MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cocoa'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096317&cid=t_110992_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fchocoholism-good-or-bad-for-health.html Chocoholism – good or bad for health? – For chocoholics there are many fair warnings regarding cholesterol, fat etc., but many have devised their own justifications and there is a growing number of research studies pointing to supposed health benefits and even endowing cocoa beans, from which chocolate is derived, as being a "superfruit". Strictly speaking, cocoa beans are the seeds from the fruit of Theobroma cacao rather than the fruit itself. Intriguingly, however, much of the research currently being touted by public relations companies, rather than academic scientists, has the financial support of well-known chocolate manufacturers behind it. To my mind, that does not bode well for impartiality, regardless of the integrity of the independent scientists involved. ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096317 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:56 +0100 5096317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965508&cid=t_110992_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F09%2F14%2Fchocolate-as-antimalarial-prophylaxis%2F Although the tropical regions produce 75% of the worlds cocoa production only 4% of the cocoa is consumed by these regions. These regions also suffer the most from malaria. Malaria is one of the top three killers among infectious diseases. There are numerous anecdotal reports and personal subjective observations of reduced episodic malaria in people who daily drink natural unsweetened cocoa beverage. A recent publication in Medical Hypotheses reviewed the literature about possible mechanisms by which cocoa could have an antimalarial effect. Possible mechanisms of cocoa ingredients on malarial parasites and illness: Increased availability of antioxidants in plasma. Evidence exists that higher concentrations of plasma antioxidants coincides with less severe malaria and more rapid clearanc... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965508 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:37:28 +0100 3965508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761637&cid=t_110992_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fchocolate-lowers-blood-pressure-yahoo%2F Cocoa, but Not Tea, Lowers Blood Pressure People in recovery may suddenly find themselves more aware and willing to take care of their bodies. Here is one helpful hint. More happy justification for chocolate lovers: blood pressure responds favorably to cocoa, but not tea, a new analysis suggests. Authors of the study say that while both products are rich in polyphenols, the study findings suggest that phenols in cocoa may be more active than those in tea. The study appears in the April 9 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. "Products rich in cocoa may be considered part of a blood pressure lowering diet, provided that the total energy intake does not increase," lead investigator for the study, Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital of Cologne in Cologne, Ge... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761637 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:07:35 +0100 3761637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420555&cid=t_110992_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Fchocolate-as-antihypertensive-drug%2F From a systematic review of 10 randomized clinical trials: chocolate has blood pressure lowering capacity. Dark chocolate has a high content of flavanols. Flavonoids are the part of chocolate important for health benefits. They can also be found in high concentrations in certain fruits and vegetables. In the context of human nutrition, certain teas, grape juice, wine, various berries, and especially cocoa represent noteworthy sources. Dark chocolate has the highest content of flavonoids compared to the other sources. Besides lowering the blood pressure chocolate containing flavonols also has other cardioprotective properties. On average over all trials chocolate reduced blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was reduced with 4.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure with 2.5 mmHg. Treatment d... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420555 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:22:18 +0100 3420555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442632&cid=t_110992_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FIjD2fIhLNK4%2Fflavanol-rich-cocoa-consumption.html Cocoa flavanols, the unique compounds found naturally in cocoa, may increase blood flow to the brain, according to research published in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment journal. The researchers suggest that long-term improvements in brain blood flow could impact cognitive behavior, offering future potential for debilitating brain conditions including dementia and stroke.In a scientific study of healthy, older adults ages 59 to 83, Harvard medical scientists found that study participants who regularly drank a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage, had an eight percent increase in brain blood flow after one week, and 10 percent increase after two weeks.This information should be of interest to Alzheimer's caregivers, and is certainly worth considering.Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading R... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442632 Wed, 27 May 2009 17:39:50 +0100 2442632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376220&cid=t_110992_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F27%2Fchocolate-and-mood-disorders%2F Isn’t it great that we can have something that is not only good for us, but fun to use? I’m talking about chocolate! Yes sir, dark gold, pure happiness! You’ve probably heard the buzz about dark chocolate, and how it’s good for your blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, prevents cancer and can fix nearly anything that is wrong with you, except that expanding waistline. (And for the record — white chocolate is not really chocolate at all. It’s milk solids and fat. No cocoa. Nada.) The basic ingredients of dark chocolate include cacao beans, sugar, soy lecithin (an emulsifier to preserve texture), and flavorings. This yummy treat, which contains fewer milk solids than its more popular cousin, milk chocolate, often is rated by the percentage of cocoa solids in the bar. The ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376220 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:33:37 +0100 2376220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2241108&cid=t_110992_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fka4Dev0Eh1E%2Fhow-to-perfect-cup-of-cocoa-1.php There are foods known in the diabetes community as "bolus worthy" and for me, hot cocoa is one of them.  I'm not talking about the kind that comes from a mix.  No, I hardly call that bolus worthy.  What I gladly take an extra dose of insulin for is the hot cocoa that comes from scratch.  Full of antioxidants, and if you make it right, low in calories and fat-... