Magnesium Oxide ?

6 Nov 2005 04:18:58 -0800 in article
<[email hidden]> [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Is it good to suppliment Magnesium Oxide to lower blood pressure ?
Taking almonds and wanuts have some good effect and they do contain
plenty of it .

It won't hurt and may help a little bit. The effect will not be large
though. If you are going to use supplements I would suggest you consider
trying also taurine, arginine, coenzyme q10, fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E,
garlic, and calcium.

--
Matti Narkia

Magnesium oxide is a terrible supplement. Use magnesium citrate
instead. If you avoid any major source of unsaturated fat, you should
see results within a few months. Stay away from all the supplements
(especially fish oi), except calcium citrate, vitamin D, magnesium
citrate, small amounts of potassium citrate, and small amounts of a B
complex. You may need stomach acid supplements, but you'll need to
test yourself to be sure. Basically, take a bit of vinegar with your
meals and see how much you can handle before you get a warm or burning
sensation. If it takes quite a bit, you probably need to supplement
with stomach acid, or you can just keep using the vinegar within your
comfort range.

montygram said:

Magnesium oxide is a terrible supplement. Use magnesium citrate
instead. If you avoid any major source of unsaturated fat, you should
see results within a few months. Stay away from all the supplements
(especially fish oi), except calcium citrate, vitamin D, magnesium
citrate, small amounts of potassium citrate, and small amounts of a B
complex. You may need stomach acid supplements, but you'll need to
test yourself to be sure. Basically, take a bit of vinegar with your
meals and see how much you can handle before you get a warm or burning
sensation. If it takes quite a bit, you probably need to supplement
with stomach acid, or you can just keep using the vinegar within your
comfort range.

Great info , thanks , but I didnot find magnesium citrate nearby
pharmacy .
Do I need to search in vitamin shoppe and how much is the safe dosage ?

Regards ,
s

Sun, 06 Nov 2005 18:02:48 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

6 Nov 2005 04:18:58 -0800 in article
<[email hidden]> [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Is it good to suppliment Magnesium Oxide to lower blood pressure ?
Taking almonds and wanuts have some good effect and they do contain
plenty of it .

It won't hurt and may help a little bit. The effect will not be large
though. If you are going to use supplements I would suggest you consider
trying also taurine, arginine, coenzyme q10, fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E,
garlic, and calcium.

And if you live outside (north or south of) 40th latitudes, take at least
1000-2000 IU of vitamin D/d in winter. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency
may raise blood pressure in some people.

--
Matti Narkia

Vit D is already available with calcium supplimets . I stay at 38 deg
north lat .
Do you feel additional vitamin D will help and in what form is safe to
buy ?

Thanks and regards ,
s

I've been mostly buying from www.iherb.com because they sell the powder
forms at great prices (not in capsules, just powder), and they have a
discount system that I like.

6 Nov 2005 16:01:47 -0800 in article
<[email hidden]> [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

montygram said:

Magnesium oxide is a terrible supplement. Use magnesium citrate
instead. If you avoid any major source of unsaturated fat, you should
see results within a few months. Stay away from all the supplements
(especially fish oi), except calcium citrate, vitamin D, magnesium
citrate, small amounts of potassium citrate, and small amounts of a B
complex. You may need stomach acid supplements, but you'll need to
test yourself to be sure. Basically, take a bit of vinegar with your
meals and see how much you can handle before you get a warm or burning
sensation. If it takes quite a bit, you probably need to supplement
with stomach acid, or you can just keep using the vinegar within your
comfort range.

Great info , thanks , but I didnot find magnesium citrate nearby
pharmacy .
Do I need to search in vitamin shoppe and how much is the safe dosage ?

Unless you are "montygram"'s alter ego, be cautioned, I wouldn't believe
anything he writes. I would double check everything from sources known to be
reliable.

If you have hypertension you may have to reconsider your diet. DASH diet has
designed for reducing blood pressure. Information about it can be found for
example at

NHLBI, DASH Eating Plan
<http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/>

Another alternative is Mediterranean diet modeled after traditional Cretin
diet.

Information about life style modifications, supplements etc. can be found at

Hypertension And Hypertensive Vascular Disease: Online Reference For Health
Concerns
<http://www.lef.org/LEFCMS/aspx/PrintVersionMagic.aspx?CmsID=40336>
<http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-060.shtml>

A citation from there:

"1. Lifestyle Modifications

* Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If
hypertension is present, determine its severity
through a retinal exam. if there are signs of
congestive heart failure by an echocardiogram.

* Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables. Foods high in
fiber have less saturated and trans fats. These
foods naturally provide the many minerals,
vitamins, and essential fatty acids we recommend
below, and many other beneficial natural
substances we have yet to define.

* Reduce stress on and off the job. Stress raises
blood pressure (adrenaline).

* Moderate alcohol intake. It is now known that a
moderate amount of alcohol can help decrease your
risk for heart problems. But, it should not
exceed 2 ounces per day.

* Exercise regularly and keep your weight within
normal limits.

* Stop smoking.

* Precisely follow your doctors prescribed drug
regimen.

2. Nutritional Recommendations

* Avoid sodium (salt) intake. One-third to one-half
of the people with hypertension are significantly
benefited by lowering salt intake. Many respond
better to their medications when on a low salt
diet. Avoid foods containing salt like potato
chips, salted nuts and seeds, ham, and other
mostly canned prepared foods. Too much salt is
typically added to many foods and menu items.

* Take coenzyme Q10, 200 to 300 mg per day to lower
blood pressure, prevent oxidation, and stabilize
cellular membranes.

* Take essential fatty acids, especially GLA and
DHA, ideally in a 2:1 ratio. We recommend three
Super GLA/DHA caps (GLA 460 mg, DHA 500 mg, EPA 30)
along with one Mega EPA/DHA (EPA 360 mg, DHA
240 mg).

* Take vitamin E, 200-400 IU, as a mixture of
gamma- and alpha-tocopherals and tocotrienols to
prevent peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty
acids.

* Take vitamin C, 2000 mg, three times a day as an
antioxidant.

* Take potassium, through the use of No-Salt or
Lite-Salt, and confer with your doctor. (The DASH
diet recommends 500 mg per day.)

* Take arginine in doses of 4500 mg, three times
per day.

* Take Super MiraForte to effectively increase free
testosterone levels, thus lowering blood pressure.
One to two capsules per day.

3. Secondary Nutritional Approaches

* Take magnesium, 500 to 1500 mg per day (DASH
diet).

* Take calcium, 1000 elemental mg per day (DASH
diet).

* Take low-dose aspirin, 1/4 aspirin tablet every
day with the heaviest meal of the day, to reduce
possible cardiovascular complications associated
with hypertension.

* Consider taking garlic, 1500 to 6000 mg per day,
though garlic is probably more effective for other
established cardiovascular diseases.

* Consider nutrients that lower homocysteine
levels, such as folic acid, B6, B12, and
trimethylglycine (if your homocysteine levels are
over 7 micromoles/L, to prevent endothelial cell
damage)."

Some suggestions for supplements may be found also at

Helpful Supplements for High Blood Pressure
<http://www.wholehealthmd.com/news/viewarticle/1,1513,14,00.html>

Hypertension
<http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Concern/Hypertension.htm>
<http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/healthnotes.aspx?ContentID=1033009&lang=en>
<http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Ency/Index.cfm/Id/1033009>

vitacost.com - Science & Research - High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
<http://www.vitacost.com/science/concerns/highblood.html>

Studies about taurine and blood pressure:

Militante JD, Lombardini JB.
Treatment of hypertension with oral taurine: experimental and clinical
studies.
Amino Acids. 2002;23(4):381-93. Review.
PMID: 12436205 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12436205>

Harada H, Tsujino T, Watari Y, Nonaka H, Emoto N, Yokoyama M.
Oral taurine supplementation prevents fructose-induced hypertension in rats.
Heart Vessels. 2004 May;19(3):132-6
PMID: 15168061 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15168061>

