Fudgsicles® for lowering cholesterol?

Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Dr. Cass Ingram, author of 24 books, teaches me a few things I didn’t know about keeping lungs healthy and reversing respiratory diseases. His newly expanded and revised book is The Respiratory Solution. But first, Robert J. Barry, Ph.D answers questions about the importance of Coenzyme Q10 and the differences among various forms. Call with CoQ10 questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.

  Good News about Chocolate
Chocolate and cholesterol. In a review of 10 studies, researchers concluded: “Intervention with dark chocolate/cocoa products significantly reduced serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels.” No adverse effect was seen on HDL.[i]

My 2 Cents: This is very good news, but note that the positive effect was from DARK chocolate. I mentioned FudgsiclesÒ in the title because (a) it is very hot here today and (b) I thought you might be more likely to read on. Although those commercial fudge pops have only 100 calories, most of the calories are from sugar. As you can see from the ingredients below*, chocolate is pretty far down the list-well after 3 kinds of sugar. That is a concern, especially given the amount of other sugary treats lurking about. Dr. Nancy Appleton lists 143 ways sugar harms your health. Yes, you’ve been a victim of “bait and switch”, but bear with me because I come bearing alternatives.

A square of high quality chocolate as dessert is one good choice. Click here for an interesting option. These are portion-packaged so it is more likely we won’t over indulge. Also, they are 70% cocoa content which is a good target. They are certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and Non-GMO. The chocolate is even sourced ensuring responsible labor practices and sustainable farming. And, some of the proceeds support species and habitat conservation. What more could you ask? Bug trading cards? Well, they have them too, so these are good for kids or party favors.

Still stuck on the frozen idea? Here is a recipe for a much more natural fudge-pop without sugar.

Starbucks probably won’t mention this

Caffeine and stiffer arteries. Thirty eight studies were reviewed and concluded: “Current evidence from several small studies suggests that omega-3 and soy isoflavone supplementation provides an effective means of reducing arterial stiffness.” Researchers also noted that “Limited but consistent evidence suggested that caffeine intake acutely increased arterial stiffness.

My 2 Cents: So, I guess that means, in spite of some chocolate content, a Mocha Frappuccino® might not be the best choice. (Besides, it also delivers 13 and ½ teaspoons of sugar.) Coffee does have some benefits and one of these days I’ll do a complete report on the pros and cons. However, anyone suffering with stiffening arteries should probably back off and go with steam decaffeinated. As for the good news in the study, I’m reluctant to recommend soy isoflavone supplementation because its effect on hormones might not be appropriate for everyone. Omega 3 oils, however, seem good for virtually everything and everybody. I love the omega 3 products from our show sponsor, Nordic Naturals. They are available in most stores and online.
  *FudgsicleÒ label:

My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book : Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

Copyright 2011 Martie Whittekin, CCN

[i] Tokede, OA, et al. Effects of cocoa products/dark chocolate on serum lipids: a meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 May 11. [Epub ahead of print]

[i] Pase, MP. The effects of dietary and nutrient interventions on arterial stiffness: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):446-54.