More support for dark chocolate's heart benefits
A daily treat of dark chocolate can improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a new study. Smokers were chosen as the study group because smoking is a major risk factor in cardiovascular health. Endothelial cells, which line the walls of the arteries, are affected by cigarette smoke, both passive and active. Platelets contribute to blood clotting and then to thrombosis. The volunteers were randomly divided into two groups and, after a 24-hour period of abstinence from polyphenol rich foods, were given 40g of dark or white chocolate. Dark chocolate induced a rapid and significant improvement of endothelial and platelet function in healthy smokers two to eight hours after ingestion. “Only a small daily treat of dark chocolate may substantially increase the amount of antioxidant intake and beneficially effect vascular health,” concluded the study. Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, and contains more polyphenols per gram than green tea or red wine.
Hermann, F., Spieker, L.E., Ruschitzka, F., Sudano, I., Hermann, M., Binggeli, C., Lüscher, T.F., Riesen, W., Noll, G., & Corti, R. (2006). Dark chocolate improves endothelial and platelet function. Heart, Jan 2006; 92: 119 - 120.
Nut link to lower cholesterol gains credence
A new evidence for nuts’ ability to lower cholesterol levels confirms that almonds, peanuts, walnuts and pecans could be useful as part of an overall heart-healthy diet. The study concluded that eating around 50 to 100 g (1.5 to 3.5 servings) of nuts five or more times a week, as part of a healthy diet may significantly reduce total and LDL cholesterol.
Petersen, et al. (2005). A Systematic Review of the Effects of Nuts on Blood Lipid Profiles in Humans. J. Nutr. 135: 2082-2089.
Walnuts are a source of melatonin
The omega-3 content of walnuts has already been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, but now research shows that they are a source of the antioxidant melatonin. Walnuts typically contain between 2.5-4.5 ng melatonin/g walnuts. The synergistic effect of omega-3, melatonin and other nutrients gives walnuts the edge over a supplement containing just one element, concludes the study.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=62492&m=1FNU914&c=oxrvdahlytvonqv
Health and honey
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign say that honey may be a healthier alternative to corn syrup due to its higher level of antioxidants, compounds which are believed to fight cancer, heart disease and other diseases. Results presented at the 2004 American Chemical Society meeting in Illinois, suggest that honey may have the same level of disease-fighting antioxidants as that of some common fruits.
http://confectionerynews.com/news/ng.asp?id=55557&n=wh44&c=alqgykqseuhooih
High-carb intake linked to breast cancer
There may be a link between high consumption of carbohydrates and breast cancer, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (Aug, 04). The study found that women who received 62% or more of their calories from carbohydrates doubled their risk of breast cancer compared to those whose carbohydrate consumption accounted for 52% or less of their caloric intake. The strongest associations to breast cancer were found in the sucrose and fructose carbohydrate components. Other results from the study showed that diets higher in insoluble fiber had a slightly lower risk of breast cancer, and that there was no association between fat intake and breast cancer.
Alpha-linolenic acid good for cardiovascular health
Walnuts are one of the sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Research from Penn State showing an ALA diet to improve vascular function was reported May 6 2004 at the American Heart Association's 5th Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in San Francisco. The findings suggest that the special kind of fatty acids that are present in walnuts can improve the function of arteries and allow them to dilate better. The special combination of nutrients in walnuts account for these beneficial effects.
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