Cocoa Tickles™

Cocoa and dark chocolate is a rich source of flavonoids and flavonoid-related compounds with strong antioxidant effects. Studies suggest that cocoa flavanoids improve the health of blood vessels and reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that can lead to clogged arteries.		Toll Free 1-800-528-4031
Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to play a part in keeping cholesterol levels low, stabilizing irregular heart beat and reducing blood pressure which helps to lower the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases.   Since Cocoa Tickles contains essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which prevent the formation of lipoproteins that obstruct the arteries, it improves the blood flow in the arteries and promotes good cardiovascular health. It in turn lowers bad cholesterol and increases the “good” kind. Can you imagine a better way to tickle your heart into a healthy bliss?

AHA Recommendation  

Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease.

We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least twice a week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn't have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The table below is a good guide for consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.

Summary of Recommendations for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake.

Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician’s care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Background
In 1996 the American Heart Association released its Science Advisory, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Lipids and Coronary Heart Disease.” Since then important new findings have been reported about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease. These include evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials. New information has emerged about how omega-3 fatty acids affect heart function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics) and arterial endothelial function. These findings are outlined in our November 2002 Scientific Statement, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease.”

The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk are still being studied. However, research has shown that they

• decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death

• decrease triglyceride levels

• decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque

• lower blood pressure (slightly)

What do epidemiological and observational studies show?
Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD incidence. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources.

The ideal amount to take isn’t clear. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes. For alpha-linolenic acid, a total intake of 1.5–3 grams per day seems beneficial.

Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes). They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event. For example, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials are needed to document the safety and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in high-risk patients (those with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smokers) and coronary patients on drug therapy. Mechanistic studies on their apparent effects on sudden death also are needed.

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.

• An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans

• Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish)