5 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

You've probably already heard of chocolate improving the mood, but there are more health benefits to chocolate that you may be unaware of. Before you go raiding the candy jar, keep in mind that these health benefits pertain to DARK CHOCOLATE only. That is anything with a cocoa content over 65%. Milk chocolate is probably what you are used to, but if you are interested in eating healthy it might be a good idea to give dark chocolate a try.

1. Good for the Heart - Due to the presence of antioxidants in dark chocolate, studies have found that in individuals with high blood pressure, a stick of dark chocolate a day can lower blood pressure levels. In addition, dark chocolate has been known to lower cholesterol levels by up to 10%.

2. Improves Mood - Dark chocolate stimulates endorphin production which in turn provides the brain with feelings of pleasure. A substance called theobromine which provides you with caffeine-like stimulation is also present in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains serotonin which is known to act as an anti-depressant.

3. Low fat - Unlike milk chocolate or white chocolate, dark chocolate contains very little fat that will affect your cholesterol. Of the small amount of fat in dark chocolate, 1/3 of the fats are actually good fats which are healthy for the body. The remaining 2/3rds are made up of a neutral fat, and a saturated fat.

4. Stress Reducer - A study found that eating an ounce of dark chocolate a day for two weeks drastically reduced stress levels in the bodies of people who were feeling highly stressed.

5. Stabilizer - Not only does dark chocolate regulate and stabilize the mood, but it's also been found to help regulate the body's metabolism

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

5 ways to Break the Fast Food Habit

Many of us eat fast food regularly due to it's availability and convenience. Even though you know it's not the best thing to be putting in your body, the addicting tastes and affordable prices are enough to keep you coming back for more. However, Eating large amounts of fast food will eventually cause your body harm. Fast food does not contain the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to get out of a meal. Problems with cholesterol and obesity could occur in those who eat fast food regularly. Here are some tips to help you break your fast food habit.

1. Plan ahead - For the most part, we tend to opt for fast food when we are in a hurry and need a quick meal. If you plan ahead you not have to stop at McDonalds on the way home from work for dinner. Always have an idea about what you are going to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before you start the day.

2. Pack Snacks - If you carry healthy snacks with you when you go out, they will hold you off until it is time to have a meal. Pack things like trail mix, carrots and dip, or crackers and cheese. This way you will not be tempted to grab a small bite of greasy food.

3. Try once a month cooking - There are recipes online and in books that teach you how to cook enough meals to freeze so that they can be re-heated if you need a quick dinner solution.

4. Healthy Restaurants - find out if there are any healthy restaurants or cafes in your area and try eating there instead of fast food joints when you need a quick meal.

5. Reward yourself - If you are successful in cutting back on fast food, its okay to reward yourself every now and then. Having fast food a few times a month will satisfy your fast food cravings, but won't bring you back into the habit!




DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Impact of flu infection lessened by statin drugs

Research lead by Meredith Vandemeer of Oregon's Public Health Division with the help of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied 2,800 hospitalized people with the flu in 2007/2008. It was determined that those taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) were 50% less likely to die from the infection than those who were not taking any form of statin.

Of the patients studied, 801 were taking statins anyway and continued taking them while hospitalized. Seventeen H1N1 patients who were taking statins died either while in the hospital or several weeks later, compared to 64 who were not taking statins, Vandermeer said.


The conclusion gives concerns about H1N1 because they suggest that statins reduce the inflammatory symptoms common in both pandemic and seasonal flu. These results may spark the attention of the pharmaceutical industry hoping to extend the revenue of top selling drugs through new disease indications. Meredith Vandemeer suggests that "there may be a role for statins in influenza treatment".


This is not the first time a group has studied statins' dual anti-inflammatory and anti-influenza benefits. In 2006 a paper was published in the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases "Pandemic Influenza: A potential role for statins in treatment and prophylaxis" suggested that statins had protective effects in bacteriamia, sepsis and pneumonia.

Research teams are now performing analysis to test the effectiveness of one brand over another. It is also suggested that statins may help patients by lowering inflammation. When a flood of chemicals and cells are summoned to fight viral and bacterial invaders, inflammation is part of the body's immune response.

Statin drugs include Crestor, Pravachol, Lovastatin.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Heart Risks Found In 20% of Teens

Did you know that 1 out of every 5 students in Grade 9 have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke? The recent Canadian study shows just how fast teen health is declining.

The study showed an increase in cardiovascular risk factors since 2002. However, the most alarming statistics is that the study reported that 13% of teenagers are obese and 16% had high blood cholesterol levels! Remember this is in Canada (Only around 30 million people, whereas the United States has about ten times the number of people).

Obviously there is a huge problem here. My thoughts would be to implement a more rigorous physical education (P.E) course/make P.E mandatory from middle school all the way through high school. Also, remove junk food from cafeteria's and put in healthier snacks. The kids will complain, but honestly it must be done. Additionally, as part of the P.E curriculum, spend a week, at least, on nutrition and the importance of exercise. These kids need to have this knowledge drilled into their minds so it because second nature to them. Somethings need to change, and change quickly.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.