Eating For Health

Who doesn’t love chocolate — that rich, velvety treat that feels like a hug for your taste buds? But what if your favorite indulgence could also help slow the aging process? Emerging research suggests that certain compounds in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, may play a role in supporting healthier aging. Let’s look at the science behind it. 🌟 What’s in Chocolate That May Slow Aging? Dark chocolate and cocoa naturally contain a compound called theobromine , a bitter alkaloid found in cacao beans. Researchers at King’s College London published a study in Aging examining 509 women and 1,160 older adults around age 60. Their findings: People with higher levels of theobromine in their blood — typically from eating chocolate — showed signs of slower biological aging. Why? Cocoa is rich in flavanols and antioxidants, and theobromine appears to be one of the stars of the show. 🧬 What Does “Slower Aging” Actually Mean? The researchers looked at DNA methylation patterns and ...

Can you eat to improve your memory?   Apparently so.   A recent article in CommonHealth describes how one can eat to essentially clog up those brain pathways or how one can eat to unclog your brain and improve your memory.   Another article reviews 15 foods to eat for a healthy brain.   What food clog up your brain? We all know that eating high fat foods, especially those high in saturated fat, can clog up your arteries and are not good for your heart.   Another fat, trans fat, is especially bad as it builds up in our blood vessels and damages them.   So those French fries loaded with fat and foods high in saturated fat like bacon, are not only not good for your heart, they might not be good for your brain. The Diets high in cholesterol and fat might speed up the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.   These sticky protein clusters are blamed for much of the damage that occurs in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Recommend...

Hello nutrition!   March is National Nutrition Month .   The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics theme for 2016 is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right .   What is National Nutrition Month?     It was created by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a campaign to promote nutrition education and information.   Its focuses on consumers making informed decisions about food and promoting good eating habits and physical activity.                 What can you do to improve your nutrition and physical activity?         In honor of National Nutrition Month, U.S. News and World Report is has come up with   30 simple health tips to try each day of March .   They recommend “making small changes that will lead to big improvements”.   Some easy health tips to try this week are:     “Sip while you sit” – drink wate...

Who hasn’t had an afternoon when they needed some extra energy, something to give their energy a boost?   Well rather than hit the snack machine for some high sugar, high salt food or grab a left over donut in the break room, what are some foods that can give you an afternoon pick me up?   Men’s Health has some good ideas on   Foods That FIght Off an Afternoon Slump .   Green Tea – Coffee is great in the morning and who doesn’t like their morning coffee?   But in the afternoon a good choice is a cup of green tea.   It contains theanine and some caffeine to help stimulate your reaction time and creativity.   The theanine will stimulate your brain cells without the jitteriness of coffee.   Keep some packets of green tea in your desk at work and be ready for an afternoon pick me up. Almonds – a handful of nuts a day is a great health habit.   Almonds are a great mix of heart healthy fat, protein and fiber.   A study from Purdue Unive...