Here’s a morsel of good news.
New research shows it’s healthy to eat chocolate.
Not one but TWO recent studies have indicated that there are benefits to chocolate consumption.
Here’s a sprinkle of bad news, they’re talking about dark chocolate. So, put down that Hershey’s or Milky Way. You need to muscle down the stuff that’s at least 70% cacao. And who says cacao by the way? Just stop it. Also, it’s important to note that the chocolate in the study is also sweetened with 30% organic cane sugar. Thus, you’re going to need to be fancy with your chocolate to get the benefits.
The studies come to us from Lee S. Berk, DrPH, who is a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology, which apparently is a thing. Berk’s findings indicated that chocolate has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory, and immunity.
Berk says all you need is a serving of chocolate about the size of a regular chocolate bar to get the benefits. Back that chocolate truck up to my garage Dr. Berk, I’m in!
Scientists say it’s the flavonoids in chocolate that deliver the good mojo. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Researchers studied cell expression and EEG responses to show how terrific chocolate can be. I have no idea how one studies cell expression, but Berk does, and the research shows that the doohickeys all indicate thumbs up. (Science terminology there.)
Sticking with healthy eating news, the government is advising you to throw away your romaine lettuce.
Which is annoying because for years I’ve been buying the fancy romaine instead of the more pedestrian iceberg lettuce that I grew up with. I mean Romaine is so Food Network. It’s what I imagine Ina Garten would prepare if Jeffery wanted a salad. I can’t imagine her saying, “You can use iceberg lettuce, but make sure it’s good iceberg.”
I’ve been shunning good old reliable iceberg for the swanky romaine just to be cool. And now it could kill me! Serves me right for trying to put on airs with my greens.
The government advises fishing the romaine lettuce out of the crisper with tongs, while wearing a level three toxic containment suit, dropping it into a hermetically sealed container, and killing it with fire.
They say any romaine from Yuma Arizona is at issue, but to be safe, just toss your romaine if it’s from anywhere but your backyard because dozens of people in 16 states have been affected by an E. coli outbreak. They haven’t identified a brand so like I said kill it with fire.
I’m left wondering why it couldn’t have been kale?
In conclusion, for optimal health, based on current science news, I’m going to be in the corner eating swanky chocolate and avoiding greens. Keep in mind this is a personal life choice. I’m not advising you to do this. I’m not a doctor. Consult your own physician for advice on what foods to light on fire.
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