Hagiwara K, Kuroki G, Yuan PX, Suzuki T, Murakami M, Hano T, Sasano H,
Yanagisawa T
The effect of taurine on the salt-dependent blood pressure increase in the
voltage-dependent calcium channel beta 3-subunit-deficient mouse.
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2003 Jan;41 Suppl 1:S127-31.
PMID: 12688409 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12688409>

Harada H, Kitazaki K, Tsujino T, Watari Y, Iwata S, Nonaka H, Hayashi T,
Takeshita T, Morimoto K, Yokoyama M
Oral taurine supplementation prevents the development of ethanol-induced
hypertension in rats.
Hypertens Res. 2000 May;23(3):277-84.
PMID: 10821139 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10821139>

Anuradha CV, Balakrishnan SD.
Taurine attenuates hypertension and improves insulin sensitivity in the
fructose-fed rat, an animal model of insulin resistance.
Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1999 Oct;77(10):749-54.
PMID: 10588478 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10588478>

Ji Y, Tao L, Xu HL, Rao MR.
[Effects of taurine and enalapril on blood pressure, platelet aggregation
and the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in two-kidney-one-clip
renovascular hypertensive rats]
Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1995 Dec;30(12):886-90. Chinese.
PMID: 8712013 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8712013>

Ideishi M, Miura S, Sakai T, Sasaguri M, Misumi Y, Arakawa K.
Taurine amplifies renal kallikrein and prevents salt-induced hypertension in
Dahl rats.
J Hypertens. 1994 Jun;12(6):653-61.
PMID: 7963490 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7963490>

Trachtman H, Del Pizzo R, Rao P, Rujikarn N, Sturman JA.
Taurine lowers blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat by a
catecholamine independent mechanism.
Am J Hypertens. 1989 Dec;2(12 Pt 1):909-12.
PMID: 2610995 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2610995>

Inoue A, Takahashi H, Lee LC, Sasaki S, Kohno Y, Takeda K, Yoshimura M,
Nakagawa M.
Retardation of the development of hypertension in DOCA salt rats by taurine
supplement.
Cardiovasc Res. 1988 May;22(5):351-8.
PMID: 3191519 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3191519>

Abe M, Shibata K, Matsuda T, Furukawa T
Inhibition of hypertension and salt intake by oral taurine treatment in
hypertensive rats.
Hypertension. 1987 Oct;10(4):383-9.
PMID: 3308700 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3308700>

Fujita T, Ando K, Noda H, Ito Y, Sato Y.
Effects of increased adrenomedullary activity and taurine in young patients
with borderline hypertension.
Circulation. 1987 Mar;75(3):525-32.
PMID: 3815764 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3815764>

Fujita T, Sato Y.
Changes in blood pressure and extracellular fluid with taurine in DOCA-salt
rats.
Am J Physiol. 1986 Jun;250(6 Pt 2):R1014-20.
PMID: 3717374 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3717374>

More information about taurine:

Taurine - monograph.
Altern Med Rev. 2001 Feb;6(1):78-82. Review.
PMID: 11207458 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/6/1/78.pdf>

A review article about arginine and hypertension:

Gokce N.
L-arginine and hypertension.
J Nutr. 2004 Oct;134(10 Suppl):2807S-2811S; discussion 2818S-2819S. Review.
PMID: 15465790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/10/2807S>

Another good article about arginine:

U.S. Pharmacist Continuing Education - The Role of L-Arginine in
Cardiovascular Health - Lesson
<http://www.uspharmacist.com/NewLook/CE/larginine/lesson.htm>

Studies about Coenzyme Q10 and blood pressure:

Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, Burke V, Croft KD.
Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled
trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;56(11):1137-42.
PMID: 12428181 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12428181>

Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in
isolated systolic hypertension.
South Med J. 2001 Nov;94(11):1112-7.
PMID: 11780680 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11780680>

Langsjoen P, Langsjoen P, Willis R, Folkers K.
Treatment of essential hypertension with coenzyme Q10.
Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:S265-72.
PMID: 7752851 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7752851>

Digiesi V, Cantini F, Oradei A, Bisi G, Guarino GC, Brocchi A, Bellandi F,
Mancini M, Littarru GP.
Coenzyme Q10 in essential hypertension.
Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s257-63.
PMID: 7752838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7752838>

--
Matti Narkia

Mon, 07 Nov 2005 03:19:17 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Another alternative is Mediterranean diet modeled after traditional Cretin
diet.

Should of course be Cretan diet :-). Sorry, I didn't intend to insult
Mediterranean people :-).

--
Matti Narkia

6 Nov 2005 16:09:24 -0800 in article
<[email hidden]> [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Vit D is already available with calcium supplimets . I stay at 38 deg
north lat .

I doubt that vitamin D dose in calcium tablets is sufficient.

There is useful site for checking the hours during which the vitamin D
synthesis in the skin is possible at a certain date at a certain
geographical location:

Duration of Vitamin D Synthesis in Human Skin
<http://zardoz.nilu.no/~olaeng/fastrt/VitD.html>

Quoted message said:

Do you feel additional vitamin D will help and in what form is safe to
buy ?

As I said, I think that at least 1000-2000 IU/d is needed in winter, if UVB
radiation is limited, or at all times if using very protective clothing or
spending almost all the time indoors. Vitamin D3 is the type used in almost
all studies and that is the type our bodies make when sunshine is available.
I wouldn't take D2, it's less effective and less studied. Whether D3 is in
capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form doesn't make much difference, IMHO.

--
Matti Narkia

6 Nov 2005 04:18:58 -0800 in article
<[email hidden]> [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Is it good to suppliment Magnesium Oxide to lower blood pressure ?
Taking almonds and wanuts have some good effect and they do contain
plenty of it .

Perhaps even more importantly almonds and walnuts have plenty of arginine,
which is very useful amino acid for lowering blood pressure. Walnuts also
have omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and almonds monounsaturated
omega-9 fatty acid, which both are beneficial.

--
Matti Narkia

Quoted message said:

Is it good to suppliment Magnesium Oxide to lower blood pressure ?
Taking almonds and wanuts have some good effect and they do contain
plenty of it .

s

I would go with magnesium citrate. Arginine and orthine would be worth a
try.

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - remove tongue to reply.

Quoted message said:

montygram said:

Magnesium oxide is a terrible supplement. Use magnesium citrate
instead. If you avoid any major source of unsaturated fat, you should
see results within a few months. Stay away from all the supplements
(especially fish oi), except calcium citrate, vitamin D, magnesium
citrate, small amounts of potassium citrate, and small amounts of a B
complex. You may need stomach acid supplements, but you'll need to
test yourself to be sure. Basically, take a bit of vinegar with your
meals and see how much you can handle before you get a warm or burning
sensation. If it takes quite a bit, you probably need to supplement
with stomach acid, or you can just keep using the vinegar within your
comfort range.

Great info , thanks , but I didnot find magnesium citrate nearby
pharmacy .
Do I need to search in vitamin shoppe and how much is the safe dosage ?

Regards ,
s

If you cannot find it online, go to the anti-acid section of the local
grocery store and get the "drink" for constipation. It usually has 17
grams of magnesium citrate in about 8 oz of liquid. If you can't tell, 17
grams will likely pass through you with a lot of gas to give it a push.
Right now I'm taking 6 grams a day that I get from an online source as a
solution to heart palpatations.

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - remove tongue to reply.

Cocoa and dark chocolate reduce blood pressure, see the following
references:

Heiss C, Kleinbongard P, Dejam A, Perre S, Schroeter H, Sies H, Kelm M.
Acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and the reversal of endothelial
dysfunction in smokers.
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005 Oct 4;46(7):1276-83.
PMID: 16198843 [PubMed - in process]
<http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/7/1276>

Grassi D, Necozione S, Lippi C, Croce G, Valeri L, Pasqualetti P, Desideri
G, Blumberg JB, Ferri C.
Cocoa reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance and improves
endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensives.
Hypertension. 2005 Aug;46(2):398-405. Epub 2005 Jul 18.
PMID: 16027246 [PubMed - in process]
<http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/2/398>

Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, Alexopoulos N, Economou E, Andreadou I,
Stefanadis C.
Effect of dark chocolate on arterial function in healthy individuals.
Am J Hypertens. 2005 Jun;18(6):785-91.
PMID: 15925737 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15925737>

Grassi D, Lippi C, Necozione S, Desideri G, Ferri C.
Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant
increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy
persons.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Mar;81(3):611-4.
PMID: 15755830 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/81/3/611>

Fraga CG.
Cocoa, diabetes, and hypertension: should we eat more chocolate?
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Mar;81(3):541-2.
PMID: 15755820 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/3/541>

Stoclet JC, Chataigneau T, Ndiaye M, Oak MH, El Bedoui J, Chataigneau M,
Schini-Kerth VB.
Vascular protection by dietary polyphenols.
Eur J Pharmacol. 2004 Oct 1;500(1-3):299-313. Review.
PMID: 15464042 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15464042>

Engler MB, Engler MM, Chen CY, Malloy MJ, Browne A, Chiu EY, Kwak HK,
Milbury P, Paul SM, Blumberg J, Mietus-Snyder ML.
Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases
plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):197-204.
PMID: 15190043 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/3/197>

Fisher ND, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NK.
Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in healthy
humans.
J Hypertens. 2003 Dec;21(12):2281-6.
PMID: 14654748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14654748>

Taubert D, Berkels R, Roesen R, Klaus W.
Chocolate and blood pressure in elderly individuals with isolated systolic
hypertension.
JAMA. 2003 Aug 27;290(8):1029-30. No abstract available.
PMID: 12941673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12941673>

Kris-Etherton PM, Keen CL.
Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for
cardiovascular health.
Curr Opin Lipidol. 2002 Feb;13(1):41-9. Review.
PMID: 11790962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11790962>

Schewe T, Sadik C, Klotz LO, Yoshimoto T, Kuhn H, Sies H.
Polyphenols of cocoa: inhibition of mammalian 15-lipoxygenase.
Biol Chem. 2001 Dec;382(12):1687-96.
PMID: 11843182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11843182>

Wan Y, Vinson JA, Etherton TD, Proch J, Lazarus SA, Kris-Etherton PM.
Effects of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on LDL oxidative susceptibility
and prostaglandin concentrations in humans.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Nov;74(5):596-602.
PMID: 11684527 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/5/596>

Schramm DD, [censored] JF, Holt RR, Ensunsa JL, Gonsalves JL, Lazarus SA, Schmitz
HH, German JB, Keen CL.
Chocolate procyanidins decrease the leukotriene-prostacyclin ratio in humans
and human aortic endothelial cells.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jan;73(1):36-40.
PMID: 11124747 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/73/1/36>

--
Matti Narkia

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 16:08:50 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Taubert D, Berkels R, Roesen R, Klaus W.
Chocolate and blood pressure in elderly individuals with isolated systolic
hypertension.
JAMA. 2003 Aug 27;290(8):1029-30. No abstract available.
PMID: 12941673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12941673>

Te above study is commented in the article

Beneficial Effect of Dark Chocolate in Older Hypertensive Patients
<http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461364_6>

as follows:

"Researchers from the University of Cologne, Germany,
report in the August 27 issue of JAMA that eating dark
chocolate for 2 weeks produced a fall in blood pressure
in 13 otherwise healthy individuals with untreated
hypertension.[7] The 6 men and 7 women aged 55-64 years,
with recently diagnosed and untreated stage 1 mild
isolated systolic hypertension, were randomly assigned to
receive consecutive daily doses of either 100 mg dark
chocolate containing 500 mg polyphenols and 480 kcal
energy, or 90 mg white chocolate, also containing 480
kcal and similar nutrients but no polyphenols. After 14
days, the participants abstained from chocolate for 7
days, then switched groups. The chocolate bars were
substituted for foods of similar energy and macronutrient
composition.

