Subject: Chocolate, the Energy Food


There have been numerous studies done on the health benefits of chocolate. some dietitians (the ones we want to believe - say that chocolate contributes to a healthy diet. However, there is also some evidence in preliminary tests that are contradictory to this belief.

Chocolate is an energy dense food and responsible health care provider should use caution when making recommendations about including it in a healthy diet.

For more information visit:
http://maximumheavytraffic.com/wiland697/fp13.htm

While some studies have found that eating dark chocolate is not harmful to serum cholesterol levels, reports that dark chocolate is able to improve cholesterol concentrations are mixed. No matter what the effect of cocoa products on cholesterol concentrations, they have been shown to decrease the likelihood of LDL cholesterol oxidizing in tests. Another cardio-protective action of cocoa products is the ability to thin the blood by decreasing platelet activation.

Take a look at:
http://maximumheavytraffic.com/wiland697/fp13.htm

These studies have shown a decrease in platelet activity after being given cocoa beverages, cocoa flavonol supplements or dark chocolate Chocolate has been linked to cardiovascular disease because of the high concentration of fat, most of which is saturated. However, the saturated fat in chocolate is stearic acid, which does not seem to cause cholesterol levels to rise after it is eaten. Increased risk of heart disease has been associated with higher levels of stearic acid in some population studies. Mainly because foods that are high in stearic acid also have high levels of other saturated fats, these do cause elevation of cholesterol levels.

Be sure to visit:
http://maximumheavytraffic.com/wiland697/fp13.htm

Studies of Indians in Panama have observed low blood pressure even though consumption of cocoa is high.

Several clinical studies have supported this theory that cocoa may have favorable effects on blood pressure and flow. Other studies have shown that it would take at a minimum of 100 grams of flavonol rich dark chocolate to decrease blood pressure by an observable amount.

Thank you,

Bill Anderson
http://maximumheavytraffic.com/wiland697/fp13.htm