With a digestive landscape that can prove tricky at best, it is difficult to get enough calcium from foods that agree with us alone, so most of us take calcium supplements regularly for decades with the hope of avoiding future fractures.  However, calcium is not like a pain reliever.  You don’t feel any dramatic difference, and you can’t see your bones improving from taking your calcium, so how do you know if your calcium is working?  Or a better question is how do you know it is working optimally?  Given the long term use, and the big risks of failed attempts, it makes sense to take the best calcium possible.

Your health care practitioner recommends calcium, and so does the USDA, the US Surgeon General, the World Health Organization, and all the Osteoporosis Foundations, but I’ll bet they didn’t tell you what kind of calcium to look for did they!  Even your friendly local pharmacist didn’t say, go buy yourself some calcium carbonate, or calcium citrate or calcium from cow bones, or oyster shells, or egg shells, or calcium lactate from milk, did she?  Let me tell you why.  It’s because there is no difference in performance between these mainstream calcium sources!  Other than a little bit of absorption difference, which is greatly exaggerated by marketers, “calcium is calcium” whether it came from a carbonate, citrate, or a lactate.  When it’s delivered for use to your bones, the calcium is separated from the carbonate, from the citrate and from the lactate molecule, so it is simply calcium irrespective of the original source.

Ok, so all the experts are right.  All the calcium sources are the same.  So how do I choose the best one?  What’s my point, anyway?  Keep reading and you will be amazed by new information that is only known to a few research insiders.

This is a picture of raw marble rock. Most of the calcium supplements we take comes from marble or limestone.

Before telling you about the new calcium source with a difference, I have to explain a little about the calcium you have been taking for the last 60 years.  It comes in all kinds of pretty packaging, but inside the package is rock.  That’s right.  Marble and limestone rock to be specific.  Go get your calcium bottle and read the supplements facts panel on the label.  If it says “calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium citrate-malate” or a few other names, it means it was taken from a rock quarry with jack hammers and heavy equipment.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t ever been tempted to make myself a peanut butter limestone sandwich, have you?  How about a tomato and marble salad?  I’m joking, right?   I wish I was, but the truth is that more than 90% of calcium supplements are made from rock.

Now it makes a little more sense why those pills are hard to swallow and constipating, doesn’t it!  Now it makes sense why studies are showing that calcium supplements don’t increase your bone density – they can only slow the loss a little.  Your body simply wasn’t designed to metabolize rock.

Recent research is potentially even more sinister.  A meta-study published in the British Medical Journal in July 2010 suggests that calcium supplementation (from rock sources) may contribute to heart disease, when taken alone. Although the study has serious design flaws, there are lessons to be learned from it. We sure don’t want to take our calcium supplement religiously to protect our bones and end up with a worse problem!

As a naturopathic physician with a focus on women’s health, I believe that we should try to get our calcium from food as much as possible.  Food is the best source because it is a natural balance of minerals and nutrients – like in your bones.  Your bones are not composed of calcium alone.  They have zinc and copper and boron and magnesium and many other minerals which have a distinct role to play.

Further compounding the calcium supplement problem is the amount that is being recommended.  Whenever you take a large amount of ANY nutrient, you deplete other nutrients.  In the case of calcium, studies show that a large amount of calcium will drive magnesium and zinc out of your body – and these minerals are critical for your health!

Now I know it’s nearly impossible to get your recommended levels of calcium and other minerals from your three squares a day, so what’s the solution?

The answer is to look for calcium supplements that ARE food.  That’s right.  Calcium tablets or capsules that are made from food sourced calcium.  Since rocks, oyster shells, and egg shells are not generally eaten, I am suggesting a new source of calcium – a calcium from a living plant.  A source that your body recognizes as food.

