[Mari]

Every day scientists are coming closer to developing "a facelift in a jar."

Today, eat some dark chocolate! Dark chocolate contains four times the amount of flavonoids (plant compounds) than is found in green tea. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that slow the aging process and protect cells against the damaging effect of chronic diseases. Chocolate also inhibits cholesterol build-up in your arteries, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

And remember, you see lines on your face, others see your lovely smile.

 

[ericb49]

Flavonoids – catechins and proanthocyanidins (PCOs)

More flavonoids are found in the whole mangosteen fruit than in dark chocolate, grapes and blueberries.

Catechins belong to the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids – a part of the bioflavonoid family. The catechins found in green tea are more abundant in the whole mangosteen fruit, and the health benefits of catechins have been studied extensively in humans and in animal models. Science shows catechins may help maintain cartilage, cardiovascular health and respiratory systems.

PCOs are a significant source of antioxidants that deactivate free radicals before they have a chance to harm your body. Therefore the protection from free radicals that PCOs offer helps to increase efficiency of the circulatory system and play a key role in maintaining intestinal health and cell integrity. PCOs also may help support the immune system and promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system.

Read your labels, there are some anti-aging products that contain flavonoids, use those products to get anti-oxidants on you skin..

 

[dragonlilly]

that's wonderful news!

dark chocolate covered almonds are one of my main comfort foods when I'm stressed emotionally. I'm not a huge chocolate fan usually but now I feel smart about keeping them around my apartment

 

[Mari]

ericb49 -thank you so much for the detailed information. You're lucky to have access to this fruit. Where I live I'll have to stick to grapes, blueberries and, of course, dark chocolate.

 

[ericb49]

Mari - You can check Asian markets for mangosteen fruit, or find a mangosteen juice that has the whole fruit pureed into it because to get the full effect of the flavonoids you need the rind of the fruit, which is like tree bark. Some people even add the juice to their lotion to get the antioxidants on their skin.

sorry for the hijack.

 

[Mari]

Unfortunately there's no Asian markets for about 200 miles of my home. But the next time I'm in the big smoke I'll check it out.

Chocolate will have to do for now, it's my comfort food, and hey, this morning it was
-25C outside -- could hardly breathe.

 

[dragonlilly]

Mari, are you in Canada too?

 

[Mari]

Yes, I haven't thawed out this week. Staying indoors is very conducive to having a "prison palor" look -- my skin looks so sallow right now. I have to do something about this.

 

[dragonlilly]

yes it's gray and blah in NY too. Little warmer but not much.