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
=======================
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.
What You Should Know About Dietary Cholesterol
SAFETY OF DIETARY CHOLESTEROL QUESTIONED
Increasingly, people view dietary sources of cholesterol, such as eggs, as harmless. But a study suggests cholesterol-rich foods should be eaten rarely, especially patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. Research had shown moderate egg consumption to have little effect on fasting cholesterol, indicating low risk. However, this new review found long-term risks from mealtime increases in cholesterol, saturated fats, oxidative stress and inflammation, following cholesterol consumption. After meals, dietary cholesterol increases susceptibility of LDL (bad cholesterol) to oxidation, raises post-meal blood fats, and increases the adverse effects of dietary saturated fat. Moreover, diabetics who consumed one egg a day doubled their risk compared to those who ate less than one egg weekly.
Researchers confirmed earlier recommendations that dietary cholesterol be limited to 200mg a day, pointing out that a single large egg yolk contains 275mg of cholesterol, 125mg more than a KFC Double Down. Researchers concluded that eliminating egg yolks from the diet after a stroke or heart attack is akin to quitting smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis. The study was published in the November, 2010 issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology and is available online free at http://bit.ly/dveu1A.
Vitamin C Deficiency & Kidney Problems
A study has found that kidney dysfunction is associated with a low blood level of vitamin C.
Also, low blood levels of vitamin C may cause damage, from greater oxidative stress, among kidney disease patients. It was noted that diabetic patients had consistently reduced levels of vitamin C. Lower blood levels of vitamin C have previously been linked to a greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease. People with higher levels of vitamin C have been found to have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and to have a greater life expectancy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in humans and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body against oxidative stress. Most species can synthesize vitamin C but humans cannot.
A brief summary of this study was released September 3, 2010 by the journal, Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation but the study will not be published in the print journal until a future issue. The full-text version is currently available online at http://bit.ly/bPgeer.
