You may be tired of reading that we need more studies before we can say that this supplement or that nutrient is good for certain health benefits. That is not the case with coffee. There have been lots of studies and there is little doubt that coffee is good for … Read More
In our post Chocolate Benefits for Your Brain, you learned about the phytochemicals in dark chocolate and cocoa and their impact on your mood and cognitive performance. Here, we’ll continue with an overview of cocoa benefits (from cocoa powder and dark chocolate) on heart health. Chocolate’s polyphenols, particularly its flavanols, … Read More
High blood pressure causes range from diet and stress to genetics and age, but did you know that cardiovascular disease risk factors also show a seasonal pattern? Blood pressure, triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, body mass index, and waist circumference tend to fluctuate with the seasons, raising the risk for cardiovascular … Read More
It’s natural to experience some changes in your blood pressure, especially with each passing year. As you age, blood pressure typically rises in response to changes in the health and function of your arteries. But, blood pressure also changes from hour to hour, following a predictable, daily pattern of rising … Read More
We need fat in our diet. Fat gives us energy, facilitates the absorption of nutrients, helps keep us warm, and provides essential fatty acids. But there are good fats and bad fats. The good come from monounsaturated fatty acids, known by the acronym MUFA, and polyunsaturated fats, or PUFA. MUFA … Read More
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just caused by genetic factors. We now know that a variety of lifestyle factors can change your risk for developing memory loss and cognitive impairment. Strategies like following the Mediterranean diet, getting regular exercise, and doing creative activities like arts and crafts can keep your brain young … Read More
Pycnogenol is the brand name for an extract from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster), a source of powerful antioxidants. It is a potent source of tannins, particularly proanthocyanidins (these account for between 65% and 75% of the extract). Also found in red wine, cocoa beans, cranberries, black currants, and … Read More
In part 1, you learned about the phytochemicals in dark chocolate and cocoa and how they benefit mood and brain performance. Now, in part 2, we’ll continue with an overview of cocoa benefits (from cocoa powder and dark chocolate) on heart health. Chocolate’s polyphenols, particularly its flavanols, act in numerous … Read More
