Two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars a day can help cut cholesterol levels

Tuesday,22.04.2008 (GMT)

Washington, Here's one way you can cut down on your cholesterol levels – eat chocolate bars.

 

The news comes from researchers at the University of Illinois who found that eating two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars a day also had the added good effect of lowering systolic blood pressure.

 

Lead researcher John Erdman, a U. of I. professor of food science and human nutrition, and colleagues state the plant sterols and flavanols added to the bars is what helps them in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure respectively.

 

As a part of the study, researchers recruited 49 people with slightly elevated cholesterol and normal blood pressure.

 

These people then began the American Heart Association's "Eating Plan for Healthy Americans" two weeks before the study started. After this, the volunteers were divided into two groups.

 

Both groups were given CocoaVia bars. However, while one group was given bars with plant sterols, the other was not.

 

The participants ate one CocoaVia formulation twice daily for four weeks, then switched to the other bar for an additional four weeks.

 

Blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body weight, and other cardiovascular measures were tracked throughout the eight-week study.

 

Co-author of the study Ellen Evans revealed that a marked difference was seen in the participants who ate the bars with plant sterols.

 

"After starting the CocoaVia bars, we saw a marked differential effect on blood cholesterol, with the sterol-containing products doing better than those without sterols," she said.

 

Erdman insisted that there was no interference by Mars Inc., the company that not only manufactures the chocolate bars, but which also funded part of the study

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Household THERAPY

Toothpaste on pimples, beer for hair! Cues to better health might just be at your home

1 TOOTHPASTE THE FIX: Dries out spots
HOW IT WORKS: Models have known for years that if a nasty, red pimple appears on their face the day before a shoot, the best cure is to zap it with a blob of toothpaste.
    Toothpaste contains an antibacterial agent to kill plaque, so the theory is it may kill the bacteria responsible for spots. But be careful if you have sensitive skin. It can cause irritation. 2 SODA BI-CARB THE FIX: Whitens teeth
HOW IT WORKS: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a naturally occurring mineral that is a great cleaner.
    Simply sprinkle a teaspoon on your toothbrush and clean teeth as usual. The gentle abrasive action will polish your teeth, removing dirt and stains, and giving you fresh breath, too.
3
BEER THE FIX: Hair shiner and
de-frizzer
HOW IT WORKS: The malt and hops in beer are packed with protein, which coats the hair, adds volume and smoothes damaged cuticles.
    Beer also contains vitamin B, which helps condition hair, while the natural sugars create shine. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual, then pour a bottle over it. Work through and rinse with lukewarm water.
4
MAYONNAISE THE FIX: Emergency skin
cleanser
HOW IT WORKS: Fans apply a layer as you would a normal cleanser, massage it in and then rinse thoroughly.
The vegetable oils and egg yolk are supposed to soften skin, while the lemon juice has astringent properties to clean and tighten pores.
5
TOMATO KETCHUP THE FIX: Removes green
from blonde dyed hair
HOW IT WORKS: It corrects highlights gone green from swimming pools.
    Apparently, hair turns green due to oxidation chemicals in the pool and the tomato sauce acts as an antioxidant restoring
    normal hair colour. Advocates apply ketchup all over the hair and massage it in, leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.
—Daily Mirror

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BOUNCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS

KEEP FIT WITH NAMITA

Trampoline rebounding is a great way to lose weight, gain cardiovascular benefits and have fun working out — all at the same time, says Namita Jain

