Health and nutrition

I have done a lot of research in the past on this subject. We are not allowed to give health advice on here, but maybe just pointing out what studies have indicated about food is ok - the mods will advise if it's not.

So, just to be clear to readers of this thread: this is not health advice - if you are concerned about your diet or health, always consult a doctor.

In response to the original post, blueberries do seem to have shown benefits in studies, but I personally don't like them. I hate most raw fruit, but can eat some cooked. I could eat a Blueberry muffin, but that's not so healthy.

One food I enjoy as a snack is dark chocolate with whole nuts in. Some people may be surprised to find out that there are studies indicating health benefits of dark chocolate. 

According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition, people who ate dark chocolate more than five times a week reduced their risk of heart disease by 57%. 

The high levels of flavonoids in dark chocolate are believed to be responsible for improving learning and memory, according to The FASEB Journal.

The University of Michigan Health System recommends that people should eat 1 ounce of dark chocolate every day. This is due to the fact it contains antioxidants called flavonoids that are good for heart health. They can help lower your LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots and increase blood flow through the arteries and heart.

According to an article in the Frontiers in Pharmacology, during digestion chocolate behaves like a prebiotic, which is a type of fibre that encourages the growth of good gut bacteria. The more ‘good’ microbes there are in your system, the better your body is able to absorb nutrients and support a healthy metabolism.

Of course, only a small portion per day is recommended - not a whole 200g bar!

Hi Lotus, thanks very much for clarifying the forum rules over whats permissable.

I find blueberry muffins often a bit sweet, but something like blueberry and apple crumble, or pancakes with blueberries and icecream or greek yoghurt tastes nice to me.

I never knew of that study that said dark chocolate reduced the risk of heart disease.   Thanks for sharing about it.   I believe dark chocolate is also on Jim Kwiks list of brain foods.   I must admit i prefer milk chocolate but as dark is considered beneficial by some i think i will try it again. 

Its interesting that it might help to lower LDL cholesterol.    

Someone told me that if youre someone who is prone to eating a whole bar, to try freezing a bar and just break off a little each day.   Thanks for writing such a detailed and helpful reply.

Hi Lotus, thanks very much for clarifying the forum rules over whats permissable.

I find blueberry muffins often a bit sweet, but something like blueberry and apple crumble, or pancakes with blueberries and icecream or greek yoghurt tastes nice to me.

I never knew of that study that said dark chocolate reduced the risk of heart disease.   Thanks for sharing about it.   I believe dark chocolate is also on Jim Kwiks list of brain foods.   I must admit i prefer milk chocolate but as dark is considered beneficial by some i think i will try it again. 

Its interesting that it might help to lower LDL cholesterol.    

Someone told me that if youre someone who is prone to eating a whole bar, to try freezing a bar and just break off a little each day.   Thanks for writing such a detailed and helpful reply.