The heart is a very important organ and one way to keep it healthy is to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Dr. Crystal Wiley of Asda Online Doctor said that dark chocolate and cocoa powder are on the list of "healthy" sweets that help improve cholesterol levels, writes Daily Express.
She explained: "Dark chocolate, rich in cocoa, contains many flavonoids that help the arteries dilate, allowing more blood to pass through them, which in turn helps lower blood pressure. For maximum benefits, try to choose non-alkaline cocoa powder, which is especially rich in flavonoids and does not contain added sugar.
The flavonoids found in cocoa have a number of beneficial properties.
They have strong antioxidant effects that allow them to fight inflammation. Inflammation is a common symptom of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
Flavonoids lower cholesterol levels by blocking the chain of synthesis that leads to its formation.
Public health experts at the University of California, Berkeley, warn against excessive consumption of these flavinoids, because if taken in high doses in dietary supplements, they can increase the risk of cancer.
Cocoa is not the only healthy food that Dr. Wiley recommends eating regularly.
"Another good way to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease is to add berries to your daily diet."
"Berries are a rich source of polyphenols, which are plant substances with proven benefits for cardiovascular health."
"Polyphenols have already been shown to help reduce the risk of stroke, improve insulin resistance, fight systemic inflammation and lower blood pressure.
"If you don't like berries?" Do not worry. Polyphenols are also found in tea, cocoa, vegetables and fruits. "
"Another lesser-known way to lower blood pressure is to include whey protein in your diet."
"While many of us associate whey protein with protein shakes and build muscle, it also plays an important role in vascular health. One study found that consumption of whey protein significantly improved blood pressure and vascular function.
Whey is a by-product of cheese production. The protein is isolated from whey and then ground to a powder.
This whey protein can be added to a wide variety of foods, such as yogurt, to increase its protein content.
Dr. Wiley warns that diet should not be taken as the only way to control your health.
"Of course, these measures should not replace taking special medications prescribed by your doctor. However, they can be combined with the medicines you need. "
Many people who have an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes are prescribed special drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels, called statins, as a preventative measure.
Cholesterol levels can also be improved through exercise, especially through moderate exercise.
High cholesterol levels are common in people with various metabolic conditions.
People with diabetes have a particularly high risk of an unhealthy balance between good and bad cholesterol.
Hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases can damage blood vessels, causing cholesterol molecules to stick more easily to their walls, forming plaque that impedes blood flow.
Together, these factors increase the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with high cholesterol.
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