In recent years a marine algae called Algas calcareas which is harvested from the shores of the Atlantic inSouth America, has made it into ahandful of calcium products by a few different US companies.  This kiwi sized algae is hand-picked and then milled into a powder which contains not only calcium, but all of the minerals found in human bone in approximately the same balance.  So far, this calcium source is not available in the mass market, but several US health food companies have listed AlgaeCal® as an ingredient on their labels.The idea of eating a plant is so much better than rock; and the idea of symphony of minerals is so much better than calcium alone. And as a physician, the science supporting this calcium source adds substantial confidence.

First, not surprisingly, is the plant calcium is better absorbed than rock calcium according to U of Milan study.  Second, a recently published study conducted by U of CT shows that your body’s bone building cells prefer the plant calcium over the two leading ingredients, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate…by a lot!  Like 200 to 400%. Third, human studies are showing the effect on bone density of this plant calcium is extraordinary compared to all other calcium sources.

Chances are you will be taking calcium supplements for the rest of your life.  It is hard to see progress in supporting your bone health, so why take a chance?  Get out of the Stone Age, and eat plants that are body-friendly.

written exclusively for H.I.C. by,
Dr. Marcus Laux

Change is the only thing constant in the world, everybody ages, and that is a fact. No matter what kind of life you live, or how healthy you think you are right now, all of us eventually age, and what we do at this moment could determine how we live the rest of our lives. However, the aging process can be different for all of us. How we take the aging process largely depends on us.

The changes that come with the aging process affect a person’s body differently. Age is not the only factor which determines how well our body organs work; a large part of it is how we care for our bodies. How our body systems work as we age also depends on how well we understand the effects of aging on our body, and how we cope with these changes.

The Process of Digestion

Digestion is the mechanical and chemical process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.  This task is performed by the digestive system.  The digestive system is composed of the organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the anus.  It also includes the liver and the pancreas.

The breakdown of food starts at the mouth with chewing.  Food is then swallowed and settles in the stomach for a while before final absorption in the intestines. The process of digestion is very important because without it, your body cannot get the nourishment it needs from what we drink and the foods we eat.

What happens to the digestive system as we age?

The digestive system is not spared from the aging process.  It eventually loses its efficiency as we get older.  When this happens, the body can experience both major and minor health problems.

The loss of teeth is very common to elderly people.  It can be the result of neglect more than anything else. However, the incidence of teeth loss and oral diseases increases with age.  Although much of  the water we use today are treated with fluoride, tooth degeneration or loss of teeth will still be experienced as the body looses the ability to utilize calcium for the bones or teeth. A poor appetite is a result of tooth loss as people find it much more difficult to chew and enjoy their food. If this is not addressed, a person might experience weight loss and poor nutrition.

The esophagus wears down with time, making the swallowing process difficult for older people. This could be the result of muscular or neurological disorders. The sphincter muscles in the stomach also weaken and can result in acid reflux and heartburn.

The stomach also decreases the production of hydrochloric acid and other digestive enzymes which are very important in the digestion process. This could lead to poor absorption of Vitamin B₁₂, a deficiency which could result in anemia and nerve damage.This could also lead to increased levels of bacteria in the stomach, making the person susceptible to infections. The movement of waste becomes more difficult as we age. It can be the result of poor muscular functioning in the digestive tract. Digestive muscle also loses some of its flexibility with age, which leads to diarrhea, constipation and hemorrhoids. Incidents of colon cancer and polyps also increase when the intestine slows down. This is why doctors recommend people over 50 to a have a regular colonoscopy to     detect polyps early in order to prevent colon cancer.

