Inflammation causes pain — it’s a fact. Whether you have arthritis or an injury, the internal swelling can keep you in chronic, unrelenting discomfort. But if surgery and medication aren’t for you, there’s new hope: all-natural regenerative therapy.
Chocoholics take heart – literally that is. Seems that a bit of a chocolate bar might actually be good for your ticker.
Dark chocolate, not that dreamy milk chocolate that melts in your mouth. It’s a comfort food that we can all live with – in moderation of course.
Several studies have concluded that it’s the flavonoids in dark chocolate that are beneficial. These are the substances in plants that give fruits and vegetables their health benefits.
The authors don’t suggest that you go out and consume five or six candy bars, as the sugar and fat content in a typical candy bar would have a negative effect on your health.
Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients. It’s made from the seed of the cocoa tree and is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Dark chocolate seems to improve brain function. Various research studies, conducted in the U.S. and Switzerland, have concluded that chocolate flavonoids give short bursts of energy to the brain. Besides combating fatigue and sleep deprivation, it may also improve cognitive function among the elderly.
Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain and contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.
Some experts say that epicatechin, found in cocoa beans, may be as important as penicillin. It’s believed that epicatechin improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels.
A Central American Indian tribe, the Kuna, drink up to 5 cups of cocoa water each day. They exhibit less high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease and stroke than people in more developed countries.
According to the International Journal of Medical Science, the Kuna were:
In addition, a research team in Finland has been studying a group of Helsinki executives. Their findings among those born between 1919 and 1934 are interesting. The chocolate-lovers in the group tended to be leaner. They had a lower incidence of diabetes. And they were better educated than those who consumed other sweets. They also tended to be happier and suffered less depression. Maybe because eating chocolate also releases endorphins, which produce pleasurable feelings.
So go ahead and indulge in some dark chocolate. It just might make you feel better now, and many years into the future.
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Inflammation causes pain — it’s a fact. Whether you have arthritis or an injury, the internal swelling can keep you in chronic, unrelenting discomfort. But if surgery and medication aren’t for you, there’s new hope: all-natural regenerative therapy.
You see them on people all the time – those big stiff collars that keep someone’s head from moving.
Among the most common over-the-counter pain relievers are Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). You probably recognize them by names such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve or simply ibuprofen.
What do you think is the most popular form of exercise? Walking, of course. After all, it’s cheap, it’s easy, it doesn’t require fancy equipment, special clothes, an expensive membership and it’s available 24/7 for just about anyone.
Almost half of our body isn’t even us. It’s bacteria. Trillions of them. Most reside in our stomach, intestines and colon. They are essential for digestion and to our overall health and well being.
Your spine is made up of a series of interconnected bones, each on top of the other. Besides serving as an armature to support the weight of your body, your spine provides: