Despite all good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.

Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.

In studies, selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad" (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, study shows that cocoa could help.

In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won’t do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!

He practices what he terms "Full Spectrum Reflexology" - using hands, near-infrared light and tools such as 'Drummer'. I am almost at end of my training with him, and, have to say that addition of light and percussion instruments makes a HUGE difference in effectiveness of Reflexology treatments.

Mildred Carter, my childhood Reflexology heroine, is on Advisory Board for Modern Institute of Reflexology - that, to me, shows much as to institute's credibility, effectiveness and ethics.

So, if you are considering study of Reflexology, take time to check out home-study course at Modern Institute of Reflexology. It has my recommendation, and more importantly, support and knowledge of 'American Mother of Reflexology' - Mildred Carter.