Before no one had doubts that dark chocolate is good for health. It was truly believed that it contains a large amount of flavonoids – substances that have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease and also help to cope with fatigue. This information was contained in a number of scientific articles.
New research, however, will disappoint people who like chocolate.

It turns out that many manufacturers produce dark chocolate with a low content of flavonoids in it or without them at all. The fact is that these substances have a bitter taste that not everyone likes.

And moreover, it seems manufacturers are not going to point out a new content of chocolate on the labels. It means we are not getting any useful flavonoids but just are consuming a big amount of sweets, which lead to certain consequences.

“Evil that is lurking in dark chocolate – are fat, sugar and calories,” – scare authors of the article.

Nutritionists warn that the number of obese people in 20 years can be a half of the U.S. population. Experts urge the authorities to think about food policies. Among other measures, the doctors offer significantly lower prices for healthy foods and claim to stabilize it on fat, sugar and carbohydrates containment, according to Newsru.co.il.

Experts believe that the average U.S. citizen should take out of his daily menu about 500 calories, which will lead to a loss of 500 grams of weight per week.

Scientists note that changes in the food market, which occurred in the last century, created a situation provoking overeating. In modern conditions people need to have a strong will to be able to maintain a normal BMI (Body Mass Index).

A team of scientists from the U.S. led an experiment that included 62 students. People were proposed to drink a glass of lemonade. One half of students got the drink with sugar, and another – with sweetener.

After eight minutes (when glucose hit the blood), participants were asked to check the reaction in a game against the second group. The losers told they heard in their headphones loud and unpleasant noise. The level of this noise was chosen by the opponents before the game.

In fact, psychologists this way have determined the level of aggressiveness in the participants. It was found that students who drank lemonade with sugar behaved less hostile comparatively to the second group.

If to add to the diet relatively inexpensive potatoes and beans, as sources of potassium and fiber, then the budget will stand still. But research has shown that full consumption of potassium will lead to additional $380 per year for the average consumer, says the leading researcher and Associate Professor from Epidemiology School of Public Health at the University of Washington, Pablo Monsivays.

He also criticized some aspects of marketing for healthy nutrition – products such as salmon, fresh greens and brown rice are not available for average U.S. citizens. Therefore, the program should provide people with food coupons to buy fruits and vegetables. And the policy of the State of Washington made potatoes a scarce commodity for women with children.

Scientists interviewed by telephone 2000 adults in Washington state and printed out sheets for 1300 more. They pointed out what foods people choose, and then analyzed them for nutrient content and costs spending.

People who spend most of their household budget on food products receive the recommended levels of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium. Who spent less – consume a lot of saturated fat and sugar.

Many people believe that poor people eat cheap foods because it tastes good, and healthy foods they simply can not afford. Almost 49% of buyers in the United States are guided primarily by price when purchasing foods.

Diets are becoming more and more expensive, depending on the requirements for the product. Plus, there are additional funds needed for fuel to get to the store offering all the variety of fruits and vegetables.

Scientists believe that the only farming subsidies and price reductions on healthy foods can help curb the obesity epidemic.

Pear

Just one large pear a day provides the daily need for iodine; there are many organic acids in the pear pulp, which improve appetite, help with digestion of heavy foods and protect the body against infections.

Pear has a tart taste due to the presence of tannin in it. This substance helps to cope with an upset stomach that’s why pear has long been considered as an excellent remedy to fight diarrhea. Pear fruits contain biologically active substances that can enhance body’s defense to resist infectious diseases, providing anti-inflammatory effects, and even fight depression.

Pears are also rich in iron which is essential for the synthesis of healthy blood cells. Therefore, it is recommended to consume pears to people suffering from fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and loss of appetite.

Fluoride is known for cavities prevention , but permanent ingestion of excessive amounts of it can cause serious damage to the bones. According to the report of experts it is not dangerous to take 2-3 mg of fluoride per day, but if the dose exceeds this amount, it becomes dangerous.

Therefore, the permissible dose, which does not harm health – is one cup of tea per day (contains no more than 9 mg of the chemical element).

The analysis was based on data of 123 patients aged 25-45 years suffering from dental fluorosis, who drank 6 or more cups of invigorating drink per day for the last decade.

Within five years, a team of scientists led by Professor Carol O’Neill have observed more than 15 thousand girls aged 19+. The participants were divided into two groups based on the number of daily consumed sweets and sugar. As a result, scientists have concluded that BMI and waist circumference in “sweet lovers” was a little less than in others: for example, the average BMI of first group members was 27.7, and in the second group – 28.2.

According to scientists, obesity develops due to the fact that we consume more calories than we spend. So doctors recommend getting from sweets, fast food and soda, no more than 10% of daily calories.

Also according to them, sweet lovers usually are a little more involved into physical activity, that helps them to burn extra calories, says MIGnews.com.

This preservative is used by some manufacturers to keep the product longer. According to medical experts from India, it is a highly toxic preservative. This fact was proven by laboratory tests that were conducted to determine the quality of products.

Experts have identified traces of formalin in some varieties of dried fish. In large amounts, it can affect health.

Of course, not all manufacturers use dangerous chemicals in the production. But in any case, consumers must know what they buy and look after their health carefully.

A team of researchers led by Professor Massimo Marcona proved that the dried flowers of crocus, also known as saffron, really enhance sexuality. Earlier this fact was only a parable and a kind of “secret knowledge” of Italians and Indians.

“The same properties has ginseng root, which has been known since ancient times in Chinese cuisine. And among the property to enhance sexuality, it also helps to cope with fatigue and improve memory,” – noted the researchers.

According to their assurances, wine and chocolate will also help to improve sexual life.

Although researchers warn that it is always necessary to know “where to stop”. Some aphrodisiacs, in addition to positive effects, can lead to rather serious consequences, if to overdose with them.

And they, according to one of the most popular models, are responsible for the development of senile diseases. However, does melatonin actually prevent aging?

Spanish scientists from the universities of Granada, Seville, Oviedo and Zaragoza made an experiment on genetically modified mice, which were condemned by the will of the researcher, to accelerated aging. Just at the age of five months, which corresponds to human’s thirty years, their bodies stopped producing melatonin and the first symptoms of aging appeared. If these mice were continuously fed melatonin, they lived their lives fully, despite of their genome of defective genes.

“Our results showed that starting from 30-40 years, a person must start receiving melatonin at least artificially, – says professor Darío Acuña Castroviejo from Grenada University. – This, if does not prevent aging, but slow down the development of geriatric diseases.”