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2241108 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2241108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2137874&cid=t_110992_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FmlU64E525UE%2F With Valentine’s Day just around the corner you may want to consider giving your love, a heart healthy treat. For those of us with partner’s that have high blood pressure or heart problems that love their sweets, this article is a great find. Dark chocolate may be just what the answer you are looking for. Do you know that cocoa is actually a fruit? We all know that fruits are good for us. Researchers have found a link that shows cocoa and dark chocolate aid in the fight against cardiovascular disease.  The studies show reduced risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Food scientists at Cornell University found that there are twice the antioxidants in cocoa as were in red wine. The study also stated that there were three times more antioxidants in cocoa than found in green... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2137874 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2137874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1780127&cid=t_110992_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F387263580%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains. Dr. Michelon, Copyright 2008. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. More articles on the topic: - A Multi-Pronged Approach to Brain Health - Overview of Nutritional Supplements and Brain Fitness Alzheimers, Alzheimers risk, Antioxidants, berries, brain diet, Brain health, citrus fruits, cocoa, Corrada, Curcumin, dark chocolate, DHA, enhance me... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1780127 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:05:57 +0100 1780127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1755558&cid=t_110992_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F381913395%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Other Articles You May LikeDid You Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables Today?The Upside of High Food PricesOverweight Kids and TV: An Advertising EpidemicAlternative to DichloroacetatePolyphenols (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1755558 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:19:55 +0100 1755558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1482166&cid=t_110992_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F302115882%2F Here is one for you… and it involves something yummy! For people with diabetes, sipping a mug of steaming, flavorful cocoa may seem a guilty pleasure. But new research suggests that indulging a craving for cocoa can actually help blood vessels to function better and might soon be considered part of a healthy diet for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that the reason for the positive spin on cocoa has to do with natural plant compounds, ie. flavanols. In no way is Dr. Kelm suggesting that diabetes should guzzle cocoa, but dietary flavanols hold promise as a way to prevent heart disease among diabetics. to read more about this chocolate research… Tags: chocolate, cocoa, Diabetes, diet, flavanols, heart-disease, type-2-diabetesShare This (Source:... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482166 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:11:25 +0100 1482166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675449&cid=t_110992_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F14%2Fkellogg-vows-to-limit-ads-aimed-at-kids%2F Filed under: Type 2, Childhood, Diet, Daily NewsShrek, Cocoa Krispies, Frosted Flakes. You don't have to be a health nut to find the breakfast cereal and snack treat aisles at your local supermarket a bit disturbing. Sugar, sugar and more sugar: seems that's the main ingredient in most of the cereals pitched at children. And the appalling effect of all that consumption on the nation's children is evident in record (and rising) levels of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But it seems the food industry is beginning to respond to these concerns. The New York Times reports that the Kellogg Company plans to quit advertising some of its least nutritious products to children younger than twelve. Those products are the ones packed with so-called "empty-energy" calories derived from sugar and ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675449 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=644953&cid=t_110992_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F28%2Fcocoa-butter-enhances-insulin-sensitivity%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Diet, ResearchStudies found that cocoa butter might be better for diabetics than other fats. A manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate is exploring the health benefits of cocoa butter for diabetics. The positive effect of cocoa butter on diabetes was discovered during a study to determine why men and women are affected differently by diabetes. The study tried to create insulin resistance in male and female rats by feeding them a diet rich in different kinds of fats. To everyone's surprise, the animals on a cocoa fat diet developed better insulin sensitivity than those fed with other kinds of fat. Other studies have looked at the flavanoids in dark chocolate for their blood pressure lowering and insulin sensitizing attributes, so this isn't t... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=644953 Mon, 28 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 644953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=540521&cid=t_110992_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D2000 A team of German researchers reviewed the literature and conclude that Cocoa or Dark chocolate is good for the cardiovascular system. However there is a caveat - the amount you need is beyond the normal amount of chocolate or cocoa people consume, and there is also the problem of an increase in the overall calorie intake. The benefits are believed to come from compounds known as polyphenols (or flavonoids), explained Dr. Dirk Taubert, senior lecturer in pharmacology and toxicology at Cologne and lead author of the report. He leavened his support of chocolate with a bit of caution. “Based on our analysis, regular consumption of polyphenol-rich cocoa products like dark chocolate may be considered a part of a blood pressure-lowering diet, provided there is no total gain in calorie inta... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=540521 Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:53:49 +0100 540521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=534126&cid=t_110992_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F10%2Fhot-cocoa-may-be-a-healtheir-choice-than-tea%2F Filed under: Diet, Research, NutritionYou're concerned about your heart health. You make dietary decisions based on these concerns. Knowing that tea has beneficial effects on blood pressure, you've tried to down a cup or two each day. But, how much do we actually like tea? Sure, it's tasty enough, especially some of the funky flavored kinds, but let's face it, a nice cup of hot cocoa tastes a hell of a lot better. Surprisingly enough, that same cup of cocoa may actually be better for you, too. German scientists just released findings showing that patients who drank cocoa for two weeks had a marked reduction in their blood pressure -- comparable to the reduction typically seen in people taking prescription blood pressure medication. Tea and cocoa contain polyphenols, which is known to redu... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=534126 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 534126