BBC NEWS | Health | Organic food ‘better’ for heart
Organic fruit and vegetables may be better for you than conventionally grown crops, US research suggests.A ten-year study comparing organic tomatoes with standard produce found almost double the level of flavonoids - a type of antioxidant.
Flavonoids have been shown to reduce high blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
I have found that many organic products seem to taste better. Some would argue that I am imagining the difference, but so what? In my mind, the better taste justifies the added cost.
To me it only makes sense that I should be minimizing my intake of fertilizers and pesticides. I don’t need much other justification, though I am not surprised to find them.
Dark Chocolate May Lower Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
If you eat some dark chocolate now-and-again you could well be lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, say researchers at Yale Prevention Research Center, Connecticut, USA. It seems dark chocolate contains flavonoids which boost the function of endothelial cells in the lining of blood vessels.
The study showed improvement in a fairly short time, though with high intake of chocolate - 8 oz per day. No sugar outperformed sugary chocolate, but both beat a placebo.
Eating Fabulous » Watercress Reduce DNA Damages Leading to Cancer
Did you know that daily consumption– about 85g daily– of fresh watercress can significantly reduce DNA damage to blood cells due to free radicals, and thus reduce cancer risks? Watercress is a rich source of phytochemicals called glucosinolates, and also contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised.
When it comes to chocolate, go dark - Chew On This - MSNBC.com
If you’re going to indulge on Feb. 14 or any other day, go for the purest dark chocolate you can find. That’s the kind loaded with flavonoids — antioxidant chemicals that help prevent cell damage, reduce clot formation and improve blood sugar levels. The cacao plant, which is what chocolate is made from, contains the same antioxidants — including catechins and phenols — found in red wine, apples, onions and grapes.
This is a great idea. You’re sending two messages at once. I Love You, and I Want to Keep You Around Longer. Perfect.