Eat Dark Chocolate, Lower Blood Pressure, Stay Happy

Maya lore isn't always so violent like Mel Gibson's Apocalypto might suggest. What the Maya knew about the healing properties of Cacao, is proven true today.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed eating a piece of dark chocolate a day could help lower blood pressure.

According to the article, 44 sufferers of severe hypertension aged 50 to 75 were given either white or dark chocolate. The white chocolate eaters exhibited no change, while the ones who consumed 6 grams of dark chocolate daily, reduced their hypertension by more than 20%.

And the study found you can ingest 6 grams of pure chocolate per day, guilt-free because you won't gain any weight.

Reasons for this total finding is that dark chocolate contains cocoa polyphenols, omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids, antioxidants to combat free radical damage to your body, and phytonutrients for a healthy immune system.

Science News reports that it will also combat depression. Studies show the presence of cannabinoid (which is found in marijuana), and two other related chemicals inside dark chocolate.

A unique and interesting product to try is, aptly named, Maya bars. These dandy candies contain 20% of your daily recommended fiber and 13 essential vitamins and minerals to decrease stress while increasing energy.

Sweet.