Hot Dark Cocoa

Food and drinks that taste good are not always bad for us, I found a great article I thought I would share with you.

Dr. Valentine Yanchou Njike M.D., of Yale Prevention Research Center, conducted a research study on people ages 30-75. Those participating in the research were over weight, this placed them at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Each person in the study was given an 8-ounce cup of sugar-free cocoa, sugared cocoa or a nonfat milk drink each morning for six weeks.

The Hershey Company provided the Hershey’s Cacao Reserve mixture, because it is processed in such a way, as not to destroy the flavonoids that are naturally found in the cocoa beans.

The flavonoids are naturally found in fruits and vegetables, "these antioxidant compounds lower your risk of heart disease," said D.R. Njike.

During the research study there was a definite change in the ability of the arteries to relax and expand to allow for an increased blood flow. Within about two hours the people given the sugar-free cocoa had a 39% increase of blood flow. Those drinking the cocoa with sugar had a 23% increase, in a sharp contrast those drinking the nonfat milk drank dropped 12%.

This is not to say that you can indulge in dark chocolates all day. Some chocolates are processed in such a way that the flavonoids are removed because they taste bitter. You need to read and know just what you are getting. You also need to be aware of the calories in the dark chocolate.

Doctor Njike recommends eating just a little chocolate snack throughout the day. The blood flow tends to fade after six hours, therefore when eaten in small amounts it can be more beneficial.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/26/health/webmd/main2609037.shtml

http://www.hersheys.com/nutrition/antioxidants.asp