Indiana Gazette from Indiana, Pennsylvania • 8

Health Page 8 Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Study: Chocolate is good for you r'iv: chocolate. It is thought that chocolate lowers blood pressure when cocoa flavanols spur the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. Chocolate also has been linked to improved learning and memory, also due to improved circulation. THE GERMAN STUDY was paid for by the University Hospital of Cologne in Germany, and is one of the first chocolate studies not funded by a chocolate manufacturer. It used a popular candy bar, Ritter Sport semisweet, that is 50 percent cacao.

But most researchers say consumers should look for cacao percentages of 65 percent or higher for health benefits. The study involved just 44 subjects, all of whom were in good health other than having slightly high blood pressure. The volunteers were divided into two groups, one of which ate semisweet chocolate and the other white chocolate which doesn't actually have any cocoa in it Each person in the semisweet group was asked to eat one square 6.3 grams and 30 calories just before bedtime every day for 18 weeks. Over that time, systolic blood pressure fell by 3 points and diastolic by 2 points for the semisweet chocolate eaters; blood pressure rates stayed the same for the white chocolate group. That might not sound like much of a change in blood pressure, but cardiologists said it's a significant drop.

it By ERIN ALLDAY San Francisco Chronicle It's time for chocolate lovers everywhere to celebrate. German scientists are reporting that the confection really is good for you. In very, very small doses, anyway. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that one bite, or less than a quarter of an ounce, of dark chocolate eaten once a day significantly lowered blood pressure in people who participated in an 18-week clinical trial. It's the first time researchers have been able to say that a small dose of commercially available chocolate has direct health benefits.

PREVIOUS CHOCOLATE studies have almost always used large doses of chocolate or samples created in labs to pack in extra cocoa flavanols the chemical in chocolate thought to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. But the chocolate used in those studies wasn't practical for people to eat every day, because it either didn't taste very good or was heavy on the calories. If people can get the health benefits of chocolate without the weight gain often associated with it, that's great news, said Seneca Klassen, who could be a little biased as co-owner of Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe in San Francisco. "Everything should be in moderation, but, yes, clearly there are some health benefits to chocolate," Klassen said. "I have a cou- Get a blood pressure, according to a German study.

Ml DARK CHOCOLATE may help reduce pie of customers who buy the same bar of chocolate every time and spend a week or two eating it A little bit can go a long way." SOME NUTRITIONISTS go so far as to call chocolate a health food. But many cardiologists even those who confess to having a sweet tooth aren't quite ready to prescribe chocolate alongside blood pressure medication or daily doses of baby aspirin. "Sure, you could add a piece of dark chocolate to your prescription. But there are going to be lesson in very few people who should rely on that alone," said Dr. Stanley Rockson, chief of consultative cardiology at Stanford University Medical Center.

Still, he said, most of the measures patients have to take to lower their blood pressure aren't fun exercising daily and skipping salty and fatty foods, for example so "comparable to some of the more draconian measures we make people go through, obviously telling them to eat chocolate is a little easier to comply with." chocolate's finer qualities oil), sweeteners, flavors or ingredients. Cacao percentage or content: The amount of chocolate from the cacao nib, plus naturally occurring or added cocoa butter. This is a measurement by weight and does not include sugar, vanilla or other additives. Chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao, to a point, is often considered to be higher quality, or more chocolate-y. Still, experts don't necessarily agree on the optimal percentage, although there are requirements for certain types of chocolate.

Unsweetened chocolate: Chocolate liquor that has been molded into blocks and is used for baking. White chocolate: Must contain at least 20 percent cocoa butter, but no cocoa powder or chocolate liquor. Milk chocolate: Must contain at least 10 percent chocolate liquor and 12 percent milk solids. By ERIN ALLDAY San Francisco Chronicle What can brown do for you? Here's a look at the latest on chocolate: The study: Subjects in a German study who ate 0.22 ounces of dark chocolate every day the equivalent of IV2 Her-shey's kisses, seven or one bite of a chocolate bar saw their blood pressure fall 2 to 3 points over 18 weeks. The reason: Scientists think chocolate helps when flavanols a chemical in cocoa stimulate the release of nitric oxide in the body, which dilates and relaxes blood vessels and eases blood flow.

The catch: Health benefits are associated only with dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate, which don't have enough cocoa flavanols. WHAT'S IN YOUR CHOCOLATE? Chocolate is made from cacao nibs, the Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate: contain at least 35 percent chocolate and less than 12 percent milk Bittersweet often contains 50 percent chocolate liquor. chocolate: Definitions vary, but chocolate generally contains 45 to 85 cacao. Also can be called semisweet or bittersweet Couverture: Fine chocolate that contains minimum of 32 percent cocoa butter. This is used by professional confectioners to get a thin, glossy chocolate Single-varietal chocolate: The latest in chocolate, similar to wine, where chocolate comes from cacao beans one specific growing area with characteristics.

chocolate: Uses couverture and emphasizes the source and of ingredients, such as organic or trade. Guittard, Ghirardelli part of the cacao bean that is fermented, dried, roasted and ground. Various other ingredients are added to make chocolate bars, truffles and other confections. But there's a whole world of terminology chocoholics use to describe their favorite food: Chocolate liquor. This liquid results when the cacao nib is ground.

