Dark Chocolate Aids In Cardiovascular Health

Dark Chocolate Aids In Cardiovascular Health

Almonds, Blueberries, and Oat Bran Help, Too

Dark Chocolate provides improved cardiovascular function and lowered risk for heart disease, according to a report in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Dr. Mary Engler, a professor of physiological nursing at the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, says that eating dark chocolate can make arteries expand, increasing blood flow, and thus reducing cardiovascular risk.

Milk chocolate does not provide the same protection, Dr. Engler stresses, because it is, well, too milky. Look for darker chocolates, because darkness is an indicator of high levels of flavonoids, the chemicals that loosen up the arteries.

Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant-based foods. According to the Chocolate Information Center, supported by Mars, Inc., scientists have discovered that one of the functions flavonoids may have is to act as antioxidants in humans.

Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage by free radicals, which are formed by numerous processes including when the body's cells utilize oxygen for energy.

Tastes Good, Supports Health

For the complete article on this, go to: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/news_womenshealth/0407wh.cfm

Our Healthy Chocolate is different, it does retain the natural, plant-based chemicals because our cocoa is cold processed and has no preservatives added! There for we have the highest antioxidants level in our chocolate products.
For more information on our Chocolate, go to:
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Published By Women's Health:
URL: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/news_womenshealth/0407wh.cfm