A Little Dark Chocolate a Day...

A little dark chocolate a day, can help reduce heart risk - according to new studies being published in the European Heart Journal.

Here's a quote from AP Medical Writer Maria Cheng:

"German researchers followed nearly 20,000 people over eight years, sending them several questionnaires about their diet and exercise habits.

"They found people who had an average of six grams of chocolate per day - or about one square of a chocolate bar - had a 39 percent lower risk of either a heart attack or stroke."

It's the flavonoids, found in vegetables and red wine which help to open up blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure.

More and more studies are confirming what chocolate lovers already know - that chocolate in moderate and small amounts - dark chocolate of at least 65% - is like an apple a day - it will help keep the doctor away.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest nutritional information about health benefits of chocolate, as well as our product information and where we can be found.

Chocolate for PMS? You bet!

Yes - evidently new research is saying that dark chocolate can be good for PMS!

Researchers and medical professionals already know that chocolate contains antioxidant flavonoids that help mood and heart functions.

Reseach is also showing that pregnant woman benefit from eating a bit of dark chocolate a day. We blogged on that a couple of months ago.

Now - I just saw in an article in Natural Products Marketplace, the current issue (October 2009) that new research is saying that women suffering from PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) can now take heart that it's OK to eat a bit of dark chocolate.

"And while women typically experience chocolate cravings at the onset of their period, new research is looking into the effect of dark chocolate on PMS symptoms. They already know chocolate can help improve mood and stress problems, and data is now revealing flavonoids in cocoa may protect the brain from oxidative stress, improving cognitive function."

So go ahead ladies - eat a bit of dark chocolate at the onset of your next period! It's actually good for you!

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in chocolate nutritional information as well as new product announcements and/or specials! What do you think? Post a comment and let us know!