How Can Dark Chocolate Help You?
Dark chocolate may combat exercise-induced oxidative stress
Consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolate prior to exercise may decrease the potential muscle damaging effects of oxidative stress, suggests a new study.
Dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa was associated with blunting oxidative stress after exercise, measured as a reduction in levels of a compound called F2-isoprostane, according to findings published in European Journal of Nutrition.
“We believe that the small effects observed here could be physiologically important, but arise from cocoa-induced metabolic changes leading to modulation of the major plasma constituents,” wrote scientists led by Glen Davison from Aberystwyth University in Wales.
“In addition, dark chocolate was effective at blunting the exercise-induced increase in plasma total antioxidant status observed in the other trials, providing support for the idea that the elevated total antioxidant status on the dark chocolate trial has physiological significance.”
Stress
Oxygen-breathing organisms naturally produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in a range of functions, including cell signalling. However, over production of these ROS from smoking, pollution, sunlight, high intensity exercise, or simply ageing, may overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defences and lead to oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of various diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease.
The researchers also noted that extended periods of exercise are also often used to model physical stress, and that this may be eased by consumption of a polyphenol-rich dark chocolate.
Choc-full of benefits?
According to their new findings, the effects were seen after only one 100 grams serving of the dark chocolate.
“It is possible, therefore, that greater blunting of oxidative stress responses would be observed with a different timing and/or quantity of dark chocolate ingestion, although this will require further investigation,” wrote the researchers.
The health benefits of polyphenols from cocoa have been gathering increasing column inches in the national media. To date studies have reported potential benefits for cardiovascular health, skin health, and even brain health.
The majority of science into the potential benefits of cocoa have revolved around cardiovascular benefits of the flavanols (also known as flavan-3-ols or catechins), and particularly the monomeric flavanol (-)epicatechin.
Study details
Davison and his co-workers recruited 14 healthy men to participate in their study. Volunteers were asked to consume 100 grams of dark chocolate, a control bar, or nothing. Two hours later they were required to cycle for 2.5 hours at 60 percent of the maximal oxygen uptake level.
Results showed that intake of the dark chocolate resulted in an increase in antioxidant status before the cycling, and reduced levels of F2-isoprostane one hour after the cycling had finished, compared with the control bar.
Insulin levels were also increased before the trial and after cycling for men who consumed the dark chocolate and this was associated with a “better maintenance of plasma glucose concentration”, added the scientists.
On the other hand, there were no changes in markers of immune response, which is known to be affected by rigorous exercise.
“These results with acute dark chocolate consumption are similar to those observed following 2 weeks of daily dark chocolate ingestion,” wrote the researchers.
The other scientists were affiliated with Loughborough University and the University of Newcastle in the UK, and the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. The study was funded by the Nestle Research Center.
Source: European Journal of Nutrition
“The effect of acute pre-exercise dark chocolate consumption on plasma antioxidant status, oxidative stress and immunoendocrine responses to prolonged exercise”
Authors: G. Davison, R. Callister, G. Williamson, K.A. Cooper, M. Gleeson
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Cocoa Flavonoid Formulas Offer Support Ranging from Natural Mental Health to Endurance Training
InSight Natural and InSight HT contain antioxidant polphenols/flavonoids from the unroasted cocoa nib and have been used successfully by athletes as part of endurance training, as well as individuals seeking to support healthy brain function, concentration levels, mental clarity and a more positive state of mind.
To learn more about how these cocoa polyphenol/flavonoid formulations can make a difference in your life, click here: InSight Natural, or InSight HT.
Study Shows Green Tea Extract Boosts Memory
Daily supplements of a green tea extract may boost mental al
ertness and enhance memory, according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from Korea.
A combination of a green tea extract with L-theanine was associated with improvements in immediate and delayed recall, and general memory, according to findings published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods.
“As a natural ingredient with a long history of consumption, LGNC-07 [ – a combination of green tea extract and L-theanine - ] should be considered as a potential nutraceutical candidate for enhancing cognitive performance,” wrote researchers.
The study was funded by Korea’s LG Household & Health Care, Ltd., which also produced the ingredient used in the study, and provided one of the co-authors for the paper.
Green tea
The majority of science on tea has looked at green tea, with benefits reported for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and certain cancers, improving cardiovascular and oral health, as well as aiding in weight management.
Green tea contains between 30 and 40 per cent of water-extractable polyphenols, while black tea (green tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains between 3 and 10 per cent. Oolong tea is semi-fermented tea and is somewhere between green and black tea. The four primary polyphenols found in fresh tealeaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin.
The success has translated into a booming extract market, valued at a around $44m (€29.7m), according to recent report from Frost & Sullivan. The market is expected to grow by more than 13 per cent over the next seven years. Key players include DSM, Taiyo, and Tate & Lyle. Innovation in delivery has also seen companies like Maxx Performance release an encapsulated green tea extract for bakery applications.
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is thought to help reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. L-theanine is found in tea leaves in low concentrations (less than 2 percent), which means that effective dosage levels (of 100 – 200mg/day) cannot be delivered from drinking tea.
Study details
Ninety-one participants with mild cognitive impairment – a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease – were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either 1,680 mg of the green tea extract-L-theanine combination (LGNC-07) or placebo (maltodextrin plus lactose) for 16 weeks.
A number of tests were used to assess memory and attention. Results showed that volunteers receiving the green tea supplement exhibited improvements in memory: ‘Marginal’ improvements were observed with regards to the delay in recognition, and ‘significant’ increases in memory regarding recall of word reading.
Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in 24 volunteers, and these scans showed improvements in indicators of mental alertness in specific parts of the brain.
And the Super Nut is: the WALNUT
WALNUT FOUND HIGHEST IN ANTIOXIDANTS
A study has determined that walnuts have almost twice as much antioxidant power as any other tree or ground nuts, and contain higher-quality antioxidants and more beneficial unsaturated fatty acids. Also, walnut antioxidants were found to have two to 15 times the potency of the renowned antioxidant vitamin E.
Previous research suggests that nuts, which are naturally dairy and gluten-free, offer a fairly unusual combination of nutrients, including high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals, unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber. Nuts have been linked in studies to a decreased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, gallstones, diabetes type 2 and other heart problems. Also, despite high calorie content, walnut consumption is linked to lower obesity risk. Scientists have not, however, compared the amount and quality of antioxidants among the different nuts.
The current study focused on nine nut types: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias and pecans. And walnuts offer another antioxidant benefit: nuts are generally roasted, which can destroy some of the antioxidants, but walnuts are eaten raw. This study was presented March 27, 2011 in Anaheim at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society and has not yet been published.
Polyphenols & Popcorn?
Popcorn contains surprisingly large amounts of polyphenols, which are healthful antioxidants. And so do some breakfast cereals. Many people are aware of the high fiber content of whole grain snacks, such as popcorn and some cereals, but few are aware of their high levels of polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other disorders. A study finding high polyphenol levels in these foods was presented August 19, 2009 in Washington, DC, by scientists at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
What’s A Better Antioxidant Than Blueberries & Pomegranates?
Bet you can’t guess…
A study concluded that sorghum bran contains greater antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory power than known antioxidant-rich superstars, such as blueberries and pomegranates.
Researchers tested four varieties of sorghum and found that the two with the highest tannin composition – the black and sumac sorghum varieties – contain a whopping 23 to 62 mg of polyphenolic compounds per gram compared to antioxidant-rich blueberries, which contain 5 mg per gram, or pomegranate juice, which contains 2 to 3.5 mg per gram.
Many fruits also contain antioxidants but sorghum bran, suggested the researchers, may prove to be the very richest and cheapest source.
High-antioxidant berries and fruits are among the most expensive.
Low tannin sorghum is commonly fed to animals or used to make ethanol to fuel cars.
Only recently, has high-tannin sorghum bran been added to a few food items; the study team hopes to interest manufacturers in adding the low-cost, high-tannin extract to foods and beverages in order to prevent disease “rather than promote it.” In addition to antioxidants, sorghum also contains fiber. This study was published in the August 2010 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food. The full-text version of this study is available online at http://bit.ly/cQPqCd.
How To Boost the Antioxidant Levels in Potatoes
A study found that two simple methods of “stressing” potatoes more than doubles the levels of some antioxidants in these vegetables. The methods included immersing potatoes in salt water and adding a small electrical charge between 10 and 30 seconds; and immersing potatoes in water and subjecting them to ultrasound for 5 or 10 minutes.
The study team then measured antioxidant activity and the phenolic content and concluded that the stresses increased the amount of these compounds.
The five minutes of ultrasound, for instance, increased polyphenol levels by 1.2 times and other antioxidants by about 1.6 times. This study indicates that ultrasound or electric treatments can be useful for enriching antioxidant activity of potatoes. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are considered to be of nutritional importance in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, various cancers, diabetes and neurological diseases. The study was presented August 22, 2010 at the 240th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.
Pecans = Antioxidant Powerhouse
Pecans are an antioxidant powerhouse. 
Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest antioxidant content.
They also fall within the top 15 foods overall that hold the greatest antioxidant content.
According to a study in a recent issue of Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, eating just a handful of pecans a day may delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration and such diseases as amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Pecans provide over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and several B vitamins. They are naturally cholesterol-free and, unless salted, sodium-free.
Mediterranean Diet – Rich in Antioxidants
A study has concluded that the Greek diet, which is generally similar to the plant-based Mediterranean diet (MD), is a rich source of a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and other antioxidant micro-components. 
The researchers suggest this may be the reason for the health benefits of the MD. Over 200 foods and recipes were involved and their consumption was estimated using dietary statistics on over 28,000 Greeks. Antioxidants are molecules that can stop chain reactions, called oxidation, which potentially can damage cells. A brief summary was released May 12, 2010 and further details, which will appear in a future print issue of the Journal of Nutrition, are now available online at: http://bit.ly/cBOD1k.
Could Potential Help a Successful Child Too?
Kids Potential is a chewable wafer that brings a welcome difference in quality, nutritional value and purpose to the kids vitamin market. No, it is not a gummy candy masquerading as something good for your child. Kids Potential offers well-rounded nutrition from full spectrum vitamins, natural vitamin E (not synthetic) and the natural antioxidant power from deep-colored fruit & berry concentrates especially produced for this children’s vitamin. Potential contains no sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Potential is the only chewable kids vitamin dispensed by a school district to thousands of children now for 7 years that is supported by real results. PBS filmed a documentary called “How to Turn Around a Failing School” and FOX News filmed a news segment following up to its years of success in the public school system. Potential has made a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk children.
But can Potential help an already successful child?
We just received a link to the Mamawize blog in which an educator/parent discusses how Potential has benefited her academically successful son. Have a read and let us know what you think:
To watch the short FOX News segment, click on the play arrow in the black box from this link: Potential.