Aging, Nutrition and the digestive system

Nutrition is definitely affected by the aging process. Having a healthy diet and regular exercise can help cope with the changes brought about by time. Diets could easily be supplemented by taking vitamins and minerals to replace those which are lost through age. But time is not only the major culprit why people experience poor health with aging. It is also important to remember that unhealthy lifestyles caused by poor-eating habits and lack of exercise affect our digestive system regardless of age.

by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Your Digestive System – How Aging Affects Your Digestion Process and What To Do About It. Retrieved November 1, 2009 from Longevity and anti-aging secrets.com: http://www.longevity-and-antiaging-secrets.com

The Surprising Reason You May Be Aging Prematurely: Improper Protein Digestion. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from Body Ecology: http://www.bodyecology.com

Anti-Aging & Digestion – Maintaining Optimal Health Through Enzymes. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from Shapefit.com: http://www.shapefit.com

Whoever said that you can not have your cake and eat it too? Having a proper diet doesn’t mean starving yourself, but instead, it means eating the right types of food. The body needs its daily supply of nutrients, and going without proper nourishment can only make matters worse. A healthy lifestyle does not only consist of a healthy diet, but also keeping an active lifestyle. Exercise and brisk walks in the park could prove to be a better alternative to taking medications. Always remember that the best way to health is to keep everything natural.

The Food Pyramid

This famous food pyramid gives a good visual presentation of the amount and type of food that should be eaten daily. It is shaped like a pyramid and divided into compartments representing a specific food type. This serves as a basic guide on what type of food is good, and what recommended amount should be taken for better health.

MyPyramid

Click here to visit the USDA website

The US Department of Agriculture has released the latest food pyramid, depicting a more accurate and clearer description of how much and what type of food should be taken daily. This is different from traditional food pyramids, which only showed approximate recommended daily consumption amounts. Food types are divided into 6 different colors contained in 6 triangles of varying sizes making up the food pyramid. The new pyramid represents the recommended proportion of food-type intake. Unlike the old pyramids, the new pyramid is not based on a 2,000 calorie daily intake. The new pyramid is represented in this format to allow more flexibility in planning individual diets.

• Orange represents grains. Grains should provide 6 ounce-equivalents (1 ounce-equivalent means 1 serving), half of which should be whole grains.
• Green for vegetables. Vegetables should provide 5 servings or 2.5 cups.
• Red represents fruits. Fruit groups should provide 4 daily servings or 2 cups.
• Yellow represents oil. Oils should provide 24g or 6 teaspoons
• Blue for milk products. Milk should provide 3 cups/servings
• Purple represents meats and beans. Meat and Beans Group should provide 5.5 ounce-equivalents or servings.

The new food pyramid represents a new look in how a person chooses his diet. Additional calories may be taken if all guidelines have been met. An additional 267 calories of solid fats and sugars may be consumed once all requirements are met.

Fat Fighting Foods and Drink

Another good way of eating your way to better health is by choosing better foods to eat. Eating considerable amounts of certain types of food could significantly lower undesirable fat in your body. Below is a list of fat fighters that could help you burn those unwanted curves:

• Oranges–these citrus fruits contain flavones, which help burn and drive away those fatty deposits in your body.

• Sweet potatoes–higher in fiber content compared to their white siblings, sweet potatoes keep insulin levels in check, keeping those unwanted curves at bay.

• Almonds–rich in alpha-linolenic acids which speeds up fat burning, almonds could prove to be a good substitute to chips in passing those idle hours.

• Soybeans–they are not only a good source of protein, but soybeans also save you from fat deposits. They contain choline, a compound that not only burns fat, but also stops fat absorption.

• Swiss cheese–not all cheese is created equal; cheese is a good source of calcium, which limits fat-producing enzymes. Some cheese, however, contains fat, so stick with low-fat cheese and milk products.

• Berries–eating berries could help you lose those flabby thighs by providing energy for those workouts. Not only are they a good source of vitamin C, berries will give you that extra boost  in the gym.

• Red wine–a glass of red wine after dinner does not only refresh, but is also a good way of burning those fats. Studies have shown that red wine helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Good and the Bad

Modern living with all its amenities has certainly made life a little bit easier. But along with the good things that technology bring comes their negative effects on health. A short stroll to the grocery stroll is replaced with a quick ride in the car. Physical exertion does not only build a strong physique, but also helps burn those unwanted fats. Even traditional values such as home-cooked meals are being replaced by quick calls to the nearest Chinese or pizza fast food restaurant. The truth is that life is moving so fast today that everything seems to be a blur.

