Ever asked what similarities coffee, tea, and cocoa have? Well, aside from being favorite all-day drinks and can be prepared either hot or cold, these three beverages can help lessen the risk of suffering a life-threatening condition, that is stroke.
The wonders of these drinks working together against the fifth leading cause of death is made evident with facts made available from experimental studies, prospective studies, and meta-analyses of the potential role of coffee, tea, and cocoa in the prevention of stroke.
This is the Disease
Stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. This happens when blood vessels get blocked or rupture which can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Though there are three types of stroke, general indicators include confusion, slurred speech, numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, vision problems, trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance, drooling and sudden and severe headache. Should one feel three of the following signs and symptoms, immediate medical attention is needed.
Different Cups, Same Effect
The potential beneficial effects on the cardiovascular health of the polyphenols found in coffee, chocolate (i.e. cocoa) and tea gained significant medical attention recently.
Polyphenols are plant compounds which act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damages the cells and increase your risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They also have antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory effects which are all health mechanisms preventing stroke.
Polyphenols are naturally found in plant foods, such as coffee beans, herbs and leaves, cocoa, fruits, vegetables and spices.
Coffee, cocoa and tea are known rich sources of polyphenols.
Casting Coffee and it’s ‘Black’ Magic
Coffee is rich in various polyphenols, most notably chlorogenic acid (CGA). CGA has been demonstrated to have antihypertensive effects.
In the past, coffee was generally viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, recent evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce stroke risk. Published researches made in United States and Japan supports this result.
White Truth Over Green and Black Tea
All teas are rich in various flavonoids, catechins mainly for green tea, theaflavins and thearubigins for black tea. These flavonoids have been demonstrated to have a hypocholesterolemic effect and to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, they can enhance nitric oxide status and improve endothelial function, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Blood pressure, and cholesterol and blood glucose concentrations have also shown positive reaction in the overall absolute increase of daily tea consumption, or at least 3 cups a day.
Two recent large prospective studies conducted in Japan and Sweden of green or black tea consumption confirmed a reduction in stroke risk associated with high tea consumption. In both studies, the association was similar for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.
The ‘Dark’ Powers of Cacao Products
The flavan 3-ols or popularly known as flavanols in cacao products are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Flavanols also increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and reduces blood pressure.
Studies of chocolate consumption in relation to stroke risk have reported a statistically significant result. In Europe and the United States, there was a 19% lower risk of stroke when comparing the highest with the lowest category of chocolate consumption.
A Stroke of Luck
It’s nice to know that by drinking our favorite beverage, we are also doing something better to our body, and from enjoying every sip, we are also promoting good health.
This is the same goal that Pure Nature has.
Lucky for us, Pure Nature not only offers these three beverages but they made it even better by mixing it with other healthy ingredients. So, what’s keeping you from trying Pure Nature’s Drink Mixes? Go check how you can order by visiting our website or our social media page.