February is well known for its calendar holiday: Valentine's Day. We take this month as an opportunity to celebrate the ones we love. This celebration usually includes sweets, cookies and a whole lot of chocolate! Fun fact: dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa) in small amounts can be very beneficial as it's loaded with antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others, and various amounts of vitamins and minerals and low amounts of sugar. It's great as a treat, but for most of us, it's not something we should eat every day! Unfortunately, most of the sugary sweets and milk chocolate that we consume on Valentine's Day can directly affect our kidneys and heart health because they are full of processed sugar and empty carbohydrates. Fortunately, if you’re doing anything to lower your risk of heart disease, you’ll also be helping your kidneys stay healthy too! Smoking, obesity, having diabetes or high blood pressure are all risk factors for a fatal heart attack or stroke. Taking control of these factors can prevent heart damage and kidney damage. Everyone wants to protect the ones they love and that starts with protecting yourself! Make sure to speak to your endocrinologist, cardiologist, primary care physician or nephrologist on ways to protect your kidneys and heart from disease. And as for chocolate, make sure your treat says, 70% cocoa or higher, otherwise, it's not dark chocolate! Stay Safe. Be Well. Cleveland Kidney & Hypertension Consultants Comments are closed.
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AuthorCleveland Kidney & Hypertension Consultants Inc. provides distinguished, superior medical care. We specialize in kidneys, hypertension, CKD, ESRD and dialysis. We collaborate closely with the best doctors in Cleveland, for a comprehensive approach to your total well being. This blog is general information and not meant for any individual's health directive. Consult with us for specific and best advice. Archives
December 2021
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