Information on Antioxidants in Foods and Tampa CPR Classes

It is important to eat well and exercise regularly which are the two best ways to keep your ticker well-functioning. Any problem with the functioning of your heart can cause life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by going for a CPR class Tampa at an accredited training center. In the classes, get to learn about the life-saving resuscitation procedures that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. Always select an accredited training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida. Certified instructors conduct the classes. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. 

There are a few foods like grapes, tea and chocolate that may be highly beneficial for your heart health as they contain special components called phytochemicals. Enjoying them in moderation can be heart-healthy for you. 

Read to know more:

1.      As per research, there are a variety of flavonoids that may be beneficial for your heart health. Flavonoids basically are one group of phytochemicals found naturally in red wine, tea, cocoa, soy, citrus fruits, berries, apples, onions and pulses (dried beans, peas and lentils). There are thousands of different flavonoids found in many different foods. It is advisable that you include plenty of fruits and vegetables of different colors in your diet.

2.      When it comes to plants, flavonoids protect them against toxins and helps in repairing damage. It is believed that they act in a similar way within the body. They, as antioxidants, help prevent damage from free radicals that can build up during normal body processes, such as breathing thus resulting in decrease in cholesterol levels which again prevents atherosclerosis (plaque formation within the walls of the arteries).

3.      Flavonoids also help in preventing blood clotting, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, decreases inflammation and helps with insulin sensitivity.

4.      Eating a variety of foods rich in flavonoids may lower your risk of heart disease although research is still going on.

As per research, eating dark chocolate is said to be associated with less coronary heart disease which can be attributed to the presence of flavanols (the main type of flavonoid) found in cocoa and chocolate. Like we have already mentioned that they act as an antioxidant. But remember that not all chocolates have flavanols and the main problem is with processing. Flavanols contribute a bitter taste to cocoa. The more chocolate is processed through roasting, alkalizing and fermentation, the less bitter it tastes and the more flavanols are depleted from the cocoa and most commercial chocolate and cocoa is highly processed.

Health benefits should never be a reason for you to start eating chocolates. But still if you cannot do without chocolates, choose dark chocolate (usually the darker, the better) for the most flavanols and make sure the first ingredient listed is cocoa (not sugar). Eat chocolate only in moderation.

At CPR Tampa, you can either register for a class online or call on 727-240-9404.