Tag

Flavanols

All articles tagged with #flavanols

health3 months ago

Cocoa Extract Supplements May Lower Age-Related Inflammation

A study shows that cocoa extract supplements may help reduce age-related inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in older adults with high risk, by decreasing biomarkers like hsCRP. The research suggests potential health benefits of plant-based foods rich in flavanols, though further studies are needed to understand the full impact.

health1 year ago

Dark Chocolate Consumption May Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A US study involving 192,000 participants over 34 years found that consuming five servings of dark chocolate per week is associated with a 21% lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes, compared to milk chocolate, which is linked to weight gain. The study suggests that dark chocolate's protective effect may be due to flavanols, though the results could be influenced by the 'healthy user bias,' as participants were health-conscious individuals. Despite potential biases, the study highlights dark chocolate as a healthier dessert option.

health1 year ago

Cocoa: A Sweet Solution to Stress and Unhealthy Cravings

A study by the University of Birmingham suggests that high-flavanol cocoa can protect against the negative vascular effects of stress and high-fat foods. The research found that participants who consumed high-flavanol cocoa maintained better vascular function after stress compared to those who drank low-flavanol cocoa. Flavanols, also found in green and black tea, berries, and apples, can help mitigate the impact of poor dietary choices on the vascular system. The recommended daily intake of flavanols is 400-600 mg, achievable through certain foods and high-quality cocoa.

health1 year ago

Cocoa: A Sweet Solution to Stress and Fatty Foods?

A study by the University of Birmingham suggests that drinking cocoa high in flavanols can mitigate the negative effects of stress and fatty foods on vascular function. In a trial involving 23 adults, those who consumed high-flavanol cocoa showed improved arterial response compared to those who drank low-flavanol cocoa. This research indicates that incorporating flavanol-rich foods, like certain cocoa, into the diet could help counteract some cardiovascular risks associated with stress and high-fat meals.

health1 year ago

Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Solution to Lower Diabetes Risk

A study published in The BMJ suggests that consuming five or more servings of dark chocolate per week is linked to a 21% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while milk chocolate consumption does not significantly affect diabetes risk and may lead to weight gain. The research, conducted on healthcare professionals, highlights the potential benefits of flavanols in dark chocolate, though the study's generalizability is limited due to its participant demographics.

health1 year ago

Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A new study published in The British Medical Journal suggests that consuming about an ounce of dark chocolate daily may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 21%. This benefit is attributed to cocoa's polyphenols, particularly flavanols, which improve insulin sensitivity and promote vasodilation, potentially lowering blood pressure and heart disease risk. However, researchers caution that these benefits are seen with moderate consumption and may be influenced by other healthy lifestyle factors of dark chocolate consumers.

health1 year ago

Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A study by Harvard researchers suggests that consuming dark chocolate five or more times a week may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21%. The study, which analyzed the dietary habits of over 111,000 nurses, found no similar benefit from milk chocolate, which was instead linked to weight gain. The potential health benefits of dark chocolate are attributed to its high flavanol content, though the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is needed to explore these findings.

health1 year ago

Dark Chocolate Consumption May Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk, Study Reveals

A new observational study suggests that consuming at least five small servings of dark chocolate weekly may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21%. The study highlights the benefits of flavanols, antioxidants found in cacao, which are more abundant in dark chocolate compared to milk chocolate. However, experts caution against relying on chocolate for diabetes prevention due to its sugar content and potential contamination with heavy metals. They recommend alternative flavonoid sources like berries and tea.

health1 year ago

Cocoa and Green Tea: Stress-Relief and Heart Health Benefits

A study from the University of Birmingham suggests that drinking cocoa, rich in flavanols like epicatechin, may help mitigate the negative vascular effects of consuming fatty foods during stress. While fatty foods can impair vascular function and delay recovery from stress, cocoa's flavanols improve blood vessel function and reduce stress-related blood pressure increases. The study highlights cocoa as a potential dietary strategy to counteract stress and fatty food consumption, though it doesn't affect stress-induced brain oxygenation changes.

health1 year ago

Cocoa and Green Tea: Natural Remedies for Stress and Fatty Diets

A study from the University of Birmingham suggests that consuming cocoa or green tea high in flavanols can mitigate the negative effects of stress-eating fatty foods on cardiovascular health. Flavanols, found in various fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed cocoa, help regulate blood pressure and protect blood vessel function. The research indicates that high-flavanol cocoa can prevent the decline in blood vessel function caused by stress, offering a potential dietary strategy to counteract the impact of poor food choices during stressful times.

health1 year ago

Cocoa and Green Tea: Stress-Busting Allies Against Fatty Foods

A study by the University of Birmingham suggests that consuming cocoa high in flavanols can mitigate the negative effects of fatty foods on vascular function during mental stress. The research found that high-flavanol cocoa helps maintain vascular health and blood flow, counteracting the impact of stress and fatty meals. This finding highlights the potential of flavanol-rich foods, like cocoa and green tea, to support cardiovascular health during stressful periods.

health1 year ago

Cocoa and Green Tea: The Antidote to Stress-Induced Junk Food Cravings

A study from the University of Birmingham suggests that consuming cocoa high in flavanols can mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of eating fatty foods during stress. Flavanols, found in cocoa, green tea, and berries, help maintain blood vessel function and regulate blood pressure. The research highlights the potential health benefits of incorporating flavanol-rich foods into diets, especially for those who consume high-fat foods when stressed.