QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about dark chocolate and other related subjects, along with informative answers provided by Dr. Warren's site: http://www.mydrchocolate.com.

Q: My husband suffers from Peripheral Neuropathy, mostly in his legs, which causes him severe pain and weakness. His neurologist has nothing to offer him other than an antidepressant used for diabetics with the same type of neuropathy. Have you heard of the dark chocolate helping this condition? Thanks.

A: Dark cocoa may help this situation by stabilizing the nerve roots and repairing the nerves, resulting in improved neuropathy and a decrease in pain. It might take a while, but it may help.

Q: Can healthy chocolate lower triglycerides levels?
A: Yes it can. Cocoa is great for triglycerides and will lower them in addition to cholesterol.

Q: How does insulin use improve by eating healthy chocolate?
A: The cocoa epicatechins and procyandins make the insulin work better. It increases insulin sensitivity and forces the blood sugars faster in the cells. It makes the sugars burn faster and helps stabilize the overall blood sugars.

Q: What is done durning the manufacturing process to insure that the cocoa isn't cantaminated by the lead that may be in the shell? I read that for children, lead can cause permanent neurodevelopmental difictis including impaired IQ. Thank you.
A: The manufacturer tests all the batches for lead before the process starts. There has been no lead in the products.

Q: I met a lady who is unable to take NSAIDs for some reason. Since cocoa is a natural anti-inflammatory, do you know whether it would be a problem or a benefit for her to consume the healthy chocolate?
A: The cocoa is an antihistamine which stops acid production in the stomach and it works on COX 2 pathways which does not effect the stomach. She will do well with the cocoa.

Q: I have recently been diagnosed with failing adrenals and have also been told I am not producing enough insulin. The symptom that took me to my holistic doctor was complete exhaustion to the point that sometimes, while driving, I would have to pull over for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. My BP has always been good (110/70) and remains so. I am an otherwise extremely healthy, 50-year-old woman. After just a few days on the healthy chocolate nuggets and healthy chocolate drink, I am no longer experiencing the frequent exhaustion. I occassionally feel tired, but it passes quickly. Am I imagining things?
A: I am very excited about your response to the chocolate. It is truly amazing what the right type of cocoa can do for you in a short period of time. The different chemicals - theobromine, serotonin, MAO inhibitors, PEA, etc. - do give you the added energy. The cocoa also stabilizes blood sugar and makes you feel stronger quickly.

Q: My friend is allergic to refined flour, refined sugar, and milk. Is it safe for her to try healthy chocolate nuggets?
A: There is no refined flour, sugar, or any true milk proteins. It will be safe and help her feel better. Let me know how things progress.

Q: I know a very over weight man that is diabetic and also taking four different medications for high blood pressure and other health issues. He is reluctant to take the chocolate due to diabetes. We suggested the healthy chocolate drink, but he claims he see no difference in the ingredients in the healthy chocolate drink and the healthy chocolate nuggets. I do not know what medications he is on. Can you shed a little light on this, especially if the healthy chocolate drink is OK, and why is it OK?
A: The healthy chocolate drink is 100% unprocessed cocoa with minimal fat and no sugar. It is the best for diabetics. The healthy chocolate nuggets have some sugars in them, so you have to be more careful with the healthy chocolate nuggets and diabetes.

Q: Is this gluten free?
A: Yes!

Q: Is this good for spastic colon?
A: It is great for spastic colon, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis. It helps a lot.

Q: The question keeps coming up about good fats and bad fats and the fat content of the healthy chocolate products. Could you please help clarify this matter? Thank you!
A: Please look at the booklets and the Omega 3 CD at healthychocolatetools.com about the fats. Remember, cocoa butter is neutral and does not increase cholesterol or put weight on you. It is a special type of saturated fat. The unsaturated fats are from omega 6s and 3s, which are good fats and are essential for your health. You need these types of fats in your diet to feel better.

Q: I have a caffeine sensitivity and have not had any caffeine (including chocolate) for years. Do healthy chocolate products contain caffeine?
A: Pure cocoa beans without the fiber and husk have zero to a very, very small amount of caffeine. The Canadian government tested the healthy chocolate bar and found no caffeine in it.

