Dark Chocolate is good for the Heart

Researchers discovered that flavanol-rich foods like dark chocolate may keep high blood pressure down, thus contributing to a healthier heart. This is according to a recent study published in the Journal of Hypertension.

The study indicates that flavanols abundant in dark chocolate with high natural cocoa content enhance the body's production of nitric oxide which help dilate blood vessels, relax arteries and enhance blood flow.

Flavanols are flavonoids or potent plant-based antioxidants found in chocolates. Other types of flavonoids can be found in wine, tea, fruits and vegetables.

Another study suggests that flavanols can protect people from life-threatening blood clots. Research led by Carl L. Keen of the University of California, Davis found flavanols to prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging the arteries.

All products containing natural cocoa (cacao) have flavano antioxidants, and the more natural cocoa there is in a of flavanol antioxidants it contains.

Such were the findings of a study sponsored by The Hershey Company in conjunction with Cornell University and Brunswick Laboratories.

Gram for gram, natural cocoa is one of the most concentrated sources of flavanol antioxidants among plant foods. Dark chocolate, with its ample natural cocoa, contains more heart-friendly flavonoids than red wine and green tea, as the Cornell University food scientists found.

With a high level of cacao, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars are also a natural source of flavanol antioxidants.

The Hershey Company has developed a special seal to appear on labels of selected products to help consumers identify those products that are high in cacao and therefore contain higher levels of natural flavanol antioxidants.

Arthritis

Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans. Doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic, they all cause joint inflammation.

There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall diet on arthritis. Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

What is known however, is that overall dietary health is important and does come into play. Weight and nutrition are two factors that play a role in arthritic pain. Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees.

If you suffer from arthritis make sure you eat good foods and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan. Here are some vitamins, minerals, foods, supplements and herbal applications to consider. Vitamins that have shown to reduce tissue swelling or provide relief include Vitamins B5, B6, B12, the antioxidant vitamins C and E, and vitamin K, which improves bone health.

Several independent studies have found that rheumatoid arthritis patients given increased doses of zinc showed marginal improvement. Other minerals to consider include Boron, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese (not to be taken with calcium), Copper, Germanium and Sulfur.

The National Institutes of Health is studying the food supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin, for use in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with osteoarthritis.

Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.

Fish oil supplements have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing dietary fish intake or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can relieve inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can be safely boosted by consuming its precursors available in the supplements, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) or undenatured whey protein.

Quercetin is also known to help reduce inflammation, while Type II Collagen plays a role in growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective tissue.

Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician's direction.

Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is always better to increase in vitamin or mineral intake through your normal diet.