Chocolate and heart health ? fact or fallacy?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get confused.It is true, that if people only ate pure cocoa, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most people eat processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other "baddies" contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your waistline.That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn't all that bad. In fact, the fat content in chocolate, contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids.
Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat ? not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease. Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn't so worrying.
Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthyAs with mist things in life, there is also a down-side to chocolate. When we eat milk chocolate or lower grade chocolate, part of the total fat content comes from milk fat or various other types of fat contained in the processed chocolate, and not from the pure cocoa, which do adversely affect cholesterol levels.Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.
In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad" (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won't do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!.
Nicholas Webb is the author and webmaster of the site www.AllAbout-Heart-Disease.com that offers user-friendly articles, tips and advice for avoiding heart disease and living your life to the full!EarthSearch Communications Encourages Usage-Based Insurance System via AUTOSEARCH GPS Device At No Cost To Insurers
When EarthSearch Communications (ESC) launches AutoSearch this month in the US, the focus will be on insurers, commercial fleets and the automotive industry.
After successful tests and pacts with automakers and telecommunications companies in South America, EarthSearch will approach the US insurance industry with a revolutionary program that offers their premiere GPS product AutoSearch at no cost.
In earlier attempts to use GPS technology for determining a usage-based rating system, by monitoring a driver's driving behavior then gauging risk, some auto insurance industry pioneers of the system found that their use of GPS technology failed due to "? prohibitive costs, complex production and device installation..."
EarthSearch plans to eliminate those barriers by facilitating a program that allows insurers to promote the installation of the AutoSearch device free of charge to its customers with the acceptance of a monthly service charge to be paid by the insured.
Health insurance > EarthSearch Communications Encourages Usage-Based Insurance System via AUTOSEARCH GPS Device At No Cost To Insurers
Waterless Urinals Pay for Themselves. The average saving can be over $1,500 in five years per urinal and that does not include less maintance cost and health benefits.
Waterless urinals pay for themselves. It will take between 12 to 18 months to recoup the cost of a waterless urinal. Over a five year period the saving will be between $1,500 to over $2,100 above the cost of the urinal. If you have three urinals that is a $4,500 savings, if you have 100 that can be over $150,000 in savingsHOW THEY WORK: Waterless Urinals resemble conventional fixtures, and easily replace them. They install to the regular waste lines, thus eliminating the flush water supply lines.
Flush valves are eliminated as well; there are no handles to touch, no sensors, no moving parts! The urinal bowl surfaces are urine repellent; urine is 99% liquid and its drainage is effected without flush water. Daily cleaning procedures are the same as for flushed urinals. ConservationThe conservation of water has become a requirement for many facilities, cities, states and the federal government. This need is driven by three main reasons: the availability of water, current sewer capacity...
Waterless Urinals Pay for Themselves. The average saving can be over $1,500 in five years per urinal and that does not include less maintance cost and health benefits.
Health insurance > Waterless Urinals Pay for Themselves. The average saving can be over $1,500 in five years per urinal and that does not include less maintance cost and health benefits.
Exercise Your Way to Health
Copyright 2006 Dr. Eileen Silva
One of the best things you can do for your health is to find an activity that gets your body moving and stick with it. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, being physically active can:
Lower risk of getting heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes;
Lower high blood pressure;
Help keep bones, muscles, and joints healthy;
Reduce anxiety and depression;
Improve mood;
Help with handling stress;
Help with weight control;
Protect against falling and bone fractures in older adults;
Help control joint swelling and pain from arthritis;
Improve energy levels, sleep, and appearance.
People with disabilities who become physically active under their doctor's guidance can improve their heart, lungs, muscles, and bones, while gaining improved flexibility, mobility,...
Health insurance > Exercise Your Way to Health
Bon Secours Charity Health System in New York to Host Heart Health Luncheon Series for Women
The Bon Secours Charity Health System Cardiac Outreach department, will host a series of three "Ladies Lunch and Learn" seminars throughout New York's Lower Hudson Valley, to coincide with American Heart Month in February, announced Barbara Demundo, R.N., Director of Cardiac Outreach for the System.
These three seminars, will focus on the role stress plays in heart disease ? the number one killer of women.???? The luncheons will feature a presentation by Arlene Prince, C.Ht., a certified Hypnotherapist, who will give a brief talk and presentation entitled, "What is the Relaxation Response and how do we elicit it?"
"As the stress in our lives builds, it often brings forth the ?Fight or Flight' syndrome which in turn leads to increased blood pressure, heart rate and tension ? all major risks for heart disease," according to Prince.
"There are currently no medications or surgeries the can counteract this negative effect.
Fortunately, however, we have...
Health insurance > Bon Secours Charity Health System in New York to Host Heart Health Luncheon Series for Women
Arizona Group Health Insurance
If you are starting out a business in Arizona and intend to employ people, it makes sense to thoroughly study the laws governing Arizona group insurance. You need to understand state and federal laws as well as individual regulations of health insurance companies in order to provide the best care you can for your employees while also protecting yourself as the employer.
There are some basic elements of Arizona group insurance.
If you have a small business in Arizona (if you employ only two to fifty employees during one calendar year), you are not required to provide group health insurance to your employees. But sometimes you need to do this as an added incentive to your hard workers and potential recruits.
If you decide to offer group insurance, you should keep two considerations in mind: health insurance eligibility requirements and premium payments.
You should understand health insurance eligibility requirements.
As the employer,...
Arizona Group Health Insurance
Health insurance > Arizona Group Health Insurance