They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but studies tell us weekly Cacao helps keep your circulation system in tip-top shape.
Your circulatory system, also called the cardiovascular system, transfers oxygen, nutrients and hormones to your body's cells for energy, growth and repair and removes carbon dioxide and other waste your cells do not require.
When arteries experience a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) there is a high risk of Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a condition affecting the heart or blood vessels. CVD is one of the main causes of death but can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle and eating natural polyphenol-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and Cacao, which is one of the richest known sources of flavonoids.
Cacao’s protective properties have been recognised and used by cultures over centuries. Some potential mechanisms responsible for the positive effect of Cacao are the activation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, increased bioavailability of NO, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption is said to help reduce blood pressure (BP), improve vascular function, modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, and reduce platelet aggregation, which benefits cardiovascular health.
Let it flow
Proper blood circulation is critical for achieving optimal health as it ensures that blood and oxygen continuously flow throughout the body, providing every organ with everything they need to function at the highest level. It benefits a sharp and alert brain, healthy heart, and wound healing and is what gives you a rosy, glowing complexion.
Peripheral artery disease, obesity, anaemia, untreated diabetes and high blood pressure can all affect circulation.
Scientists have found that cacao flavanols positively affect the circulatory system and help maintain the flexibility of arteries. Indications that cacao flavanols might improve blood-vessel function in the brain were further supported by data from several other studies at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting. Researchers from the University of Nottingham Medical School in the UK found that cocoa consumption helped increase blood flow to areas of the brain.
Cacao is also said to lower the risk of diabetes thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. Cacao flavanols encourage the secretion of insulin, the hormone that transports glucose into cells which helps stabilise your blood sugar, preventing it from spiking. This is important because chronic high blood sugar levels can increase your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
A Cacao each Day - keeps the doctor away
According to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology research, eating chocolate at least once a week helps keep the heart’s blood vessels healthy, and there is a reduced risk of heart disease.
With its heart-loving nutrients such as flavonoids, methylxanthines, polyphenols and stearic acid, which help reduce inflammation and increase good cholesterol, eating chocolate more than once a week has been linked with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. It also improves and maintains flexible, healthy arteries and prevents stiff arteries, which is critical in preventing the thickening and atherosclerosis and blood clotting, which are major risk factors for a heart attack.
However, It is crucial that you choose Cacao, not chocolate, for heart health! Chocolate bars are high in calories, sugar, milk, and fat and can contribute to diabetes and obesity. Raw Cacao is minimally processed, and very few minerals and antioxidants are destroyed during processing. Cacao powder contains the most antioxidants, seven times more than dark chocolate alone and is a strong source of magnesium, which is involved in over 300 important functions in the body.
Keep your circulatory system purring and heart ticking happily away with delicious magical Cacao, and let your body enjoy its myriad of benefits.