Chocolate shown to lower blood pressure better than drugs
Monday, November 22, 2010
by: John Phillip, citizen journalist
High blood pressure is a critical concern as it significantly raises the incidence of vascular disease and stroke. As a result of stress, poor diet and lifestyle, enzymes in our body produce a substance
known as angiotensin II that causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to increase. Standard medical practice is to prescribe ACE inhibitors to slow the action of these enzymes, often with mixed results and always with dangerous side effects. Researchers have now confirmed that natural flavanols found in cacao from chocolate effectively lower blood pressure.
Natural Flavanols from Cacao Effectively Regulate Blood Pressure
Researchers have known for some time that the active catechins and procyanidins in many fruits, vegetables and green tea promote health and protect against disease through a variety of biochemical mechanisms. The results of a study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology explain how flavanols from cacao and dark chocolate inhibit the action of angiotensin to influence the body`s fluid balance and effectively regulate blood pressure.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010
Chocolate Just Got Healthier!
Friday, November 19, 2010
If you are looking for an excuse to eat chocolate, you are in luck! We all know how yummy good chocolate is and more and more we have been hearing that it’s also good for us. New research reveals the health effects of dark chocolate are so powerful that eating a little each day can actually regulate your blood pressure.
Chocolate, the new health elixir
Relaxnews, AFP
November 19, 2010
First Published: 13:27 IST(19/11/2010)
Last Updated: 13:32 IST(19/11/2010)
It’s already been established that dark chocolate holds a number of health benefits, but new findings explain why. A research team dispatched by Sweden’s Linkoping University has found that eating dark chocolate limits an enzyme called ACE, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
Researchers monitored ACE activity of 16 volunteers before and after eating dark chocolate. The verdict? ACE levels were 18 percent lower after eating the chocolate.
Prior to this study, scientists were aware of the health benefits related to dark chocolate consumption, but unclear of the mechanisms behind these effects.
Don’t get too excited — Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Mike Roizen, the authors of the best-selling YOU and RealAge book series, advise that the flavonoid antioxidants in dark chocolate are so powerful that a tiny piece will suffice. “You don’t need a whole bar. Artery-friendly flavonols in dark chocolate are so powerful that a daily piece the size of a Hershey’s Kiss can lower your blood pressure,” they say.
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