Chocolate and Blood Pressure

OK chocolate fans, take a look at this article:

Chocolate nudges down BP in new meta-analysis

This is great new for chocolate lovers!  Some of the research involve Kuna Indians in Latin America!

Kuna Indians in Central America consistently have a healthy blood pressure and drink about four cups of cocoa a day, leading researchers to hypothesize that the flavanols in cocoa are probably what cause its blood-pressure-lowering effect. Flavanols increase the formation of nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and thus blood-pressure reduction.

This talks about Flavanols!  They are -

fla·vo·noid  (flv-noid)

n.

Any of a large group of water-soluble plant pigments, including the anthocyanins, that are beneficial to health. Also called bioflavonoid.

So, in moderation, eat chocolate!

Statins linked with development of cataracts

One thing about taking medications for any healthy issues is what are the issues both short & long term!    If you read the short term issues, it can be scary!

Here are some for Lipitor!

What side effects can this medication cause?

Atorvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• headache
• joint pain
• forgetfulness or memory loss
• confusion

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor or get emergency medical help immediately:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• lack of energy
• fever
• chest pain
• nausea
• extreme tiredness
• weakness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• flu-like symptoms
• dark colored urine
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness

Wow!  And I have been taking it for about 10 years!!!

And now Statins may cause cataracts.  Take a look at the article:

Statins linked with development of cataracts