Within 10 days of starting the dark chocolate,
participants showed significant reductions in both SBP
and DBP. At the end of the 14-day interventions, SBP had
declined significantly by a mean of 5.1 mm Hg (P < .001)
and DBP by 1.8 mm Hg (P < .002) in patients who consumed
dark chocolate compared with those receiving white
chocolate. Blood pressure levels returned to
preintervention levels within 2 days of the end of each
14-day period. There was no effect of either type of
chocolate on heart rate and there were no differences in
effects between men and women.

Researcher Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues suggest
that the plant polyphenols that are major constituents of
cocoa solids in the dark chocolate have significant
bioavailability and are responsible for the reductions in
blood pressure seen in the study.

Nutritionists traditionally react with alarm to news that
confers healthy properties on chocolate, and this study
is no exception, with several commentators pointing to
the high number of calories and fat contained in
chocolate and people's tendency to eat large amounts of
it at any one time. However, several concede that if you
must have a chocolate treat, "the bitterer the better!"

Various cardiovascular benefits reported for chocolate,
especially dark chocolate, have been attributed to
antioxidant properties of the polyphenol flavonoids it
contains. A recent paper in Nature confirmed that plain,
dark chocolate resulted in an increase in plasma
antioxidant capacity in humans, but the joint Italian and
UK group found that the effect was markedly reduced when
the dark chocolate was consumed with milk or milk
chocolate.[8] "I guess this means to be healthy you
should eat chocolate with red wine," quipped Andrew L
Waterhouse, PhD (University of California at Davis),
adding, "That is, if you believe in the antioxidant
hypothesis." Dr Waterhouse, a chemist, has been at the
forefront of research into the antioxidant properties of
wine and chocolate."

Another link:

No Kidding...Chocolate Really Is Good for You
<http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/nutr/food/alert10272005.jsp>

There is even a new a clinical trial for dark chocolate:

Clinical Trial: Effects of Dark Chocolate on Insulin Sensitivity in People
with High Blood Pressure
<http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00099476>

--
Matti Narkia

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 16:08:50 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Taubert D, Berkels R, Roesen R, Klaus W.
Chocolate and blood pressure in elderly individuals with isolated systolic
hypertension.
JAMA. 2003 Aug 27;290(8):1029-30. No abstract available.
PMID: 12941673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12941673>

The full text of the above article is freely readable, the link is

<http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/290/8/1029>

--
Matti Narkia

Matti Narkia said:

Cocoa and dark chocolate reduce blood pressure, see the following
references:

Heiss C, Kleinbongard P, Dejam A, Perre S, Schroeter H, Sies H, Kelm M.
Acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and the reversal of endothelial
dysfunction in smokers.
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005 Oct 4;46(7):1276-83.
PMID: 16198843 [PubMed - in process]
<http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/7/1276>

Grassi D, Necozione S, Lippi C, Croce G, Valeri L, Pasqualetti P, Desideri
G, Blumberg JB, Ferri C.
Cocoa reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance and improves
endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensives.
Hypertension. 2005 Aug;46(2):398-405. Epub 2005 Jul 18.
PMID: 16027246 [PubMed - in process]
<http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/2/398>

Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, Alexopoulos N, Economou E, Andreadou I,
Stefanadis C.
Effect of dark chocolate on arterial function in healthy individuals.
Am J Hypertens. 2005 Jun;18(6):785-91.
PMID: 15925737 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15925737>

Quoted message said:

Grassi D, Lippi C, Necozione S, Desideri G, Ferri C.
Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant
increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in
healthy persons.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Mar;81(3):611-4.
PMID: 15755830 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/81/3/611>

Fraga CG.
Cocoa, diabetes, and hypertension: should we eat more chocolate?
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Mar;81(3):541-2.
PMID: 15755820 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/3/541>

Stoclet JC, Chataigneau T, Ndiaye M, Oak MH, El Bedoui J, Chataigneau M,
Schini-Kerth VB.
Vascular protection by dietary polyphenols.
Eur J Pharmacol. 2004 Oct 1;500(1-3):299-313. Review.
PMID: 15464042 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15464042>

Quoted message said:

