Absolutely Spahhhvelous

It’s a widely held belief that if something tastes good, it must be bad for us. Luckily, that doesn’t apply to chocolate! The cardiovascular benefits of America’s favorite sweet treat are well documented. A recent study has shed new light on the exact mechanisms that make chocolate work so well for our hearts.
Some of the benefits of chocolate:
· It reduces the amount of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol)
· It increases the amount of HDL (the “good” cholesterol)
· It inhibits platelet activation, which reduces the risk of stroke
· It lowers blood pressure.
The results of the study conducted by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggest that the benefits are likely produced by the polyphenol content in cocoa. Of particular note is the effect of cocoa on the principal proteins in LDL and HDL particles. The research has shown that the polyphenols in cocoa increase LDL receptor activity, which decreases ApoB, the main protein in LDL particles. They also activate the proteins that make up the bulk of HDL particles, known as ApoA1.
The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is the best predictor of future heart attack and stroke risk. In fact, it has been shown to be a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than any other factor, including smoking.
So, by indulging in chocolate on a regular basis, we can turn the ratio in our favor, while at the same time lowering our blood pressure, reducing our risk of stroke and heart attack, and many other things as well. It’s delicious and quite easy to incorporate into our diets on a regular basis. You may consider adding cocoa powder to protein shakes, or indulging in a small bar on a daily basis. Be aware, however, that the presence of sugar decreases the benefits, so choose a darker chocolate; 75% dark or darker is best.
Not only is chocolate good for us to eat, it has many benefits when applied topically to our skin too! Many spas are now offering body treatments containing this yummy ingredient. Chocolate has been shown to soften skin, and smooth out wrinkles due to it’s high anti-oxidant properties. These anti-oxidants help to protect the collagen, elastin and proteins in our skin. What could be more wonderful than being enveloped in a warm, chocolate wrap?! YUM!
Chocolate is fast becoming an unexpected health food that almost everyone can enjoy and not feel guilty about indulging in! This is good news for our heart health, skin, and our taste buds.
To schedule your Chocoholics dream experience call and reserve your appointment today. 940-343-5667.

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