Reserveage CocoaWell

CocoaWell supplements by Reserveage Organics contain pure plant flavanols.

More and more clinical research is pointing up the benefits of natural, organic foods for their antioxidant and nutritional qualities.  There are some foods that are naturally delicious such as almonds, tart cherries and dark chocolate.  Other healthy foods & herbs are more effective as concentrates but are unpalatable so dietary supplements can help fill the gap.

I had the opportunity to try Reserveage Organics CocoaWell line, specifically their Advanced CoQ10 Heart.  This supplement is a complex formula containing Green Tea and Acacia Catechu which works synergistically with CocoaWell Organic Cocoa Powder. CoQ10 is similar to vitamin E and is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in the body.  As we age, the levels of CoQ10 begin to decline and if you are taking cholesterol lowering drugs such as "statins" your body's natural supply can be depleted even further.

Each time you exercise, (highly recommended!), you bring on what is called oxidative stress and free radical attack.  Just think of how rust forms on metal that is exposed to oxygen and the elements.  Aerobic exercise means that you are using oxygen so walking, running, cycling, swimming are all examples of that. Studies have shown that athletes who drank chocolate milk after exercising recovered more quickly than those who downed other post workout drinks. It is thought that the combination of carbohydrates, protein, calcium and the antioxidants present in the chocolate accounted in part for this, (Get our Super Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe HERE).  Taking an antioxidant rich supplement after exercising will go a long way to counteract cellular "rusting" effects.  Taking a supplement with multiple types of natural antioxidants is even better.  Advanced CoQ10 Heart is the first dietary product to combine heart - healthy organic cocoa and plant flavanols with CoQ10.  A side benefit of cocoa powder is added UV protection although I always wear a sunblock during outdoor activities.
 

ADVANCED CoQ10 HEART
I started out with one capsule a day of Advanced CoQ10 Heart (the recommended dosage is two caps per day). The suggestion is to take this supplement with food so I would take it with lunch.  After about a week, I noticed more power and less stress when taking that last major hill during my eight mile bike ride.  This was the case even though I had been off the bike for about a week due to weather.  I noticed the same thing for walking.  It seems I can go for a much longer period of time with out feeling fatigued.

I am now taking the recommended 2 capsules a day, but only 5 times a week. Supplements are highly concentrated food sources so you do not need to take them every day to derive benefits.  What I've found is greater cardiovascular endurance while working out and a quicker recovery afterwards. No jitters, just an even energy burn.  Oh yes and I do still enjoy that delicious piece of dark chocolate from time to time! 

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