9 Health Benefits of Chocolate

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Superfoods don't just come from your supermarket's produce aisle. In fact those chocolate candy bars next to the gummy bears now qualify. Study after study proves that dark chocolate—sweet, rich, and delicious—is good for more than curing a broken heart. The secret behind its powerful punch is cacao, also the source of the sweet's distinct taste. Packed with healthy chemicals like flavonoids and theobromine, this little bean is a disease-killing bullet. The only problem? Cacao on its own is bitter, chalky, nasty stuff. Enter milk, sugar, and butter—good for your taste buds, not always good for your health. Besides adding calories, these can dilute the benefits of cacao. So snack smart: Stick to healthy chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao (or cocoa, which is cacao in its roasted, ground form). As long as the content is that high, says Mary Engler, Ph.D., a professor of physiological nursing at the University of California at San Francisco, you can reap the be...

Don’t Eat These 7 Foods if You Are Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis!


A surprising fact about rheumatoid arthritis is any person can develop it – children and adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1.3 million people are living with the joint pain and fatigue caused by reumatoid arthritis. It is one of the most debilitating forms of arthritis.

As a rheumatoid arthritis patient, you know the challenges associated with managing the pain associated with this condition. An important action you can take to decrease pain is eliminating foods that cause joint inflammation from your diet.

 Here are 7 foods that may be contributing to your rheumatoid arthritis pain. Refined Sugar Think twice before you reach for that sugary treat. Whether it is cake, cookies or sweet tea, refined sugar is a primary cause of inflammation that leads to joint swelling and tenderness. Fried and Processed Foods Fried and processed foods may be delicious, but they contain toxins that lead to inflammation and joint pain. Processed foods that you should avoid include frozen dinners, potato chips, hot dogs and cereals.

 Dairy Products A recent study by The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests the protein in dairy causes inflammation in the joint areas. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients develop intolerances to dairy products. When this occurs, antibodies are developed that attack the dairy products and joint tissues. Red Meats According to the food pyramid, only small portions of meats should be eaten. However, rheumatoid arthritis patients should eat other sources of protein such as chicken, fish and beans.

Red meat contains high amounts of saturated fats that contribute to inflammation and swollen joints. Gluten Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis also suffer from the inability to process gluten. Foods such wheat, spelt and barley contain gluten that aggravates rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol If you drink more than three glasses of alcohol each week, your body could be at risk for increased inflammation.

Excessive alcohol consumption could decrease the effectiveness of your rheumatoid arthritis medication. Salt Salt in any form is a potential health threat for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pay close attention to your labels and avoid foods with high sodium content. Diet is a big contributor to rheumatoid arthritis pain. By eliminating these foods, you can diminish your rheumatoid arthritis pain.

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