Another Reason to Eat Chocolate: Increased Blood Flow

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I never used to like chocolate as a child, but now I can't live without it. Just a small piece is enough to satisfy my sugar cravings. Plus I feel good eating it, knowing that flavenoid-rich dark chocolate has health benefits like lowering blood pressure, and now a new study shows that it can also increase coronary blood flow.

This study involved a two-week trial and monitored 39 adults (average age 29). Study participants either ate 550 mg a day of dark chocolate or white chocolate. The CFVR (coronary flow velocity reserve) of all the participants was monitored. The CFVR indicates the ability of the coronary arteries to dilate and allow more blood flow, which is a good thing.

The study found that in as little as two weeks, those who ate flavenoid-rich dark chocolate had improved heart function and blood flow, as compared to those who just ate white chocolate. I love foods that taste good and are also good for you, so go ahead and indulge, for your heart's sake.

Source

Chocolate is Even Better for Us

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:30:00 -0700

OK. OK - You don't have to twist my arm. I'll eat dark chocolate already.

Recent reseach has discovered yet another health benefit of chocolate. Right On!!! Based on a study where patients consumed 8 oz of cocoa (without sugar) daily for 6 weeks, researchers found the patients had increased blood flow. Good news for your heart and your taste buds.

Cocoa and dark chocolate products are considered one of the most concentrated sources of flavenoids. Red wine, green tea, fruit, and vegetables also contain flavenoids, which are the pigments in plants that act as antioxidants.

This test does not suggest that everyone start devouring Hershey's kisses and Bon-Bons daily (darn), but it does suggest that we pay more attention to how dark chocolate and other flavenoid-rich foods might offer help to our heart and body. Who knows, maybe down the road your doctor will prescribe heart medication made out of cocoa.

The antioxidants in dark chocolate can also lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol. So if you're a chocoholic, make sure you're consuming the dark stuff. It has a higher percentage of cocoa than milk-chocolate.

Augustus Gloop knew this all along. No wonder he took a dip in Willy Wonka's chocolate river. Knowing what I know now about the health benefits of chocolate, I would too.