01. 04. 10. - 14:00

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01. 04. 10. - 14:00

Eggsactly healthy

Scientists claim to have cracked the secret of staying healthy - with Easter eggs.

New research shows that a small piece of chocolate every day can greatly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Now a report from Germany's Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam has concluded that six grammes - about a quarter of an ounce - of dark chocolate consumed daily can lower high blood pressure within two days.

The study - published in the European Heart Journal - says compounds, or flavanols, contained in cocoa increase the flow of nitric oxide in the blood relaxing arteries and reducing blood pressure.

And compared to subjects who consumed little or no chocolate, the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced by 39 percent for chocolate fans, says the report which analysed more than 19,000 adults over 15 years.

But the scientists warned chocoholics that too much of a good thing can lead to obesity and then increased risk of heart disease.

"Instead, just eat one piece of chocolate and cut out all snacks in-between," said study author Brian Buijsse.

German Herald

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