TRAMPOLINE BASICS
Gymnasts and acrobats often use an elevated elastic canvas or a net bed as a performing surface. The trampoline is a little more than just that. A spring or a rubber suspension anchors the elastic canvas bed to a metal frame of table height. The sides are padded and the springs beneath cause the performer to bounce upward.
HOW TO USE IT
While using the trampoline, don't concentrate on jumping up. Instead, try to push downwards using your heels. Contract the abdominals and maintain correct body alignment and posture during the workout.
ON THE REBOUND
Utilising the laws of physics, rebounding is unique since it uses the natural laws of gravity to stimulate every cell of the body. We are all subject to gravity, but on the trampoline every cell in the body is opposing gravity.
    Rebounding exercises can be compared to the action of a vacuum cleaner. They help boost the immune system by eliminating toxins from and around the cellular tissue spaces, making it possible for the lymphatic system (the body's drainage system) to cleanse the body. When the lymphatics function properly, we are in good health. Similarly, when it doesn't function properly, we are prone to illness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How safe is rebounding?
Rebounding on the trampoline is safe and non-jarring on the joints. For example when you run or exercise on a solid surface, a certain amount of force from the impact of the foot striking the ground is sent through the body. On the trampoline, the mat absorbs the impact force over a longer period, reducing the element of stress on the joints.
I workout in a gym. Is trampoline a good addition to my workout routine?
Rebounding is the perfect complementary exercise any workout routine. It is efficient and gives results.
Do rebounding exercises help relieve stress?
The endorphins (body's natural mood elevators) released during exercise will improve your state of mind and help you destress.
Do you notice that when children jump, their spirits are high?
This is because bouncing to them is a natural expression, which elevates their mood.
How high does the ceiling height need to be when i jump?
An eight-foot height is sufficient for most people unless you are over six feet tall. In that case you will require a location with a higher ceiling height.
My balance is not very good. Can I fall off a rebounder?
Exercising on a rebounder trains your sense of balance and helps establish better co-ordination and kinesthetic awareness. Start with a gentle bounce, moving on to higher jumps.
Will I lose weight?
Trampoline exercises are aerobic in nature. So you will burn calories when you exercise.
When is the best time to rebound?
Anytime that is convenient to you is good. If you exercise after a meal, make sure there is a gap of two to three hours before you workout.

• During your scheduled workout time.

• As soon as you get out of bed in the morning

• Before a meal to help curb your appetite

• When you are stressed or tense

• While you are listening to music or chatting on the phone.
WHAT REBOUNDING DOES

• Burns calories

• Helps de-stress

• Boosts the lymphatic and immune system

• Increases energy and vitality

• Improves balance and co-ordination.
TRAMPOLINE EXERCISES
Place your trampoline where it is visible and easily accessible so that you are reminded to use it regularly.

• Start with a gentle bounce.

• Add new moves your routine: be creative and have fun.
Basic bounce/ March
March or lightly bounce on the trampoline to warm-up the muscles.
Jog
Jog in place. Vary the speed, jog fast and then slow.
Twist
Keep the legs together and twist the body to the right and then to the left side.
Vertical jump
Spring up with both feet together, knees bent and hands lifted to the sides for balance.
    Knee-up
    Lift your knees up alternately
    up to a 90-degree angle.
Cool down
March on the trampoline for a few minutes to bring down your heart rate.

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25 STEPS TO INSTANT WELLNESS

25 STEPS TO INSTANT WELLNESS

(COMPILED BY KIRAN MEHTA)