Engler MB, Engler MM, Chen CY, Malloy MJ, Browne A, Chiu EY, Kwak HK,
Milbury P, Paul SM, Blumberg J, Mietus-Snyder ML.
Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases
plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):197-204.
PMID: 15190043 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/3/197>

Fisher ND, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NK.
Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in healthy
humans.
J Hypertens. 2003 Dec;21(12):2281-6.
PMID: 14654748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14654748>

Quoted message said:

Taubert D, Berkels R, Roesen R, Klaus W.
Chocolate and blood pressure in elderly individuals with isolated systolic
hypertension.
JAMA. 2003 Aug 27;290(8):1029-30. No abstract available.
PMID: 12941673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12941673>

Quoted message said:

Kris-Etherton PM, Keen CL.
Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial
for cardiovascular health.
Curr Opin Lipidol. 2002 Feb;13(1):41-9. Review.
PMID: 11790962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11790962>

Quoted message said:

Schewe T, Sadik C, Klotz LO, Yoshimoto T, Kuhn H, Sies H.
Polyphenols of cocoa: inhibition of mammalian 15-lipoxygenase.
Biol Chem. 2001 Dec;382(12):1687-96.
PMID: 11843182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11843182>

Quoted message said:

Wan Y, Vinson JA, Etherton TD, Proch J, Lazarus SA, Kris-Etherton PM.
Effects of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on LDL oxidative susceptibility
and prostaglandin concentrations in humans.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Nov;74(5):596-602.
PMID: 11684527 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/5/596>

Schramm DD, [censored] JF, Holt RR, Ensunsa JL, Gonsalves JL, Lazarus SA,
Schmitz HH, German JB, Keen CL.
Chocolate procyanidins decrease the leukotriene-prostacyclin ratio in
humans and human aortic endothelial cells.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jan;73(1):36-40.
PMID: 11124747 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/73/1/36>

Perhaps over time so I take 500 mg/day of cocoa extract BUT anything over
1000 mg acts as a stimulant for me and will raise my blood pressure and
heart rate. A day of traveling/driving were I have in the past taking as
much as 2000 mg over the course of the day can raise my blood pressure
15/25 points and my heart rate about 15-20 points by evening.

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - remove tongue to reply.

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 12:12:06 -0700 in article <[email hidden]>

Pramesh Rutajit said:

Perhaps over time so I take 500 mg/day of cocoa extract BUT anything over
1000 mg acts as a stimulant for me and will raise my blood pressure and
heart rate. A day of traveling/driving were I have in the past taking as
much as 2000 mg over the course of the day can raise my blood pressure
15/25 points and my heart rate about 15-20 points by evening.

What kind of extract you use? I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder with no
milk. Even large doses (5-6 teaspoonfuls or even more) will produce nothing
but pleasant effects. Perhaps it's not always wise to go with the extracts,
sometimes the regular food item could be a better choice.

--
Matti Narkia

Matti Narkia said:

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 12:12:06 -0700 in article
<[email hidden]> Pramesh Rutajit

Quoted message said:

Perhaps over time so I take 500 mg/day of cocoa extract BUT anything over
1000 mg acts as a stimulant for me and will raise my blood pressure and
heart rate. A day of traveling/driving were I have in the past taking as
much as 2000 mg over the course of the day can raise my blood pressure
15/25 points and my heart rate about 15-20 points by evening.

What kind of extract you use? I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder with
no milk. Even large doses (5-6 teaspoonfuls or even more) will produce
nothing but pleasant effects. Perhaps it's not always wise to go with the
extracts, sometimes the regular food item could be a better choice.

I get mine from beyond-a-century.com and encapsulate it. I have used
regular unsweetened cocoa powder directly from the grocery store with
similar effects.

