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CACAO FUNCTIONAL FOODS • Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which have significant health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. • Cacao is rich in flavanols, which lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function. • Cacao can improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol. Eating up to one serving of chocolate per day may reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits EAT WELL! After Exercise This is the MOST important meal of the day. Your body only has a 30-45 minute window to optimize your workout. If you miss this opportunity to give it what it needs, the window quickly closes. You won’t be able to store as much glycogen you did prior to your workout because the cells that once contained your stored sugars have shrunken to now maintain as slower metabolism. Drinking a high-glycemic post-workout shake, with a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein, causes the sugars to race into your muscles and replenish the lost glycogen. This will keep your metabolism humming. This is key to weight loss and muscle gain. Your body will not gain an ounce of fat but you WILL realize your health and fitness goals much quicker. Nutrition Quarterly · 2020 – Volume 1 17