America is one of the richest and most technologically-advanced countries in the world today. One simple question is shouldn’t America be one of the healthiest places in the earth, too? Obesity is one of the growing health problems in the country today. A quick glimpse of the people in the streets or at the office could prove this undeniable truth. Prevention through information and education of simple healthy habits could spare future generations from suffering the same health problems we face today.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

New Food Pyramid. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Sampaguita Children’s Learning Center:  http://sclc.i.ph

8 Foods That Fight Fat. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Yahoo! Health:  http://health.yahoo.com

Low Fat Cooking. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from About.com: http://lowfatcooking.about.com

We know that smoking is a leading cause of many dangerous diseases such as lung cancer, but do you know that smoking also has negative effects on the digestive system?  Smoking has always been associated with lung cancer because it is a general misconception that air from smoking only enters the lungs. Like the air we breathe, smoke also enters the digestive tract; therefore, it is important to remember that the mouth is part of the digestive system. Food enters the stomach along with small amounts of air; this is why people often feel bloated after smoking a couple of cigarettes.

Raising the Awareness of Smoking

Efforts to raise consciousness about the negative effects of smoking on health have enjoyed some level of success in highly-industrialized countries. However, smoking in poor or developing countries seems to grow in scale with more and more incidents of smoking found in young people. Poor information and the government’s lack of resolve to stop the habit remains to be the culprit of why smoking has enjoyed its popularity in less-developed nations.

The Upper Digestive Tract

In order for us to better understand how and why smoking affects the digestive system, it is essential that we understand the basic mechanics of how it enters the system. Have you ever wondered why doctors slap the newborn baby? This is done not to punish the baby, but to induce breathing in the newborn. Newborns are mouth breathers; this means that they have not yet developed proper nose coordination for breathing.

The mouth not only serves as the main entry point of food but also as an entry point for air. The mouth is a vital part of both the respiratory and digestive system. This is the main entry point for food, and where air is introduced to the body.

The digestive tract starts from the mouth and terminates in the anus. The mouth and throat are both parts of the digestive and respiratory system. Both systems are interconnected by these parts. The epiglottis serves as a checkpoint for controlling the flow of food or air. But this structure is not entirely air tight; air also passes through to the stomach each time food is taken in.

The mouth, tongue and throat are parts of the digestive system particularly the upper digestive tract. The first stage of digestion happens in the mouth where food is physically broken down by the mouth’s chewing action. Food is also chemically broken down by the saliva and then passed to the stomach through the esophagus.

Smoking and it’s Effects on the Digestive system

Tar is a chemical product produced by smoking; it enters the lung when smoke is inhaled, but is also left as a residue in the mouth. Together with smoke which enters the digestive system, tar enters the digestive system, and this is the cause for many serious medical conditions.

• Cancers in the Digestive System (Mouth, Stomach, Rectal Cancers). Smoking is one of the major causative factors for cancer. Tar is a chemical byproduct of smoking and when exposed to body tissues may cause abnormal cell growth.

• Liver Diseases. The liver functions as a filter removing waste products from the body. Cigarettes don’t contain any nutrients which contribute to normal growth and development. In fact, cigarettes produce harmful chemicals which are dangerous to the body. Smoking cigarettes only increases the strain on the liver to eliminate these harmful chemicals.

• Peptic Ulcer. Smoke not only enters the lungs, but also the stomach. Smoke irritates the stomach and causes increased production of gastric acids. Constant exposure to great amounts of acids damages the stomach linings. Prolonged or chronic exposure to increased gastric acids causes peptic ulcers

• Crohn’s Disease. Researchers have still to determine the exact relationship between smoking and Crohn’s disease. But studies have shown that cases of Crohn’s disease increase with smokers as compared to those who don’t. Chemicals found in cigarettes may irritate the intestines and cause inflammation. Smoking also lowers the body’s immune system leaving the intestines susceptible to infection.

Why do people smoke?

