It's a fact of life that as human beings, we typically enjoy what's bad for us. Whether it's calorie-laden treats like chocolate, or addictive substances such as alcohol and coffee, it's hard to say no to our favorite forbidden foods and sweet snacks. However, it's also typical human behavior that as soon as we deny something, we want it even more! Put an end to any guilty feelings you might have after indulging right now by reading on and seeing that your forbidden food might not be so bad for you after all. Here are some secrets about food that is forbidden...
Some researchers claim that the positives of drinking red wine go beyond cardiovascular benefits. A number of studies have discovered that an antioxidant concentrated in the skin of the grape, resveratrol, may actually help inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Research into the properties of resveratrol also indicates that it may be helpful in the formation of nerve cells, and so could potentially be a factor in the treatment of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
by Therion, Ontario, Canada
Rather than consuming the entirety of your weekly units on a Friday night, it's much kinder to your body to drink one glass of red wine everyday. Most of you will probably already know that red wine is very beneficial to the heart, but it is also fantastic for your teeth and can also help you cope against the common cold - something that is all too easy to catch. Since** **red wine is packed full of antioxidants, it's also much more beneficial to your health than alcohol which is made up of empty calories or sugary fruit juices. Not to mention your liver will thank you when you manage to avoid a nasty hangover!
Flavonoids are pretty common throughout nature. As you may have guessed, they are also antioxidants. They are found in all kinds of stuff, such as red wine, tea, and beer... AND... Chocolate! Oh yeah! You can also eat the fruits and veggies mentioned above and get them, but chocolate's more fun, right?
by John Soulliere, Financial Planer from Calgary
Eating dark chocolate can help to control blood sugar levels, and like red wine, it contains those all important antioxidants. 70% or 80% cocoa is the best bar to go for, though all chocolate contains serotonin, the brains happy chemical. Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up! Skin problems? Don't shy away from your favorite chocolate - dark chocolate can even help calm the swelling of spots! Just remember that even dark chocolate is still laden with fat and calories, so try to keep your intake to 2-3 squares per day.
The latest research has not only confirmed that moderate coffee consumption doesn't cause harm, it's also uncovered possible benefits. Coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities.
by Coffee Center Researches
Reports would have you think that coffee is one of the most unhealthy drinks around. But coffee, once again, contains antioxidants, not to mention it can protect against skin cancer and even Parkinson's disease. Decaff will give you the exact same amount of benefits as regular coffee, so you can also rule out the negative effects of caffeine. The best advice is to spread your coffee intake throughout the day, and don't have more than four cups.
In 1964, NASA began giving astronauts sugarless chewing gum for their space missions. Since the astronauts were fed through a tube, their gums tended to swell because they were not actually chewing their food. Chewing gum helped keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong. Healthy Smile, Healthy Body...
by HapPy, Health Expert
Too many people believe that chewing gum is bad for your teeth, when actually, the opposite is true. Regularly chewing sugar-free gum can help to produce more saliva in the mouth and as a result, whiten your teeth over time. It will also help to speed up the digestion of carbohydrates, help to avoid tooth decay, and even aid your concentration. Not bad for a treat which has such a bad reputation!