HOT COCOA SOOTHES THE SOULS of weary winter travelers–and protects their blood vessels, too. New research suggests that cocoa can inhibit the platelet activity that causes blood clotting. Potentially fatal blood clots have been linked to long-haul flights, as well as to cardiovascular disease, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and extended periods of inactivity (like being laid out with the flu). In a British study presented to the International Society on Thrombosis & Haemostasis, participants’ blood was analyzed before and after drinking cocoa to measure the time it took to clot; a significant increase was observed following the consumption of CocoaVia, a beverage made with antioxidant-rich CocoaPro powder.
Although the drink isn’t available in the U.S., you can purchase CocoaVia Original Chocolate Bars at cocoavia.com. For a delicious, health-promoting cup of cocoa: Fill a mug with 1 cup of 1 percent milk, then microwave on medium for about a minute; add 2 squares of a CocoaVia Original Chocolate Bar and stir until the chocolate melts. Salud!
COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group