Benefits of Raw Chocolate as a Supplement

Effects of Low Habitual Cocoa Intake on Blood Pressure and Bioactive Nitric Oxide
A Randomized Controlled Trial
Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD; Renate Roesen, PhD; Clara Lehmann, MD; Norma Jung, MD; Edgar Schömig, MD 
JAMA. 2007;298:49-60.
Context  Regular intake of cocoa-containing foods is linked to lower cardiovascular mortality in observational studies. Short-term interventions of at most 2 weeks indicate that high doses of cocoa can improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure (BP) due to the action of the cocoa polyphenols, but the clinical effect of low habitual cocoa intake on BP and the underlying BP-lowering mechanisms are unclear.
Objective  To determine effects of low doses of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate on BP.
Design, Setting, and Participants  Randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded, parallel-group trial involving 44 adults aged 56 through 73 years (24 women, 20 men) with untreated upper-range prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension without concomitant risk factors. The trial was conducted at a primary care clinic in Germany between January 2005 and December 2006.
Intervention  Participants were randomly assigned to receive for 18 weeks either 6.3 g (30 kcal) per day of dark chocolate containing 30 mg of polyphenols or matching polyphenol-free white chocolate.
Main Outcome Measures  Primary outcome measure was the change in BP after 18 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were changes in plasma markers of vasodilative nitric oxide (S-nitrosoglutathione) and oxidative stress (8-isoprostane), and bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols.
Results  From baseline to 18 weeks, dark chocolate intake reduced mean (SD) systolic BP by –2.9 (1.6) mm Hg (P < .001) and diastolic BP by –1.9 (1.0) mm Hg (P < .001)without changes in body weight, plasma levels of lipids, glucose, and 8-isoprostane. Hypertension prevalence declined from 86% to 68%. The BP decrease was accompanied by a sustained increase of S-nitrosoglutathione by 0.23 (0.12) nmol/L (P < .001), and a dark chocolate dose resulted in the appearance of cocoa phenols in plasma. White chocolate intake caused no changes in BP or plasma biomarkers.
Conclusions  Data in this relatively small sample of otherwise healthy individuals with above-optimal BP indicate that inclusion of small amounts of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate as part of a usual diet efficiently reduced BP and improved formation of vasodilative nitric oxide.
Trial Registration  clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00421499

Author Affiliations: Departments of Pharmacology (Drs Taubert, Roesen, and Schömig) and Internal Medicine (Drs Lehmann and Jung), University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.


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Resveratrol Prevents Brain and Heart Damage While Assisting Weight Loss

From (NaturalNews) Resveratrol is the protective bioactive nutrient most commonly found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts and cacao. Resveratrol provides a protective barrier against disease and fungus in plants which is also beneficial to human health. A wealth of information exists to support the function of resveratrol for brain rejuvenation and cardiovascular repair as well as influencing the metabolism of fat leading to natural weight loss.


Resveratrol Improves Endothelial Function Leading to Heart Health


Proanthocyanidins from the grape family have long been associated with heart health, and resveratrol now takes its deserved place at the top of the cardiovascular friendly nutrients list. The lining of the cells within the artery are known as the endothelium, and are very sensitive to dietary abuse caused by hydrogenated fats, excess sugar, cortisol and insulin. Damage to the endothelium leads to high blood pressure as well as micro cracks which are filled with foamy plaque, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Resveratrol has been shown to increase endothelial progenitor cells in the bone marrow which then migrate to areas of damage along the arterial wall, effectively repairing any damage. Higher levels of progenitor cells in blood circulation are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, as well as improved blood pressure.

Resveratrol Activates New Brain Synapses


One of the most important functions attributed to resveratrol is the activation of the anti-aginggene known as SIRT1. Previously, calorie restriction was the only known mechanism thought to positively influence this critical gene, but recent research demonstrates that resveratrol is also able to accomplish this longevity function. Since resveratrol is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is able to improve brain plasticity by generating new neural networks.


Resveratrol has been shown to reduce the normal rate of neurodegeneration and prevent learning impairment. Further, resveratrol has been shown to increase brain oxygenation which relates to increased memory capacity and improved cognition. Researchers are exploring the possibility that this amazing nutrient may play a role in the prevention of certain dementias, including Alzheimer`s disease.


Resveratrol Inhibits the Formation of Fat Cells, Assists Weight Loss


Resveratrol has been shown to halt the formation of baby fat cells, thus providing an effective tool for the millions of people looking for a natural weight loss aide. Researchers demonstrated that fat cells make SIRT1 in direct proportion to the amount of resveratrol they are exposed to. SIRT1 halts the formation of immature fat cells which as they grow, contribute to the accumulation of dangerous abdominal fat.


Resveratrol also lowers levels of systemic inflammation, which is implicated in many afflictions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer`s disease, and inhibits the release of body fat from storage. Studies underscore the importance of resveratrol as an important tool in the fight against obesity and show that it can provide favorable metabolic stability to assist weight loss.

It`s rare when one specific nutritional compound is attributed with the potential to lower the risk of multiple disease processes and assist weight loss. Resveratrol continues to fill the promise of cardiovascular and neurologic health, as it directly influences the anti-aging SIRT1 gene, and provides support in the battle against obesity. Health conscious individuals will use this critical nutrient in a never ending battle to provide an edge against time, ageing and cellular deterioration.

Article References:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abs...
http://www.nature.com/nature/journa...
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abs...

About the author
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

Articles Related to This Article: • Resveratrol is "Nature's Medicine" for Cancer, Heart Disease and Much More • Resveratrol - The Miracle Nutrient for Cancer, Cholesterol and Longevity • Resveratrol, the miracle nutrient to prevent heart disease • Resveratrol Has Anti-aging and Anti-Cancer Properties, Linked to Cardiovascular Health  • Get Real with Resveratrol • Resveratrol Found to Halt Growth of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

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