Immune Heart Health Eat Dark Chocolate

Consuming this delicious delicacy halts a certain enzyme providing decreased blood pressure

Guidance from experts on health usually include adequate exercise, whole grains in diet, but possibly one of the most pleasing break through in medical research is the acknowledgment that chocolate is good for us. In new research, it provide a reason why this delicious delicacy is good for our hearts.

At Linkoping University in Sweden, researchers have discovered that the consumption of dark chocolate halts the activity of an enzyme labeled ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which is associated with the body's fluid balance and aides in regulating blood pressure.

The study used 16 volunteers, age range from 20 to 54 years old, who had consumed around 2 ½ ounces of dark chocolate containing 72% of cocoa.

Researchers directed by Ingrid Persson, pharmacology professor with the university, measured the level of ACE activity in the blood of volunteers prior to the consumption of the chocolate an again in thirty minutes, one hour and three hours after consumption.

The results had shown after consuming the chocolate, the ACE activity in the blood was 18% lower than before consuming the chocolate. This alteration in ACE activity is alike blood pressure lowering medications manufactured to halt ACE activity.

Persson had related to My Health News Daily she was amazed by the great results. Prior work did reveal that chocolate had positive effects on cardiovascular health, but researchers were not aware of the method behind these results.

ACE has a vital role in the hormone system that controls the kidney's expulsion of water, which aides in maintaining blood pressure. High levels of ACE activity have been like with hardening of the arteries and cardiovascular diseases.

Ordinarily, when enzyme activity decreases, blood pressure declines, however, researchers did not execute their study over a long enough time span to examine this reaction and they did not directly measure blood pressure.

Studies in 1996, which appeared in the journal Lancet had shown that compositions in cocoa called flavonoids, connected with LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) which implied chocolate had anti-inflammatory properties and some studies had shown it to decrease blood pressure. However, none of the studies accurately demonstrated how it worked.

Just in case you do not like chocolate or cannot consume it there are other alternative treatments to lower blood pressure.

Chiropractic

A particular adjustment by chiropractors can greatly lower high blood pressure. The results are equal to taking two high blood pressure medications.

In a research study 25 patients with high blood pressure had undergone chiropractic treatments. After receiving treatments for eight weeks had greatly lowered their blood pressure. The adjustment is to realign the Atlas vertebra, which is the doughnut appearing bone at the very top of spine. In the treatment none of the patients had used their medications.

The case studies have demonstrated great reductions in patients with high blood pressure who receive chiropractic treatments.

Acupuncture

In several studies acupuncture has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. By using low frequency of electo stimulation in the needles it has been demonstrated to lower a persons blood pressure rate. Certain acupuncture points are used which are wrist, forearm or leg.

Chinese herbs are also used for blood pressure treatment Shan Zha to lower blood pressure. Treatment course note has been twelve treatments over the span of six weeks.

Herbs

Many persons seek alternative treatments for high blood pressure and herbs are on the top choices.

Some of the herbs which are known to be effective in lowering high blood pressure:

Garlic: This herb contains the ACE inhibitors and along with the sulphides in garlic, it aides in lowering blood pressure and maintaining the blood pressure level.

Hawthorn: This herb is commonly known to expand arteries which in turns improves coronary blood flow which reduces high blood pressure.

Ginger: It is known to be one of the most effective herb to improve blood circulation to lower blood pressure.

There are other herbs which can also aide in lowering blood pressure. If you are not familiar with the usage of herbs it is best to seek advice from an herbalist. Also, inform your health care practitioner before using any herbs as some herbs may interfere with blood pressure medications.

Tai Chi

Studies have shown that the exercise can decrease blood pressure especially in older adults just as the same as aerobic exercises can do. After doing Tai Chi for three months studies have shown blood pressure was lowered.

Yoga

In yoga the asanas aide in bringing balance to the nervous system which controls stress. Yoga maintains blood pressure by the stabilization of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

In order for yoga to maintain blood pressure and keep it lowered, it needs to be added into a daily routine.

Some local alternative health practitioners:

A & L Chiropractic Center

24281 Middlebelt Road

Middlebelt Corners

Farmington Hills

248-477-3977

Vesprini Chiropractic Life Center

12912 East Eight Mile Road

Detroit

313-527-7070

Detroit Community Acupuncture