Dark Chocolate Almost as Good for You as Exercise

Eating small amounts of dark chocolate high in cocoa can boost your health in ways similar to exercise, according to new research. Scientists from Wayne State University found that a powerful compound found in chocolate -- called epicatechin -- appears to stimulate muscle tissue mitochondria in the same way as vigorous exercise.

According to head researcher Dr Moh Malek:

"Mitochondria produce energy which is used by the cells in the body. More mitochondria mean more energy is produced and more work can be performed... Aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, is known to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells. Our study has found that epicatechin seems to bring about the same response - particularly in the heart and skeletal muscles."

In the study, middle-aged mice appeared to get the biggest benefit from the chocolate/cocoa supplementation. According to doctor Malek epicatechin supplementation combined with regular vigorous exercise may be a powerful combination for preventing/slowing muscle ageing. Experts say that more research is needed in order to confirm that chocolate provides similar benefits in humans.

We say: This is great! Now we have another excuse to buy pounds and pounds of dark chocolate at Trader Joe's! :D

Learn some mo': Chocolate 'as good for you as exercise'

Eat Chocolate, Avoid a Stroke

Eating dark chocolate or natural cocoa on a regular basis may reduce your risk of having a stroke, according to a new report. Researchers found that people who eat chocolate at least once a week were about 22% less likely to have a stroke than people who didn't eat chocolate often. Researchers say that more studies are need to be absolutely sure of the link, but this new report adds to the increasing evidence that certain kinds of chocolate can actually be very good for your health!

According to Katherine Tallmadge, a dietician and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association:

"More and more research is showing that [eating chocolate] is really more beneficial than we ever imagined... It's not anything major, but it's still an advantage, and even slight advantages can make a difference for some people."

Most experts believe that the health benefits of chocolate come mainly from natural antioxidant compounds found in the cocoa bean called flavonoids. Less processed and darker forms of chocolate tend to have more of these powerful phyto-chemicals. Pure, unsweetened cocoa powder is probably the best choice because it contains no sugar, has few calories, and is absolutely loaded with flavanoids!

Learn some mo': Good News About Chocolate