Q: We have a potential client who had a liver transplant three years ago. He is on a potassium restricted diet, and does not want immune boosters, so are there any reasons for him not to take healthy chocolate products?

Also, we know someone whose grandson has ADHD and cannot take anything with Casein in it. Will he be okay with the healthy chocolate?

A: It is okay to take with the liver transplant and will help him feel better. A healthy chocolate bar is perfect for the grandson, and it will help with ADHD. It contains no casein. -Dr Steve

Q: Do you have any research on how chocolate might help people diagnosed as being bipolar?
A: Cocoa contains bioactive chemicals which will help the bipolar disease. Healthy chocolate that contains omega 3 definitely helps bipolar patients.

Q: How does healthy chocolate affect fibromyalgia?|
A: It is wonderful for fibromyalgia, and even the fibromylagia association wanted information on it.

Q: My dentist was doing an implant for me, and had orginally told me that he would probably have to do a bone graft. Well, he was so excited, I am a text book case of bone growing back and he will be using my xrays in talks. What I want to know is did the chocolate help the bone to grow? Or do you think it was my multi vitamin. I am 60.
A: It is a combination of both. I have had a lot of associates with reports of no cavities and great gums from cocoa. Cocoa will also help bones grow.

Q: I have a friend who has been taken off all chocolate because of a hiatal hernia and damage to her esophagus. What would be in chocolate that would hurt her esophagus? Can she eat healthy chocolate? I would like to have her try healthy chocolate but do not want to cause her a problem by going against her doctor’s orders. Thanks for your help.
A: The sugars and fats in the chocolate cause the problem, but healthy chocolate does not cause any problem and is good for reflux.

Q: Is it possible for a person to get toxic levels of chocolate by
consuming 4 or 5 healthy chocolate nuggets at a time, for a total of 12-15 per
day?
A: Probably not, but I do not know the upper limit, and I preach moderation. Some can tolerate it while others would have problems. Listen to your body.

Q: I read your "Chocolate Desk Reference". In it you state three times that you should not eat too much of it. Others have told me that a person can't take too much. Who is correct? What happens if you take to much? I don't want to give people incorrect information.
A: I preach moderation in all things, so up to four times the amount is okay, but too much could cause problems in some people while some could eat a lot more and have no reaction.

Q: Any studies on Parkinsons Disease???
A: Look at the desk reference at healthychocolatetools.com. There is evidence that cocoa will help Parkinson's with the increase in dopamine and increase in energy levels. Flavonoids, especially cocoa, have been found to help, and, although observational study shows some benefits, no true cross over studies have been conducted.

Q: Can I stop medications when I start this product?
A: You must always check with your physician and work with them in making any changes in your medication. You can take information about the product to your physician and ask for their help in any decision you make.

Q: I am taking coumadin. What will this product change?
A: As with anyone on coumadin – a blood thinner – you must always check with your physician and have your PT-INR followed closely. This is very important since many products can change your results. This product may increase the PT-INR and require a reduction in your coumadin levels.

Q: Are there any other drug-product interactions?
A: At this time there are no other drug-product interactions but we will monitor closely any reports of changes.

Q: I am getting diarrhea after starting this product.
A: This product contains 2 grams of fiber per serving and an increase in fiber intake for most people will cause diarrhea for the first few days until the body adjusts to the fiber. This natural soluble and insoluble fiber is healthy for the body and will help you feel better.

Q: If you consume the recommended amount of dark chocolate a day would you need additional fruits and vegetables?
A: This product contains a significant amount of antioxidants and other phytonutrients, but there are other benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. You should use this product as part of a well-balanced diet along with an active lifestyle.

Q: Is it safe during pregnancy and also for children?
A: As always you need to check with your healthcare provider. This product can be used as part of an overall balanced diet during pregnancy. A recent study showed that mothers who consumed chocolate during their pregnancy had happier and more content children at 6 months than the group that didn’t use chocolate. Children can use this product but in smaller amounts because they do not have the elevated free-radical load.

Read more by visiting Dr.Steve Warren's site:http://www.mydrchocolate.com.