{"id":139,"date":"2019-01-29T15:15:32","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T15:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/totalvend.net\/blog\/?p=139"},"modified":"2019-01-29T15:15:32","modified_gmt":"2019-01-29T15:15:32","slug":"healthy-tips-louisville-hearts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalvend.net\/blog\/2019\/01\/29\/healthy-tips-louisville-hearts\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Tips for Louisville\u2019s Hearts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"healthy<\/p>\n

Give yourself the gift of a healthy heart this holiday season and celebrate with some delicious dark chocolate \u2014 yes, dark chocolate.<\/p>\n

We know that diet plays an important role in one\u2019s overall health including the health of the heart. New research has confirmed, yet again, that dark chocolate can be part of a Louisville individual\u2019s healthy diet. Study participants who enjoyed chocolate bars three times per month reduced their risk of heart failure by 13 percent when compared to those who ate no chocolate.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s celebrate!<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t go overboard. The same study found that participants who ate chocolate everyday appeared to increase their risk for heart failure by 17 percent. Yikes!<\/p>\n

Dr Chayakrit Krittanawong, lead researcher of the study, said, \u201cI believe that chocolate is an important dietary source of flavonoids which are associated with reducing inflammation and increasing good cholesterol…However, chocolate may have high levels of saturated fats. I would say moderate dark chocolate consumption is good for health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chocolate is made from different combinations of cocoa solids, cocoa butter, cocoa bean powder, sugar, and milk powder. For dark chocolate, the first ingredient should be cocoa or chocolate liquor followed by any combination of cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, and cocoa butter. Sugar, a necessary ingredient, is then used to balance the bitter taste of the chocolate. For healthier dark chocolate, sugar should be listed toward the end of the ingredients\u2019 list and always after the cocoa. Cocoa is beneficial for the heart while sugar and any unnecessary fats are damaging.<\/p>\n

High quality cocoa, which is found in some dark chocolate, contains flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols (source of the antioxidant qualities), epicatechin and procyanidins) and polyphenols. Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, improve cognitive function, fight inflammation and oxidative stress \u2014 improving blood flow, boost blood vessel health, and improve overall cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n

\"Healthy<\/p>\n

Other ways to help keep your heart healthy include<\/p>\n