COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE

In fact coffee is looking more and more like a health drink. Among its remarkable benefits, new research shows, coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis. One caveat is that black coffee may lead to thinner bones, especially in woman, but the simple solution is to add milk to your coffee.


Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, has sugar than white or milk chocolate and is a rich source of health promoting compounds such as polyphenols and flavanoids antioxidants (similar to those found in green tea). Studies show that even a small intake of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of the blood clots that cause heart attack or stroke and may lower blood pressure. And as many people know from experience, chocolate also can lift your mood and give you a boost of energy. Of course, chocolate is high in calories and contains saturated fat so enjoy it in moderation – no more than 2.5 oz a day.


-Dr. Mark Liponis