Chocolate Reduces Heart Attacks

Chocolate Reduces Heart Attacks, says a recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition. That study showed that consumption of cocoa caused a “striking blood flow response” to the brain and improved brain function.

OK, so the study was sponsored by Mars Inc., the company that makes M&Ms, Snickers and Twix…but, I bet that a large percent of women agree with the study. Yes, Women know how important chocolate is to have a better life. Once a month you should bring home chocolate to your significant other

I agree with their research. And you should consume coco bean products often. But don’t think that a Snickers bar will do the trick. Because milk chocolate is full of refined, poisonous sugars. This would offset any benefits of the coco bean and milk chocolate has very little cocoa anyway.

Instead, choose a high quality dark chocolate and the less sugar, the better. Purchase a container of organic, unsweetened cocoa powder. You can mix it with coffee, water, raw milk, smoothies or yogurt. I even add it to my chill as my secret ingredient. If you prefer it sweetened, add a few drops of honey or stevia.

Here Is A Prime Example

The Kuna Indians are known to consume as much as 40 cups of their cocoa beverage per week. And their longevity rates are off the charts. But, you don’t have to consume near that much cocoa to get the benefits that you seek.

In Holland, researchers followed 500 men for 15 years. What their study showed was that they found that those who ate the most cocoa per day were 50% less likely to die of heart disease. The discovery was that those who benefited was conferred with just 4 grams of cocoa per day. That is about two teaspoons.

That means that the antioxidant power is off the charts for pure cocoa products and beans…

Some of the greatest benefits of cocoa come from its broad spectrum of antioxidants. In fact, cocoa is one of the most antioxidant rich foods on the planet. Then, why don’t we use it more? Because we let coffee take it’s place.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks the antioxidant power of foods by a measure known as the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or called…ORAC. The higher the ORAC score the greater the ability of that food to neutralize “free radicals.” Free radicals, are reactive molecules that accelerate aging and increase the risk of disease.

You are probably aware that blueberries have a very high ORAC score compared to other foods. Only the Acai Berry have a higher ORAC rating… The antioxidant power of cocoa, comes in at  80,933 units, that is 12 times greater antioxidant value of blueberries!

Cocoa has other vital nutrients in delicious chocolate…since almost 70% of the U.S. population is deficient in magnesium and magnesium is necessary for more than 300 functions in your body. It maintains normal muscle and nerve function. It helps to support a healthy immune system and build strong bones. It works to regulate blood sugar and is involved in energy metabolism.

Magnesium is absolutely critical for heart health. It lowers blood pressure levels, prevents hardening of the arteries and helps to regulate heart rhythm. Hundreds of studies show that your level of magnesium is intricately connected to your risk of heart attack. And not surprisingly, a UVA School of Medicine studies verified that those with the lowest levels of magnesium were twice as likely to suffer heart attack. YIPES!

Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, and author of “The Miracle of Magnesium,” states that most people require about 900 mg per day. That is three times what the government says you need.

Where am I going with all of this? As you might have guessed, cocoa is one of the richest food sources of magnesium. Right up there with with leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds and avocados.

Chocoholics Rejoice

Hopefully by now, you are asking…So how do you get more of this healing superfood in my diet…so I can live longer?

A few days a week, why not add a scoop to your morning cup of organic coffee. I add it to your protein shakes. Add it to your cakes…add it to your chili like I do.  Snack on raw cacao nibs and cacao beans. They have a nutty texture and rich chocolate flavor and make a great snack mixed with almonds and a few organic raisins, dates, cranberries or other fruits.

If you are a “chocoholic” you already know the sweet pleasures of this ancient food. It has the power to boost your mood and calm your worries. Hence the reason why women need chocolate at least once a month when they are in their cycles. So, now you have the perfect reason to eat MORE chocolate. Now you know it can protect your health in ways that few other foods can do , since Chocolate Reduces Heart Attacks.