Every February, across the country, dark chocolate covered candies and fruits become the first thought in the minds of health conscious African Americans. It is important to note that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 40.6 percent of African Americans are hypertensive. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in this segment of the population and 16.6 percent of women and 12.5 percent of men have high total cholesterol levels. However, when considering your health and the foods you eat, attention should be given to foods you know little about, in this instance cocoa and chocolate!
The American Dietetic Association has reported that cocoa packs a powerful antioxidant punch. While many African Americans shun this dark treat, research has shown that dark cocoa snack foods containing naturally occurring plant flavonols decreased the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 6 percent. The antioxidant effect is apparently greater in dark chocolate, because it contains a greater natural source of flavonoids from cacao seeds. Although the exact details are not understood, research is emerging to find the elusive answer. You may be surprised to learn, that a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that consumption of flavonol-rich dark chocolate decreased daytime and nighttime blood pressure and increased insulin sensitivity. The findings support the current important and beneficial actions chocolate flavonols have on the cardiovascular system. Data supports the idea that these health benefits are causally linked to the consumption of certain flavonoids present in plants such as: fruits and vegetables. Cocoa, rich in flavonols, comes from the seeds of a cacao fruit. Other, less-flavonol rich sources are asparagus, broccoli, blueberries, raspberries, apples, nectarines and the very familiar strawberry! Therefore, dark chocolate covered strawberries might give you a double dose. However, elderly women may want to eat their assorted box of chocolates with caution. Controversial findings reveal that women between the ages 70-85 who consume chocolate daily had 3.1 percent lower whole-body bone density and strength than those who consume chocolate less than once a week. This finding is surely a minor blow to the positive cardiovascular properties of chocolate. It is suggested that additional studies are needed to confirm the observations.
What about the sugar content in chocolate? First, be cautious with what you choose. A chewy-caramel, nut-covered, marshmallow, o-my-goodness bar, is by no means a heart-healthy food option. A good rule of thumb for choosing products rich in flavonols is to look for non-alkalized, lightly alkalized or cocoa bean made from at least 40 percent cacao content. So, when choosing this sweet treat for your sweetheart, dark chocolate is best. No matter what novel food product you include, regular exercise and eating a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables and whole grains everyday will provide antioxidant power.
Additional information may be gained by contacting the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org or call the Owens-Franklin Health Center at (936) 261-1402 or e-mail: Nick@nicksdietetics.com
If you are trying to keep track of your calories, but hate counting, we found some websites that will do the work for you.
www.my-calorie-counter.com
www.fitday.com
www.caloriecount.about.com