
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you do come back everyday, and please let me know if there are any specific topics you are interested in!
If you decide to try to incorporate chocolate into your battle against high blood pressure, keep in mind that the chocolate must still have the flavonoids in it for it to have any possible cardiovascular benefits. Most commercial chocolates are so processed they no longer have the flavonoids so be sure to check the label before you buy.
Researchers believe that chocolate may help by increasing nitric oxide levels in your blood stream which then helps your body control your blood pressure. Exercise is probably one of the best ways to increase nitric oxide and it is supported by many scientific studies. Another great way to lower blood pressure naturally is with an isometric handgrip therapy device called the Zona Plus.
I wonder if Dove dark chocolate is too processed or not…
I’ve heard that it’s better to go with the 85% stuff, though some 70% might be ok, too.
I think the greater the percent, the better. However, I am sure 70 percent would be wayyy better than milk chocolate. Or a ‘dark’ hershey’s bar.
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