People smoke because of many different reasons. Some people smoke because of the pleasure or comfort they get from smoking. But whether it is for comfort or relief from stress the effects of smoking are psychological.

Cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive. It is similar to other drugs which affect normal brain function. Some people have been accustomed to smoking that its absence affects their emotional and physical functioning. Nicotine affects levels of dopamine and noradreneline, chemicals, which affects a person’s moods or emotions.

The effects of smoking are faster compared to other drugs. Nicotine contained in cigarettes is directly introduced to the blood or rushes quickly to the brain. This is why people find immediate relief from smoking after long periods of absence.

Simple ways for kicking this unhealthy habit

The first thing that a person must to is to realize that this habit is a problem. There is no use in quitting smoking if a person does not honestly believe that smoking poses a danger in his health. There are numerous ways of quitting this habit, and finding the best one is a case to case basis. It is important that a health professional identifies what and what does not work for a patient.

Cold turkey is sometimes not the best option, kicking the habit takes time and a lot of adjustment. There are some complications related with quitting smoking. These conditions are referred to as withdrawal symptoms. Smoking for some people has been a part of their life and is needed for normal body functioning. This is due to the fact that they have been addicted to nicotine that their body cannot normally function in the absence of the drug.

There are two major ways of kicking unhealthy habits. One way is to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes, and by using alternative ways of introducing nicotine in the body, such as nicotine patches. Studies have shown that a therapy using both methods is the best way for people to quit the habit. This could be done by using nicotine patches in conjunction with a conscious effort to reduce the number of cigarettes taken daily.

Smoking is not prohibited by law, but the law also respects the rights of non-smokers. That is why laws have been passed to reduce the exposure of those who wish not to smoke. Examples of these laws are those which prohibit smoking in public places. Second-hand smoke has been proven to be more dangerous than smoke directly introduced into the body. Smoking is a decision that is left to each and every individual, but after learning some of the negative effects that smoking does to the body, it is high time that smokers think seriously about what is best for them.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Nicotine Addiction. Retrieved October 16, 2009 from the American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org

How to Quit Smoking…. And Keep Quit For Keeps. Retrieved October 16, 2009 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes of Health:

http://www.hoptechno.com

Smoking and the Digestive System. Retrieved October 16, 2009 from National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse (NDDIC):  http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

You are quietly sitting at the dinner table after a big meal, sipping your favorite soda when all of a sudden you feel this sudden rush of air flowing into your mouth. You pass out the air through your mouth and everyone hears that familiar sound, you just “burped.”

Burping or belching is a natural reaction of the body when gas builds up in the stomach. Everyone burps, and that’s a fact of life. Burping is as natural as sleeping or eating, and it begins as soon as babies take their first feeding.

What is a burp?

A burp is produced when gas that has built up in the stomach is expelled through the mouth. Gas build up in the stomach may be due to two major factors, eating and swallowing air. It might come as a surprise to some of us, but along with food, air enters the stomach. It is a common misconception that air is automatically passed on to the lungs. When food is swallowed, it passes through the throat and into the esophagus which exits to the stomach. The passageways for food are all hollow tubes, and this allows certain amounts of air to enter the stomach. When too much gas is contained in the stomach, air is released through the mouth (belching) or through the anus (flatulence).

Why do we burp?

Eating certain types of food can cause unusual gas buildups in the stomach. Gas is a natural byproduct of food digestion in the stomach. Certain types of food produce more than the usual gasses and give the stomach a sensation of fullness (bloating).

Some types of vegetables produce large amounts of gasses when being digested. Here are some examples of these vegetables–cabbage, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. Fruits such as apples, pears and peaches are also known to cause gas.

Eating large amounts of fatty foods does not only predispose you to dangerous medical conditions but they also cause burping. Fats are the slowest nutritional component of food to be digested; fatty foods tend to stay longer in the stomach and cause gas to build up.

