Short walks curb chocolate cravings

The research by the University of Exeter showed that, even in stressful situations, workers eat only half as much chocolate as they normally would after this short burst of physical activity.

In the study, 78 regular chocolate-eaters were invited to enter a simulated work environment, after two days abstinence from chocolate snacking.

Two groups were asked to take a brisk 15-minute walk on a treadmill and were then given work to complete at a desk. One group was given an easy, low-stress task, while the other was asked to complete a more demanding job.

The other two groups were asked to have a rest before completing the same tasks as the first two groups. Again, half were given an easier and the remainder a more challenging task. Chocolate was available in a bowl on the desk for all participants as they carried out their work.

Those who had exercised before working consumed on average half the amount of chocolate as the others: around 15 grammes, compared with 28 grammes. 15 grammes is equivalent to a small 'treat size' or 'fun size' chocolate bar.

The difficulty of the task made no difference to the amount of chocolate they ate, which suggests that stress did not contribute to their cravings for sweet snacks .

"We know that snacking on high calorie foods, like chocolate, at work can become a mindless habit and can lead to weight gain over time," lead researcher Professor Adrian Taylor of the University of Exeter said.

"We often feel that these snacks give us an energy boost, or help us deal with the stress of our jobs, including boredom. People often find it difficult to cut down on their daily treats but this study shows that by taking a short walk, they are able to regulate their intake by half."

Exercise is known to have significant benefits for mood and energy levels and has potential for managing addictions.

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Liver: dark chocolate protects

The plain chocolate is a valuable ally against the liver disease. A support is a recent study by the hospital clinic in Barcelona, Spain, led by Dr Andrea De Gottardi and presented at the meeting in Vienna of the European Society of Studies on the liver. The dark chocolate can also improve the metabolism and relieve stress, Proves once again food healthy for our body.

The chocolate, Considered by the food of the Greeks, thanks to the presence of Antioxidants contained in it, may help lower blood pressure and protect the blood vessels, with a positive effect, especially in cases of liver cirrhosis, a disease that can be relieved with natural remedies made from milk thistle.

The team of researchers analyzed 21 patients with cirrhosis of the liver, dividing them into two groups. The first group received a liquid meal with chocolate fondant. The second group, however, consumed a liquid meal made from white chocolate, which as we know, is devoid of Falconoid of cocoa.

After half an hour after consumption of the meal, volunteers were measured blood pressure in the liver. The test results showed that the subjects of the first group have lower values than those of the second group.

The doctors have explained that:

The substance of that benefit is antioxidants of chocolate, can reduce the pressure after lunch in the blood in the abdominal area. This area is particularly sensitive in patients with cirrhosis: the blood vessels of their livers are damaged by disease, and a copious blood supply too causes further injury.

Dark chocolate, then, when consumed in moderation, can defend the liver from further pressure, improving the health of patients with liver cirrhosis.

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Chocolate could be key to curing persistent cough

Chocolate could provide the key to tackling a persistent cough.

Researchers are carrying out the final stages of clinical trials on a drug that contains theobromine, an ingredient in cocoa and chocolate.

If the trials are successful, the drug could be on the market within two years. Millions worldwide suffer from a persistent cough, one that lasts for more than two weeks.

Some have asthma-like symptoms while others suffer from heartburn, reports the Daily Mail.

But most widely available cough products soothe the symptoms rather than deal with the cause, and have been criticised for side effects such as drowsiness.

There are safety concerns about side effects from other products that are codeine-based, which use a chemical called an opioid.

Previous research by London’s National Heart and Lung Institute found that theobromine is 33 percent more effective than codeine at stopping coughing. It works directly on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for persistent coughing.

Research in South Korea has shown that theobromine has none of the side effects associated with standard drug treatments for persistent cough.

Professor Alyn Morice, who heads the Hull Cough Clinic, said: “Due to the drawbacks of current opioid drugs such as codeine, we are in desperate need of a non-opioid treatment with a drastically improved side effect profile for patients.”

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