The cocoa present in dark chocolate boosts the immune system!

There’s nothing like a nice big slab of chocolate! When you feel blue, before an exam, or even when you’re just craving for something sweet. However, chocolate is usually associated with unhealthy eating, which is mainly due to its high sugar and cream levels. But them, what is I told you, that chocolate is actually very very healthy?? Turns out that quality dark chocolate has remarkable health benefits [1]!

Dark chocolate is one of the most strongest antioxidants in the world. Cacao, from which chocolate is made, contains 15-20 times more antioxidants than blueberries and green tea! Pretty crazy huh?

And it doesn’t end there. It also contains stimulant substances such as caffeine and theobromine, which can improve brain function in the short term. Therefore it is recommended to eat three squares of chocolate before writing and exam- it will keep you concentrated for a least another hour and a half!

Other than being rich in fiber, Iron and Magnesium, it contains flavonols (plant compound) which improves blood flow to the brain thus improving cognitive function and memory.

Even more strikingly, according to a study, the cocoa present in dark chocolate boosts the immune system by influencing the body’s inflammatory response.

In addition to dark chocolate, you may also take Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR to boost your immune system. They are natural antiviral supplements, backed by clinical studies that showed their effectiveness against a broad range of latent viruses. For more information click www.Novirin.com

Many studies have demonstrated cocoa’s ability to reduce the concentration of molecules in the body that are involved in inflammatory response [2-3].

So in a matter of fact, by having 3 squares of dark chocolate a day, you may help your immune system to fight viruses, especially those latent viruses that manage to hide away from your immune system!

In addition to dark chocolate, you may also take Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR to boost your immune system. They are natural antiviral supplements, backed by clinical studies that showed their effectiveness against a broad range of latent viruses. Such viruses includes Herpes, HPV, Hepatitis, CMV (Cytomegallovirus) shingles virus and EBV (Epstein Barr virus) [4].

But wait, that fact that dark chocolate is so healthy doesn’t mean you should reach for the Reese’s and M&M. Milk chocolate contains high levels of sugar and cream, and low levels of cacao. So milk chocolate isn’t as healthy as dark chocolate. So remember, When buying dark chocolate, make sure the chocolate you buy is with at least 70% cocoa.

References
1. Forbes.com – Cohen, J. “12 Best Foods To Boost Brain Power.” Published February 5, 2015.
2. Francisco J. Pérez-Cano, Malen Massot-Cladera, Àngels Franch, Cristina Castellote, and Margarida Castell. “The effects of cocoa on the immune system.” Front Pharmacol. 2013; 4: 71.
3. Borreli, L. “Benefits of Chocolate: The Common Cold And 4 Illnesses That Can Be Treated By Chocolate Consumption.” Published August 8, 2013.
4. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Are you familiar with the herpes virus? That annoying virus that causes cold sores on the lips?

So it turns out that it is not the only Herpes virus, but a member of a family of viruses called herpesviridae.

Therefore there are several types of herpes viruses, while each virus infects a different part of the body, as well as causes different symptoms.

For example, Herpes virus 2 (HSV-2), causes genital warts, whereas Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes mild symptoms or no symptoms at all [4].

I bet you’re asking yourselves by now, “Why is she telling us all about types of Herpes viruses??”

Well, the fact is that I actually want to tell you about Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is also a member of the Herpesvirus group. Interestingly, primary infections with VZV cause chickenpox whereas shingles is caused by recurrent infection [1].

And it doesn’t end there, after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus persists in the sensory nerve in a latent state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

We must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous. Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

And what is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you ask? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by unexplainable constant fatigue (tired and weak all the time), while several factors contribute to the development of the disease, such as latent viral infections [2,3].

According to the study, due to its ability to infect the nerves, latent VZV causes long term nerve dysfunction, which helps explain why individuals infected with VZV experience CFS symptoms.

Moreover, additional studies had shown that administering antiherpes agents causes significant improvement in some CFS patients [3].

The medical world is extremely broad, and despite advanced technology and various tools we posses, there are still diseases which are not fully understood.

Furthermore, we must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous.

References:

1. CDC.gov – Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – Signs & Symptoms
cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html

2. Tsai SY1, Yang TY, Chen HJ, Chen CS, Lin WM, Shen WC, Kuo CN, Kao CH. Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following herpes zoster: a population-based study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2014 Sep;33(9):1653-9.

3. Shapiro JS. Does varicella-zoster virus infection of the peripheral ganglia cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Med Hypotheses. 2009 Nov;73(5):728-34. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19520522

4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.

Race following vaccinations is ongoing, mainly due to formation of new viruses and modifications of existing viruses which is occurring every day.

The importance of vaccination against latent viruses is huge, since once infected with these viruses they stay in our bodies throughout our lives, and could erupt at any time.

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

The main problem with latent viruses is that upon primary infection, immune cells can’t fight the virus effectively and efficiently due to the lack of an “up front” immune response

So, how this vaccine works you ask ?? Its mechanism is very interesting.

The virus used in this vaccine is CMV (cytomegalovirus). It turns out that the body responds to CMV more slowly and calmly than it does, for example, to a flu.

Upon any infection, a gland in the body generates new white blood cells primed to target the specific virus, but in the case of this vaccine those cells stay in an unusual “half-alert” state [2].

What does that mean? So let’s give you an example. A full-blown immune response eventually exhausts itself, and can even be dangerous.

For example, humans who catch bird flu often die of the immune response itself.

In the case of CMV, 80% of the population get it at some point in their lifetime, have few, if any, symptoms and therefore may not even know that they have been infected [3].

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Two pharmacutical companies combined resources in order to develop a vaccination against Herpes Virus

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Vaccine development by Tomegavax is an important tool for dealing with viruses. It will take at least three years to develop an appropriate vaccine for humans, so until then we must act responsibly and ensure control over the spread of the virus.
Our natural environment is very dynamic and constantly changing and as people are born die and change, so does viruses. This requires us to show responsibility and always be up to date on current trends in scientific research.

References:
1. Keshavan, M. Startup using Gates-funded research to develop herpes & HIV vaccines, raising $12M. Published October 2, 2014.
2. Hansen, Scott G., et al. “Immune clearance of highly pathogenic SIV infection.” Nature (2013).
3. CDC.gov – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection. Last updated December 6, 2010