A few weeks ago I wrote about studies showing that chocolate can increase endurance http://www.drmirkin.com/public/ezine080711.html.  

This month, a review of seven scientific studies shows that those who eat chocolate are one-third less likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes or diabetes (Presented at the European Society of Cardiology 2011 Congress; BMJ, September 2011).

Chocolate, coffee and tea all contain polyphenols that increase nitric acid which "leads to improvements in endothelial function, and reductions in clotting, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and blood fats".

Food manufacturers hide the bitter-tasting polyphenols in chocolate by adding large amounts of sugar and fats.  Therefore, the best time to take chocolate should be during or immediately after exercise when contracting muscles prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high and damaging your arteries.

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Reports from www.drmirkin.com