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.

Turns out that many of the tested tablets contained potential allergens that weren’t listed in the ingredients, while others didn’t contain the supposed active ingredient at all. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Most people think that herbal supplements are always safe to use. They’re natural, so how harmful can they be? That’s usually true, if you know what you’re taking. But what if someone tried to sell you pure gold, while it is actually gold painted bricks?

The New York State attorney general’s office claimed to have tested store-brand supplements from Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, and GNC. Turns out that many of the tested tablets contained potential allergens that weren’t listed in the ingredients, while others didn’t contain the supposed active ingredient at all [1].

So in actual fact, people with allergies to those hidden ingredients are at risk. As a result, the retailers were accused for selling potentially dangerous herbal supplements, and were demanded to remove the tested products from their shelves.

Such a case is not pleasant, although somewhat expected, since supplements aren’t minded as drugs, and therefore aren’t put through the same FDA strict requirements that drugs are.

So the main question is, how can we make sure that the natural remedies we purchase really contain what it says on the bottle?
Well, there are several ways. First, various companies and scientists conduct clinical studies on natural remedies. For instance, a study showed that yerba maté (a plant originally from the subtropical region of South America) beverages and supplements may be helpful in fighting obesity [2]. A different study examined how an antiviral natural remedy decreased viral symptoms in individuals infected with the Human Papilomavirus, Herpes, Epstein Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Hepatitis C virus [3].
Secondly, there are few non profit groups, such as NSF and USP that certify various supplements in terms of their ingredients, methods of manufacture, etc. The companies whose supplements meet the group’s standards are allowed to carry the official group’s seal on their labels. Therefore searching for those labels is a fairly good indication for the supplements quality. However, note that one cannot count solely on third party supplement certification, since there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. For instance, this certification procedure is very expensive, therefore new companies, with excellent efficient supplements, and low budget, can’t yet afford such a procedure.

Even though supplements are OTC (over the counter), they can negatively interact with other medication you are taking. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

And lastly, you must always consult your physician before administering a natural supplement. Even though supplements are OTC (over the counter), they can negatively interact with other medication you are taking. In addition, physicians are usually familiar with different brands in terms of efficiency and safety.

This recent event which occurred isn’t very encouraging, however, just because it occurred, doesn’t mean supplements are bad for you. Basically, it means you must be extra careful while purchasing supplements. Saying that, it is important you follow the three methods outlined above in order to ensure the quality of your supplements, and your health.
References:

1. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/new-york-attorney-general-targets-supplements-at-major-retailers/
2. Gambero, Alessandra, and Marcelo L. Ribeiro. “The Positive Effects of Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) in Obesity.” Nutrients 7.2 (2015): 730-750.
3. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Have you ever had a fear of abandonment? Always needed a reassurance from your partner, close friend or sibling? Well, news flash! If you ever experienced the following, and it has interfered with your daily function, then you might be experiencing attachment anxiety disorder [1].

It is not new that stress has a negative impact on our body, and in particular, on our immune system. In a matter of fact, stress weakens our immune system, which consequently causes latent viruses populated in our body to reactivate [1].
I bet your next question is, “latent viruses populated in my body??? But I’m totally healthy, and feel perfect!”.

Well, it turns out that various types of viruses have the ability to occur in your body in a latent state. Which is basically similar to “falling asleep”. It remains dormant in your cells, only to erupt later without warning.

There are various reasons for their eruption, the main ones being stress and anxiety [2]. Which is pretty logical considering the fact that they weaken the immune system as I noted.

Moreover, as a consequence of the damaged immune system, a right environment for reactivation of latent virus is created, leading to a variety of symptoms and diseases [2].
Therefore, it is not coincidence that when people are stressed or anxious, they experience cold sores outbreaks (caused due to Herpes virus) [2].

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Another striking example is demonstrated in an interesting study. Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation,which demonstrates the association of attachment anxiety disorder and poor immune system activity [3,4].

By burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Image by: Freedigitalphoto.net

Living in modern times is an ongoing race.

We all wish we could add an extra hour to the day, so we would have time to do everything. But maybe life isn’t about getting everything done? But is only what society gets us to think? I believe that by burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Just a little something to think about.

References:
1. Nauert, R. Attachment Anxiety Lowers Immunity – But Can Be Overcome. Published on February 12, 2013.
2. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.
3. Fagundes CP1, Jaremka LM2, Glaser R2, Alfano CM3, Povoski SP4, Lipari AM5, Agnese DM4, Yee LD4, Carson WE 3rd6, Farrar WB4, Malarkey WB7, Chen M2, Kiecolt-Glaser JK8. Attachment anxiety is related to Epstein-Barr virus latency. Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Jun 16.
4. Davenport, L. EBV Infection Linked to Subclinical Psychosis Symptoms. Published June 16, 2011.