Double Nickels 55

           Good for the heart,  way tastier than aspirin……

 

Yes, you heard me correct, researchers from John Hopkins

University have found that chocolate thins the blood and

protects the heart in the same way aspirin does. The keys are the compounds in chocolate called flavonoids, which slow down platelet clumping that can block off blood and lead to a heart attack or stroke.

 

You have to eat at least a couple of tablespoons of dark

chocolate a day to see some benefit (Not a problem) to see some benefit. It’s still not as effective as a single baby aspirin, but it’s still way tastier than aspirin….!!

 

Trying to equal aspirin is not recommended, since your would have to eat several bars of chocolate every day….so don’t think your going to put chocolate in your medicine cabinet quite yet…!!!. Remember that chocolate travels with a lot of friends by the name of Fat and Sugar.  This could  lead to other

problems such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay according to Diane Becker, who lead the study.

 

You might ask how they discovered this…..Well it turns out that some die hard Chocoholics couldn’t stay away from their addiction.

 

This study was originally started out to investigate how aspirin  affected blood platelets, and the test subjects were told to stay away from chocolate, tea,, strawberries and red wine. It was later discovered that 139 test subjects confessed to snacking on chocolate chip cookies, chocolate ice-cream and other chocolate treats. When your hooked-your hooked.

 

Becker analyzed the cheaters urine, and found less

thromboxane, a compound that indicates blood clotting.

Blood tests showed slower clotting. According to Dr. Karol Wilson, a UCLA cardiologist, who was not part of the study, says it’s a modest effect, and adding “But it’s a nice way to say, You can’t have that steak, but your can have that chocolate

afterward.

Double Nickels 55  Electronic Magazine for Active Adults