It's made of cocoa solids (cocoa powder) and cocoa butter and, despite its name, is nonalcoholic. Cocoa butter: The fat from the cacao bean. Extra cocoa butter may also be added to the chocolate. Cocoa powder: The solids that remain once the cocoa butter has been pressed out of the chocolate liquor. Flavors and additives: Sugar, vanilla and soy lecithin (an emulsifier) are the other ingredients added to make chocolate palatable.

Many commercial chocolates also contain other types of fat (such as vegetable 7r If I i Seeds of j'J wellness Oil Is a diet forever? Question: I am 51 years old and was always the right weight for my height till recently. Over the last five years, I gradually put on about 15 pounds. About a year ago, I started working with a trainer and watching my calorie intake. I lost the weight. I then continued exercising (about 30-40 minutes three-four times a week) but went back to eating what I wanted.

The weight came back on. Will I have to be "dieting" for the rest of my life? Hungry for the good things Answer: The direct answer to your question is no. There is no point in going on a diet. Without a plan, without a system, without a way of "doing business" in regards to the way you and your body relate to the world, you have no chance of losing the weight and keeping it off. Zero.

If, on the other hand, you are willing to change your diet, you've got a chance to do battle with the overweight and obesity epidemic that almost seven out of 10 American adults are now a part of. For most of us, being "hungry for the good things" is a biological and neurological trap. Our bodies were designed (think Garden of Eden) with a particular type of fuel in mind. Fresh fruits, veggies, good sources of protein and whole grains were the menu of the day. As fabulous as life is for Americans these days, we live in a sea of too many calories and do too little activity.

We live in an environment, nutritionally speaking, that is killing us. As with all epidemics, the way to conquer it is with a plan. Record-keeping, label-reading, gaining an understanding of portion sizes, using a pedometer to gauge your walking these are the tools of the weight-control trade. There is no quick fix. Slow changes, over time, can produce big miracles.

Dr. Lewis Pincus, medical director, Weight Management Institute, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Question: A friend whose mother recently was found to have breast cancer said her doctor told her that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car. The doctor said the plastic of the bottle has certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. The heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water. These toxins have been found in breast tissue.

I have heard this is how Sheryl Crow got cancer. Is there any truth to this? Answer: Several Web sites address this concern, including breastcancer.org and which is part of the American Chemistry Council. Both consider it an urban myth and say the theory is unproven. The theory that plastics release toxins when heated via weather or microwave ovens has been around for years. One theory regarding plastic bottles is that as they are continually reused, bacteria is re-introduced into the system.

The bacteria question has been more provable than the cancer one, although the question about heated plastic still hangs around. There are serious doubts about being able to link cancer directly to the use of heated plastic bottles. Patty Decker, a physician's assistant who works closely with Dr. George Blumenschein, an oncologist and breast cancer expert at the Arlington Cancer Center Do you have a health-care question you'd like an expert to answer? Send your question, name and contact information to "Ask a doctor," Features Department, Star-Telegram, Box 1870, FortWorth, TX 76101. Or e-mail to: features with "Ask a doctor" in the subject line.

We will not print your name in the paper, but we need it and your phone number in case our reporters need further information from you. Metro Creative Graphics For more than a decade, scientists have studied the potential health benefits of chocolate, just as they've looked at wine, coffee and other treats that seem sinful to show that they might not be so bad. THE RESULTS have been mostly favorable. But when it comes to chocolate, only the dark stuff carries health benefits because it allows more flavanols to survive the processing of cocoa and doesn't have nearly as many fat and sugar calories as milk Is red tea really red? By CAROLYN POIROT Fort Worth Star-Telegram First there was black tea, then green tea and white tea. But the newest tea on local supermarket shelves is red tea.

Several distributors, including Lipton and Republic of Tea offer red tea in bags and loose form, and Snapple has a bottled red tea. But while red tea is caffeine-free and has some of the same antioxidants as other teas, it's not truly a tea. National wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil recently addressed the red tea issue in a column atwww.drweil.com. Black, green and white teas all come from Camelia sinen-sisis, "the tea plant," he says.

