milleniumgirl
Guest
- Sep 12, 2010
- 617
- 18
Dark chocolate is a health food. Most people give up chocolate when they try to lose weight or improve their health, but that's a mistake. German researchers found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate (6.3 grams, 30 calories) every day for 18 weeks reduced blood pressure and increase blood levels of S-nitrosoglutathione, which is a measure of blood vessel health. Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that increases nitric oxide (NO) released by the cells lining the blood vessels. NO is important for blood pressure regulation and maximizing energy levels and sexual performance.
The study examined older adults (aged 56 through 73) with mildly elevated blood pressure. White chocolate, which contains no polyphenols, had no effect on blood pressure or blood vessel health. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day will improve blood vessel health and lower blood pressure without causing weight gain.
[Source: Journal American Medical Association, 298: 49-60, 2007)
The study examined older adults (aged 56 through 73) with mildly elevated blood pressure. White chocolate, which contains no polyphenols, had no effect on blood pressure or blood vessel health. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day will improve blood vessel health and lower blood pressure without causing weight gain.
[Source: Journal American Medical Association, 298: 49-60, 2007)