Lifestyle and Burping

Like some diseases a poor lifestyle can cause more frequent bouts of burping. Smoking and drinking cause gas buildups in the stomach. This is why we find ourselves burping more often after downing a few drinks or smoking. Lack of exercise and a sedimentary lifestyle also cause burping. When we do nothing for long periods of time our body adjusts, and it takes more than the usual time for normal body processes like digestion to happen. Living a stressful life also causes burping. Stress causes acid production, and this builds up the gasses in the stomach. In addition, wearing tight clothes, especially, those which put additional pressure on the stomach area can cause burping.

Beer goes hand in hand with burping

By just looking at your favorite carbonated soda, you can easily determine that it contains large amounts of air. These gasses cause the fizzle and hiss we find so amusing. Beer also contains fair amounts of gasses; this is why we find ourselves burping after drinking our favorite six pack. Drinking large amounts of liquid also causes burping. Water along with air passes to the stomach when we are drinking, the longer we have this tract open, the more air is introduced to the stomach.

Burping in infants

Babies are fed by breastfeeding or milk formulas. When liquids are taken in, large amounts of air are also passed to the infant’s stomach. It is not uncommon that babies sometimes cry after being fed. Babies cry because it is their only means of expressing hunger or discomfort. When babies cry after being fed, this may be due to the fact that they are feeling fullness in their stomach. Babies are then induced to burp to release the gas buildup in their stomachs.

Medical conditions associated with burping and belching

Burping or belching is also known as eructation. Burping signals more than the usual gas formation in the stomach. Burps are also symptoms of medical conditions of the digestive system. Some of the diseases associated with gas formation are gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, GERD (acid reflux disease), lactose intolerance and ulcers.

Gas buildup may also be due to a blockage in the digestive tract. Polyps or inflamed tissues can block the normal passage of air to the lower digestive tract causing a bloated feeling and gas to be passed out through the mouth.

What can I do about it?

Belching or burping is the body’s natural response to gas buildup in the stomach. This is a natural process, and thus should not be prevented. It is best to let the process happen to relieve the symptoms produced by bloating.

Belching and burping is a natural process and what we can do is to minimize its occurrence. Totally eliminating the incidents of burping is impossible. It is best to understand what causes burping and how to best avoid them. Relief from stomach pains due to gas buildup is only done through flatulence or burping. Gas cannot be dissolved or eliminated by any type of medicine. When you feel that bloated feeling in your stomach and need to pass some air, the best thing to do is to excuse yourself and let the natural process happen in privacy. If you feel you are belching excessively, see your doctor for a further evaluation to rule out more serious digestive disorders.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

Sources:

Belching, Bloating and Flatulence. Retrieved October 10, 2009 from The American College of Gastroenterology: http://www.gi.org

Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence). Retrieved October 10, 2009 from MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com

Belching. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Health Encyclopedia – Diseases and Conditions:  http://www.healthscout.com

Chocolate, is there anyone who doesn’t like it? Creamy fudge? Most of us adore this wonderful sweet candy, and some of us even feel we are true chocoholics, unable to carry on daily living without it. The sensation of biting into chocolate and tasting its unique flavor floods our sensory system with pleasure. Chocolate is like romantic love; it releases endorphins in your brain with a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), causing a mild feeling of euphoria. It is further enriched with other mood-enhancing compounds which also contribute to this upbeat attitude—serotonin, theobromine, and anandamine. This is certainly reason enough to continue to eat chocolate, but the news keeps getting better.

Good Health Benefits of Chocolate

Cocoa beans were first prized by the Maya and Aztec civilizations for the wonderful drink which could be made from them. In the sixteenth century as the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico, Cortes was introduced to chocolate by Montezuma, who declared it his favorite drink. The Spanish brought it back to Europe, where it also gained a reputation for its healing powers. Modern research has shown chocolate does indeed have many health benefits:

• Contains antioxidant flavanoids. Dark chocolate has the most flavanoids (antioxidant compounds) which help suppress the free radicals in our systems. Also, blood vessel function improves with flavanoids. However, research shows combining chocolate with milk or eating milk chocolate blocks the antioxidant effect of flavanoids.