1 PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
“Wherever you go, there you are,” is how Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D, founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University Of Massachusetts Medical Center, summed up mindfulness. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment and not thinking about what happened in the recent past nor worrying about the future. It might be difficult and require you to screen your thoughts initially, but with time mindfulness will come naturally.
2 INVEST TIME IN YOU
Create a daily ritual where you take 20 to 30 minutes for any activity that you enjoy and find relaxing. Pick up a book, listen to music, have a cup of tea etc.
3 PUT YOURSELF FIRST IN ORDER TO SERVE OTHERS
It's only when our own needs are fully met that we can generously and wholeheartedly give of ourselves. It's not selfish to look after ourselves, it's essential!
4 CULTIVATE NEW ATTITUDES
Change is integral to life. In fact, one of the best ways to deal with difficult situations is to change the way we think about it. Living a healthy life often means challenging our old patterns of functioning and thinking.
5 MEDITATE
Know that meditation means different things to different people. For some practicing mindfulness is meditation for others it involves chanting. Find what method of meditation works for you and go with it.
6 STRIKE A BALANCE
Strike a balance between physical development and the spiritual aspects. There is a tendency for people who are more spiritually focused to ignore, avoid, or dismiss their bodies. Similarly, many individuals are entirely engrossed in physical growth and pay no attention to the needs of the soul. In both cases, an adjustment is in order. We are whole only to the degree that we embrace both sides of our being.
7 PAIN IS POSITIVE Physical and emotional pain serves the purpose of signalling us that something is amiss. Take it as a sign that something needs to come to awareness and perhaps needs to change.
8 CRY YOUR HEART OUT
Crying is not a sign of weakness. In fact it is a means cleansing the heart, whether it comes from laughter so intense that it flows into tears; or from sadness that overwhelms us with sobs of grief. Karl Menninger, in his book The Vital Balance writes, "Weeping is perhaps the most universal of all relief measures." Indeed, this process of letting go may well be a natural source for healing that many have denied themselves.
9FORGIVING IS LIBERATING
Start by forgiving yourself. For instance, if something you say causes misunderstandings or may be interpreted as hurtful, don’t beat yourself up over it. Apologise or build an affirmation to get past it. Then move on to forgiving others because blaming others for your shortcomings doesn’t let you off the hook, it only makes you feel helpless and hints to self-confidence issues.
10 EAT WHEN DIETING
If you’re dieting you need to continually fuel your body. This means a minimum of four but preferably six meals each day. This way you’ll have the energy to exercise and won’t crave any large unhealthy meals.
11 DON’T AVOID FAT
If you think you can lose weight and keep it off by avoiding all fats, you’re sadly mistaken. Your body (and your brain) needs fat to survive! This is why the scientists call them essential fatty acids – Omegas 3, 6, and 9. So, make sure you put fat back into your dietary plan.
12 THE FORK IS NOT A SHOVEL
Even if we are not hungry, most of us have a tendency to finish our meals in 10 minutes. The problem is that the brain doesn't know the stomach is full until 20 minutes after it actually is. You could stuff yourself silly before realising you didn't need to consume as much as you did. Try eating half of what's on your plate, wait a couple of minutes, then continue to eat if you're still hungry. In short, eat slowly. If you want a real hunger-stopper, try an Omega 3 supplement twenty minutes before a meal.
13 SATISFY CRAVINGS
If you're hungry for something, eat it. Don't deny yourself the simple pleasures. If it's possible, eat only half of what you want. Is your craving satisfied or are you addicted to the flavour? Losing weight shouldn’t be torture for anybody. Give yourself a small treat or two during the week. Any diet that leaves you feeling deprived will ultimately fail. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate or one scoop of ice cream during the week.
14 KNOW YOUR DIET PITFALLS
To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions.
15 MAKE CHANGES GRADUALLY
Just as there are no “superfoods” to a healthy diet, don't expect to revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much too fast can intrude into success. Remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. Like, if you don't like the taste of skimmed milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may find you like skimmed milk too.
16 BE CAREFUL WITH SHOPPING TRIPS
Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack before you go to the mall. If you go hungry, you are much more likely to give in to the temptation of unhealthy foods at the food court.
17 TRAIN WRECKS WILL HAPPEN
One of these nights, you're going to go out with friends and overeat. Instead of repeating the overindulgence, just put your self back on track the next day. You're allowed to "mess up" every now and again, so long as you don't make a habit out of consuming an excessive amount of food. 18 GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS
Eat the food that your ancestors survived on. And since fast food restaurants weren't around back then, this
19EAT RIGHT ON TIME automatically implies you stay away from processed and fatty foods.

