Dr. Jared Hanson, ND, LAc
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist

@Sanavita, 145 E. 16th St., New York, NY     tel: 917-607-5035     e-mail: drjaredhanson@gmail.com


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February Newsletter:
Chocolate and Flowers (Happy Valentine's!)

Chocolate

Let dessert be your medicine: Chocolate lowers blood pressure! Reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrate that daily consumption of dark chocolate lowers the blood pressure of adults with hypertension. It has to be dark chocolate-- white chocolate and milk chocolate did not have the same effect. Milk binds up the beneficial polyphenols. Consuming 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day is comparable to taking a beta-blocker like atenolol or propranolol.

Chocolate also has been shown to lower total cholesterol, LDL (the bad cholesterol) and oxidized LDL (the really bad cholesterol) while raising HDL (the good cholesterol). The flavonoids in dark chocolate act as powerful antioxidants that can help prevent atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. They also reduce the tendency for blood cells to adhere to each other, a major factor in the formation of clots.

But wait! There's more: Chocolate has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in several types of cancer including those of the pancreas, prostate and colon. And, chocolate has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, two key factors in diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

All in all, the regular consumption of dark chocolate has a positive influence on several of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, while at the same time protecting against other major killers like cancer and diabetes. You always knew it was good for you, science has finally caught up.

Flowers

Flower essences are unique botanical preparations made from the flowers of certain herbs. They are used to address the emotional and spiritual aspects of health and are especially helpful when these aspects are at the root of more physical symptoms. Flower essences are completely natural, safe and nontoxic. They are available at most health food stores.

You may find flower essences useful to you if you are facing emotional stress or dissatisfaction. The following are some of the most commonly indicated:

Rescue Remedy or Five-Flower Formula - Probably the most well-known, this combination of five flower essences is indicated in times of extreme emotional stress or trauma. It is good to have on hand for emergencies as it will introduce a calming influence when taken before or after difficult events.

Impatiens - This essence is indicated in people given to outbursts of anger, impatience and irritation. It is useful for people with hypertension or pains due to tension.

Hornbeam - This essence helps people who feel fatigue or weariness due to a lack of spiritual or emotional fulfillment in their work or daily lives.

Sweet Chestnut - This essence addresses feelings of loneliness, despair or abandonment.

Pine - This essence relieves those who have trouble moving beyond past events, particularly if they are associated with guilt or self-criticism.

There are many more flower essences available. A typical dose is four drops taken four times a day.

And one last Valentine's note: while, strictly speaking, red wine and dark beer are the healthiest alcoholic drinks, due to their high flavonoid content, champagne has been associated with the biggest rise in dopamine (that's the _Happy!_ neurotransmitter). So go enjoy a glass with your sweetheart. Love is good for you.




To schedule an appointment, or to get on my newsletter mailing list, e-mail drjaredhanson@gmail.com or call 917-607-5035.