They differ only in the processing, which determines the levels of caffeine and antioxidants. Red tea or Rooibos tea is a South African herbal infusion used for the treatment of hay fever, asthma and eczema and to soothe heartburn and stomach ulcers and relieve nausea. It has a fruity taste when brewed. Must liquor solids. Dark dark percent a coating.

trend the from unique Artisan chocolate quality fair Source: TODAY Strong Women Strong Bones, 5 p.m., a research-based strength training program for osteoporosis, at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Call the Institute for Healthy Living at (724) 357-8088 for more information. WEDNESDAY Indiana Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is offering free blood pressure screenings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Amish Country Store in Smicks-burg and from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

at Sandy's Corner Convenience in Dixonville. JULY 17 Indiana Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is offering free blood pressure screenings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bi-Lo Foods in Blairsville and from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bi-Lo in Homer City.

JULY 18 Indiana Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is offering free blood pressure screenings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rankin's Exxon in Shelocta and from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Riverhall in Saltsburg. JULY 19 It's Not Your Grandma's Breast Cancer Anymore, 6:30 p.m., Blairsville Community Center.

A Got ideas, information? Help us make the Health Page better. Call us (724) 465-5555 ext. 258 e-mail us rsinger indianagazette.net indianagazette.com "I've tried and failed at so many diets." When you attempt to give up the foods you love, eat things you hate, and have to eat on a plan that your busy schedule just can't accommodate, you are destined to fail. Here are a few sensible tips that should help you drop a few pounds: Moderationportion control: Everything we eat has been enlarged, expanded, and super sized. Learn portion sizes, ask for small or medium, and leave a little food on your plate.

Drink water Dehydration will manifest itself in the form of hunger. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water. Nutrient dense food: Vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and lean meat selections are foods that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. When you first eat for nutritional value, you will have less desire to load up on useless empty calories (chips, soda, candy, etc. Cheat: When you string a few good eating days together, indulge in a reward food that you know may not be good for you.

The more you deny yourself, the more you will want. John Hockenberry 18 years A.C.E. certified personal trainer BRIEFS free program about making healthy lifestyle choices, being a wise consumer and knowing where to find information and resources about breast cancer. Co-sponsored by Indiana Regional Medical Center, and the Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure Foundation.

JULY 24 Indiana Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is offering free blood pressure screenings from 10 a.m. to noon at the United Methodist Church, Marc-hand, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Hills of Home Farm Market, Home. JULY 25 Indiana Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is offering free blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

at the Indiana Mall. JULY 28 HeartSaver AED, 9 a.m., Indiana Regional Medical Center. A class teaching CPR, Automated External Defibrillator use and relief of choking in adults, children and infants. Call the Institute for Healthy Living at (724) 357-8088 for more information. JULY 30 Look Good, Feel Better, 10 a.m., Indiana Regional Medical Center.

A trained cosmetologist 2007 Bill Reed. DC provides information on makeup, wigs and other issues for women undergoing cancer treatment AUG. 1 Life Line Screening, appointments beginning at 9 a.m. at Oak Place Community Center, Indiana. Screenings offered include stroke carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, Ankle Brachial Index (hardening of the arteries) and osteoporosis.

Registration is required. To make an appointment or for more information, call (877) 237-1287 or go to www.lifelinescreen ing.com. SUPPORT GROUPS Multiple Sclerosis Patient Club, 7 p.m., third Thursday of each month, Fellowship Hall at First Christian Church, Fifth and Water streets, Indiana. The group does not meet in February, July or August Call (724) 357-3731 for more information. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Indiana County, meets at 7 p.m.

the third Tuesday of the month, October through May at the NAMI office, 705 Gompers Indiana. Call (724) 349-8050 for more information. By Rob Kasisky, R.PH. aglescipts a Summer's exhaustion. heat heat heavy beat, low low grade heat lay them give by spraying and andor 40 1 Make a date with Thursday's Calendar page.

(Adver tis ement) Recognizing Heat Exhaustion heat, physical exertion and inadequate hydration can sometimes lead to heat Symptoms can range from mild cramps to potentially life-threatening stroke. Signs may include feeling faint, sweating, nausea, rapid but weak heart blood pressure, cool moist skin and fever. If you suspect someone has exhaustion, get them into a cool place, down with their legs elevated slightly, them cool water to drink or an electrolyte sports drink. Cool them down further or sponging them with cool water fanning. If fever is over 102 degrees fainting or confusion occur, call 911.

North 4th Indiana (Beside The Dairy Queen) Phone 724-349-9170 Toll Free 1-888-463-9170 Can't Sleep INDIANA Now you can stop worrying about how you are going to get to sleep tonight a remarkable new cutting-edge treatment has been proven effective in eliminating the sleep disorder, insomnia. This amazing treatment breakthrough is safe, and effective, and best of all you no longer have to take drugs! The complete details are revealed in a free special report To get a copy of this eye-opening informative special report just call 1-800-897-1511 toll-free and listen to the 24 hour recorded message and this valuable free report will be rushed to your mailbox. Discover how you can wipe out insomnia at its root source and be able to stop taking all the sleep medications just to try to APOTHECARY get some rest..