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Why Your Heart Loves Hershey's
This Week's Tips
Something about eating chocolate... it has such an instant feel-good effect. And it turns out there's a reason to feel good.
Research suggests that special antioxidants in cocoa may play a role in keeping blood pressure low.
How Low Can You Go?
At least, that is the theory coming from a study of a salt-lovin' population in Panama. High blood pressure is virtually unheard of among the Kuna Indians. And they drink an extraordinary amount of cocoa made from lightly-processed beans. They also enjoy lots of fish and fruit -- two additional heart-healthy foods. Here's another tasty treat that may help with hypertension.
Sweet Truths About Chocolate
Cocoa flavonoids help to widen and relax blood vessels and may activate an enzyme that helps lower blood pressure, too. But remember to be calorie wise: A little bit of chocolate goes a long way. And dark chocolate is best. Just in case you need a few more reasons to eat chocolate, here's more good stuff:
- Chocolate can smooth your skin. Find out how a daily dose of cocoa can make skin better hydrated and less sun sensitive.
- Chocolate makes you happy. It's not just your imagination. Find out what makes chocolate a good-mood food.
For a decadent treat, try this European-style recipe from EatingWell: Thick & Rich Hot Cocoa.
RealAge Benefit:
Getting 31 milligrams of flavonoids -- like the type found in cocoa beans -- a day can make your RealAge 3.2 years younger.
Hypertension, the Kuna, and the epidemiology of flavanols. McCullough, M. L. et al., Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 2006;47 Suppl 2:S103-S109; discussion 119-121.