• Suppresses coughing. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine which was found to be a third more effective than codeine at controlling coughs. This is the same compound that is toxic to animals that can not metabolize it.

• Elevates magnesium levels. Magnesium levels have dropped compared to the levels of earlier generations. Some scientists believe this is related to food refining and modern fertilizers. The lack of magnesium in the body has been related to asthma, osteoporosis, and ADHD.

• Contains chromium. The metal helps maintain blood sugar levels.

• Helps digest milk. Studies have found that cocoa stimulates lactase enzyme activity, helping to block cramping and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant.

• Improves brain function. Preliminary research shows chocolate may improve memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain.

• Increases longevity. A study at the Harvard School of Public Health of 7,800 men found that those who consumed candy in moderation (1-3 times a month) had the lowest mortality. People who ate no candy had the highest rate of mortality followed by people who indulged in candy 3 or more times a week.

• Reduces blood pressure. Plant phenols in dark chocolate have been shown to reduce blood pressure by 2-3 points.

• Aids muscle recovery. At the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting, a study was presented which showed muscles recovered quicker in athletes who drank chocolate milk as compared to high-carbohydrate beverages. Athletes consuming chocolate milk had lower levels of creatine kinase, an indicator of muscle damage.

• Reduces diarrhea symptoms. Studies conducted at The Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland California have discovered a compound in the cocoa bean that stops the development of fluids which lead to diarrhea. Europeans have long used dark chocolate as an antidote for diarrhea.

The Not So Good Health Benefits of Chocolate

So before you run out to load up on chocolate at the store, you need to consider some of its drawbacks. Even though it was a relief to find out chocolate does not cause acne, hyperactivity and raised LDL cholesterol levels, it still isn’t perfect. When buying chocolate, you need to consider:

• Sugar levels. Chocolate is the sweet candy that it is, because it is combined with refined white sugar. This processed sugar has been found to suppress the immune system, decreasing white blood cells. It is also a high glycemic food which has a large impact on blood sugar levels, digestive enzyme counts, and the pancreas. Before buying chocolate, study the nutritional information on the package, and buy the one with the least amount of sugar. Especially, look for chocolates which have been sweetened with evaporated cane juice or barley malt, because they are less processed, and they keep some of their original nutrients.

• Pesticides. The FDA has found pesticides in many chocolate products, and the EPA allows certain levels of pesticides to be present in cocoa powder. Large plantation owners of the chocolate-producing cacao trees insist that they need to use pesticides. Certified organic chocolates can be bought which are pesticide free.

• Toxic metals. Cadmium and lead have been found at significant levels in 68% of chocolate products tested by the American Environmental Safety Institute. Cadmium is a well-known carcinogen. Lead is unsafe at any level, and children are particularly affected by it. Pesticides, fertilizers, and processing agents are the most likely sources of lead in chocolate. Organically-grown chocolates are free of toxic metals from pesticides and commercial fertilizers. Also, artisan chocolates (handmade or from small companies) are a good choice because they tend to use more natural ingredients in their candies.

When buying chocolate, always choose quality over quantity. The cocoa content should be 70 percent or more to receive the most antioxidant benefit. And as you look into that box of chocolates, think moderation. Avoid drinking milk while eating chocolate, because it cancels out the healthy benefits, unless you are eating it for its lactase enzyme qualities. So go ahead and place a chocolate or some fudge in your mouth, and enjoy the pleasant sensation as the chocolate slowly melts and releases its unique flavor.

Written by, Joy Seeman

© H.I.C. Digestive Health 2009

Sources:

Chocolate. (2009, October 11). Retrieved October 11, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org

DeNoon, Daniel J. (2003, August 27). Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com

Grivetti, Louis E. (n.d.). From Aphrodisiac to Health Food: A Cultural History of Chocolate. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from Karger Gazette: http://www.karger.com