One of the leading causes of heart-disease, hypertension and diabetes is the fact that all too often we skip meals and it is this gap between meals that reduces immunity.
20 JUICES ARE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR WATER
While fruit juices are healthy and need to be part of your diet, they are no substitute for water. When you keep track of your daily consumption of water, don't include any other beverages there.
21 DON’T POP VITAMIN PILLS
Unless prescribed by a doc, don’t consume vitamin tabs. While some such as Vitamin B are water-soluble and will be automatically flushed out of your system, such is not the case with Vitamin A and D. Therefore if you self-medicate you run the risk of suffering from toxicity.
22 DON’T OVERLOOK THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION
Only if you are mentally fit will you be able to concentrate on your work-out and thereby get the most out of it.
23 DON’T SKIP THE WARM-UP STAGE
All too often people skip their warm-ups due to lack of time. It is dangerous to exercise cold-muscles and increases the risk of muscle injury and joint pain.
24 TAKING THE STEPS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WORKOUT
In fact this could lead to knee injury, particularly if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
25 GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WORKOUT
If a closed gymnasium is not where you'd rather be, then try joining a sport or take up salsa or Bollywood dancing classes instead. OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS

NEESHA MARIA BUKHT REGISTERED DIETICIAN AND ISSA TRAINER AT TALWALKARS, BANDRA

DR SHASHANK JOSHI ENDOCRINOLOGIST AT LILAVATI HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE

KHURSHEED KANGA PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND WELLNESS COACH AT METRO NIRVANA

BIPIN SALVI CHIEF PERSONAL TRAINER AT TALWALKARS, MAHIM

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Blood donors 'healthier'

Donating blood may affect mechanisms in the body such as blood production and iron storage. Photo / Greg Bowker

Frequent blood donation is not harmful to your health, a new study confirms.

"Blood donation may actually be good for you," said Dr Gustaf Edgren of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, the study's lead author.

People who donate blood show lower cancer and mortality rates than their non-donating peers, Dr Edgren and his colleagues note in their report, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Association, but the fact that blood donors tend to be healthier overall could mask any ill effects of frequent donation.

There are also several mechanisms by which frequent blood donation could theoretically affect health, Dr Edgren noted.

For one, drawing blood causes the body to ramp up production of blood cells in the bone marrow. This accelerated cell division, or "mitotic stress," could increase the likelihood of malignancy in blood-forming tissues.

On the positive side, excess iron stores have been tied to heart disease and certain types of cancer, so people who have their blood drawn regularly may be depleting these stores and thus improving their health.

To better understand how repeated blood donations affect health, Dr Edgren and his team looked at data from Swedish and Danish blood banks and transfusion clinics containing records of individuals who donated blood at least once between 1968 and 2002, a total of 1,110,212 people.

The investigators found no relationship between how frequently a person gave blood and their risk of cancer. However, among male donors, the risk of liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancer declined as the frequency of donations increased, which suggests that iron depletion may reduce cancer risk.

The researchers also found an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among frequent plasma donors, but this was only seen among people who donated plasma before 1986. This finding "must be interpreted cautiously", Edgren and colleagues write.

Even a small excess risk of cancer associated with blood donation would be "a very serious matter", Dr Edgren noted, because so many people donate blood.

However, he added, "we've more or less made very clear that there is no excess risk of cancer associated with frequent blood donation".

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Press chest to save cardiac victim

NEW DELHI: If you see a person near you having a cardiac arrest, you can skip performing mouth-to-mouth breathing, better known as the ''kiss of life'', on the person. Just press the centre of the patient's chest, hard and fast. This is the new recommendation made by the American Heart Association on Tuesday.

According to the association, chest compressions, or hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — rapid, deep presses on the victim's chest until help arrives — work just as well for sudden cardiac arrest in adults.

The statement, from the association's emergency cardiovascular care committee, in this week's Circulation journal comes after three separate studies last year described outcomes after bystanders performed CPR on people suffering cardiac arrests.

Experts now hope that bystanders will be more willing to come forward and help if they see someone suddenly collapse by pushing the middle of the victim's chest without stopping, until emergency medical services responders arrive.

Studies show that on average, less than one-third of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR, which can double or treble a person's chance of surviving cardiac arrest.

Not only is hand-only CPR simpler and easier to execute, it also encourages people uncomfortable about mouth-to-mouth breathing to come forward and help those suffering cardiac arrests.

Dr Deepak Natarajan, senior cardiologist at Apollo hospital, estimates that 5 lakh to 7.5 lakh people die of sudden cardiac arrests every year in India. More than 80% of these emergencies occur outside a hospital setting.

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