"COCOA EXTRACT 12%. Our new cocoa extract has better taste and solubility
than our previous product at about 1/3 lower cost! It has the taste, aroma,
and health benefits of unsweetened bitter chocolate standardized to the
stimulating, thermogenic, mood & performance enhancing ingredients
including 12% theobromine, theophylline & PEA. Promotes energy, fat
burning, suppresses appetite, improves performance, and is a sexual
stimulant - especially for women. Many users report an euphoric feeling. It
was an instant hit here at BAC. A recent study showed theobromine to be an
effective cough suppressant. Dose is 500-1000mg (1/4-1/2tsp) 1-3x/day taken
plain in water, sweetened with stevia or xylitol, with coffee for
hi-powered mocha, or any way you can use chocolate. Dissolves quickly in
hot water or mixes well in shakes without gritty sediment."

http://www.easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./Herbals_C-E.html

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - remove tongue to reply.

On Tue, 08 Nov 2005 17:17:52 +0200, Matti Narkia wrote in
<news:[email hidden]> on sci.med.nutrition
:

Quoted message said:

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 16:08:50 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Taubert D, Berkels R, Roesen R, Klaus W.
Chocolate and blood pressure in elderly individuals with isolated systolic
hypertension.
JAMA. 2003 Aug 27;290(8):1029-30. No abstract available.
PMID: 12941673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12941673>

Te above study is commented in the article

Beneficial Effect of Dark Chocolate in Older Hypertensive Patients
<http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461364_6>

as follows:

"Researchers from the University of Cologne, Germany,
report in the August 27 issue of JAMA that eating dark
chocolate for 2 weeks produced a fall in blood pressure
in 13 otherwise healthy individuals with untreated
hypertension.[7] The 6 men and 7 women aged 55-64 years,
with recently diagnosed and untreated stage 1 mild
isolated systolic hypertension, were randomly assigned to
receive consecutive daily doses of either 100 mg dark
chocolate containing 500 mg polyphenols and 480 kcal
energy, or 90 mg white chocolate, also containing 480
kcal and similar nutrients but no polyphenols. After 14
days, the participants abstained from chocolate for 7
days, then switched groups. The chocolate bars were
substituted for foods of similar energy and macronutrient
composition.

Within 10 days of starting the dark chocolate,
participants showed significant reductions in both SBP
and DBP. At the end of the 14-day interventions, SBP had
declined significantly by a mean of 5.1 mm Hg (P < .001)
and DBP by 1.8 mm Hg (P < .002) in patients who consumed
dark chocolate compared with those receiving white
chocolate. Blood pressure levels returned to
preintervention levels within 2 days of the end of each
14-day period. There was no effect of either type of
chocolate on heart rate and there were no differences in
effects between men and women.

Researcher Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues suggest
that the plant polyphenols that are major constituents of
cocoa solids in the dark chocolate have significant
bioavailability and are responsible for the reductions in
blood pressure seen in the study.

Nutritionists traditionally react with alarm to news that
confers healthy properties on chocolate, and this study
is no exception, with several commentators pointing to
the high number of calories and fat contained in
chocolate and people's tendency to eat large amounts of
it at any one time. However, several concede that if you
must have a chocolate treat, "the bitterer the better!"

Various cardiovascular benefits reported for chocolate,
especially dark chocolate, have been attributed to
antioxidant properties of the polyphenol flavonoids it
contains. A recent paper in Nature confirmed that plain,
dark chocolate resulted in an increase in plasma
antioxidant capacity in humans, but the joint Italian and
UK group found that the effect was markedly reduced when
the dark chocolate was consumed with milk or milk
chocolate.[8] "I guess this means to be healthy you
should eat chocolate with red wine," quipped Andrew L
Waterhouse, PhD (University of California at Davis),
adding, "That is, if you believe in the antioxidant
hypothesis." Dr Waterhouse, a chemist, has been at the
forefront of research into the antioxidant properties of
wine and chocolate."

Another link:

No Kidding...Chocolate Really Is Good for You
<http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/nutr/food/alert10272005.jsp>

There is even a new a clinical trial for dark chocolate:

Clinical Trial: Effects of Dark Chocolate on Insulin Sensitivity in People
with High Blood Pressure
<http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00099476>

Thank you Matti for posting those articles. I'll read them while
nibbling a square of fine dark chocolate (80% cocoa or so)...
To your health! 🙂