Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Behold our savior! Chocolate!
"H.eart & B.loodCocoa,chocolate reduce heart disease ris
By David Liu Ph.D.Feb 28, 2006, 10:08
Eating or drinking cocoa products such as dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of death from any causes including heart disease in older men, according to a new Dutch study.
The study, published in the Feb 27 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that older men who ate the highest amount of cocoa were half as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as those who ate less or no cocoa. They were also less likely to have lower blood pressure.
Previous studies have associated use of cocoa with healthy hearts. Scientists believe the health benefits are largely attributed to flavan-3-ols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and protect the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels from being damaged.
In the current study, Brian Buijsse, of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, in Bilthoven, and colleagues examined associations between cocoa and cardiovascular health in 470 men aged 65 to 84 years. The men were subject to physical examinations and interview about their diet at the start of the study in 1985, in 1990 and in 1995.
Over a 15-year period, men who ate cocoa products such as chocolate regularly were found likely to have lower blood pressure, compared with those who didn't.
During the 15-year study, 314 men died with 152 deaths from heart disease. Those who ate the highest amount of cocoa were 50 percent less like to die from heart disease, compared to those who ate less or no cocoa at all. Men who ate the most cocoa were also less likely to die from any other cause, the researchers found.
The correlation between eating cocoa and reduced death risk remained significant even when other factors such as weight, smoking, physical activity, calorie intake and drinking alcoh ol were considered."
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Cocoa_chocolate_lowers_heart_disease_risk.shtml
This new study confirms the benefits of cocoa. But don't think that--as the story emphasizes--drinking chemical-laden, processed, instant cocoa counts for much in the way of antioxidants. Here's my method for hot cocoa (and cold!) that comes much closer to being truly healthy.
Enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Jene's Way
**Use organic cocoa, like Ah!Laska (http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ExecMacro/nspired/ahlaska/home.d2w/report), and sucanat or xylitol to sweeten and you'll be even healthier!**
Place in a mug:
1/2 to 1 tsp cocoa
1 to 2 tsp sugar--sucanat or xylitol are even better
dash salt
Stir together. Add a bit of water and stir until smooth. Add hot water. If you like it creamy, add half and half or cream to your taste. Yum!
During the summer, I like to make it without the cream and ice it. It's surprisingly refreshing.
If you like Mexican hot chocolate, add a generous dash of cinnamon and a small dash of ground chili (thank-you, Chocolat, the movie) before stirring. If you are trying to get more protein or fat, make it just like this but in a small pan on the stove, heating milk with the chocolate mixture.
Make it stronger or weaker, depending on your taste. Bon appetit!
By David Liu Ph.D.Feb 28, 2006, 10:08
Eating or drinking cocoa products such as dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of death from any causes including heart disease in older men, according to a new Dutch study.
The study, published in the Feb 27 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that older men who ate the highest amount of cocoa were half as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as those who ate less or no cocoa. They were also less likely to have lower blood pressure.
Previous studies have associated use of cocoa with healthy hearts. Scientists believe the health benefits are largely attributed to flavan-3-ols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and protect the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels from being damaged.
In the current study, Brian Buijsse, of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, in Bilthoven, and colleagues examined associations between cocoa and cardiovascular health in 470 men aged 65 to 84 years. The men were subject to physical examinations and interview about their diet at the start of the study in 1985, in 1990 and in 1995.
Over a 15-year period, men who ate cocoa products such as chocolate regularly were found likely to have lower blood pressure, compared with those who didn't.
During the 15-year study, 314 men died with 152 deaths from heart disease. Those who ate the highest amount of cocoa were 50 percent less like to die from heart disease, compared to those who ate less or no cocoa at all. Men who ate the most cocoa were also less likely to die from any other cause, the researchers found.
The correlation between eating cocoa and reduced death risk remained significant even when other factors such as weight, smoking, physical activity, calorie intake and drinking alcoh ol were considered."
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Cocoa_chocolate_lowers_heart_disease_risk.shtml
This new study confirms the benefits of cocoa. But don't think that--as the story emphasizes--drinking chemical-laden, processed, instant cocoa counts for much in the way of antioxidants. Here's my method for hot cocoa (and cold!) that comes much closer to being truly healthy.
Enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Jene's Way
**Use organic cocoa, like Ah!Laska (http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ExecMacro/nspired/ahlaska/home.d2w/report), and sucanat or xylitol to sweeten and you'll be even healthier!**
Place in a mug:
1/2 to 1 tsp cocoa
1 to 2 tsp sugar--sucanat or xylitol are even better
dash salt
Stir together. Add a bit of water and stir until smooth. Add hot water. If you like it creamy, add half and half or cream to your taste. Yum!
During the summer, I like to make it without the cream and ice it. It's surprisingly refreshing.
If you like Mexican hot chocolate, add a generous dash of cinnamon and a small dash of ground chili (thank-you, Chocolat, the movie) before stirring. If you are trying to get more protein or fat, make it just like this but in a small pan on the stove, heating milk with the chocolate mixture.
Make it stronger or weaker, depending on your taste. Bon appetit!
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