The guilty pleasure that so often spoils our delight of indulging in chocolate can now irrevocably be laid to rest as recent clinical studies have disproved the notion that chocolate, specifically dark chocolate is unhealthy. The

These studies stand to have a major impact on our society if one considers that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released statistics that indicate that heart diseases are one of the biggest killers of our time. Additionally, chocolate is a lot more palatable and cost-effective than traditional heart medications – the cost alone makes it a vital option and worth discussing with one’s health practitioner.

A well-functioning immune system is crucial for staying healthy. Therefore, the potential of natural substances to strengthen the immune system has long been the subject of investigation. There are many synthetic and natural preparations claiming to be immunomodulators. Probably the best known herbal preparations that exhibit effects on the immune system are preparations made fromEchinacea, Viscum (mistletoe), and Pelargonium. There is, however, another very interesting and, by now, properly investigated class of immunomodulators - the β-glucans.

Long before the substance class of β-glucans themselves were identified as immunomodulators, the beneficial effects of β-glucan-containing mushrooms such as Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) in Japan or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) in China were utilized in the traditional Oriental medicine for the strengthening of the body’s immune system.

Adverts, products and articles all stress the importance and benefits of the omega fatty acids and this flood of information can often leave one feeling confused about what they are, how they differ and what they do.

The two important omegas are omega 3 and omega 6. Both are regarded as essential fatty acids – essential, because the body cannot produce them and we have to get them either through foodstuffs or supplements.

The richest source of omega 3 comes from the oil of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and is the most studied natural alternative known to provide relief from inflammatory conditions. This has been patented globally as Lyprinol PCSO-524® and has just become available in South Africa from Master Health Products.

In a small study, people with artery problems in their legs walked a little longer and farther when they ate dark chocolate – a food rich in polyphenols, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, stomach, arms, and head – most commonly in the arteries of the legs. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping or fatigue in the legs or hips while walking.

In this pilot study of patients with PAD (14 men and six women, ages 60-78), study participants increased their ability to walk unassisted after eating dark chocolate, compared to when they ate milk chocolate. The authors suggest that compounds found in cocoa – polyphenols – may reduce oxidative stress and improve blood flow in peripheral arteries.