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Dark Chocolate Proven Healthier than Ever: Improves Stress Levels, Inflammation, Mood and More

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Dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao can have positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity, according to two new studies from Loma Linda University, in California.

Ten participants ate a 48-gram bar of dark chocolate at the beginning of each study and then ate a piece of dark chocolate every two hours when they were awake for several days. Blood tests revealed the chocolate heightened sense perception and nervous system responsiveness and increased both anti-inflammatory agents and infection-fighting cells. Gamma waves recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG) suggested the treat could positively impact cognitive function and creativity even two hours after eating it.


This article appears in the December 2018 issue of Natural Awakenings.

Conscious Eating Health and Fitness National Content December 2018 Brief Global and Health Briefs Health Brief What to Add
5 Top Tips to Finding Your Next Doctor

1 Keep an Open Mind! Healthcare has come a long way. Today, you have access to practitioners that branch outside of traditional medicine and aim to identify the root causes of conditions while using alternative treatments that may help you get the relief you need. Just because it’s not a pill, doesn’t make it pseudoscience.

2 Build Your Health Care Team. There is no one doctor that can be the be-all-end-all for your health needs. Be sure to have a team of practitioners with different “lenses” and areas of expertise who will treat the root cause and not just the symptom(s).

3   Environment Influences Healing. Health is multi-factorial. Your mental and emotional environment plays a pivotal role in your healing potential. Your doctors and their staff should create an office atmosphere filled with positivity so you can get the most out of your care.

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5 Report of Findings. When it comes to our health, we often make decisions without understanding the risk versus benefits. Knowledge is an important part of the healing process and is essential to make conscious, informed health decisions. Find practitioners who take the time to explain their exam findings and the recommendations for treatment in ways that make sense to you.

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