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Canwest News Service
They say a bit of what you fancy does you good. But what good can a few rashers of bacon, a glass of wine and a scoop of ice cream be doing for you? More than you think. Here, we highlight the hidden benefits in a few of your favourite things.
JAM
Undeniably high in sugar, but preserves have an unexpected health benefit. A study by the Institute of Food Research in Norwich has found that pectin, a natural gelling agent, can block the progress of cancer through the body by "sticking" to the protein Gal3, which causes tumour growth.
CHEDDAR CHEESE
It may not be great for your waistline or your heart — your recommended daily intake of saturates is contained in just three sandwich-size slices. However, it is good for your teeth, and not just because it's high in calcium. A cube of cheddar after a meal will neutralize the acids in your mouth, thus helping to prevent tooth decay.
BACON
When eaten in moderation, bacon could be considered a superfood. Almost half the fat content is monounsaturated, which is known to lower cholesterol levels. And its monounsaturated content comes from oleic acid, the same "good" fat found in olive oil.
ICE CREAM
A scoop of ice cream can give your mood a noticeable lift. A study by the Institute of Psychiatry in London has found out why — because eating ice cream can light up the brain's pleasure zones. Just one lick is enough to stimulate the orbitofrontal cortex, the main processing area and the part of the brain associated with the pleasures of sex and eating.
POTATOES
When kept away from the fryer, the humble spud packs a nutritional punch. American scientists have identified 60 different types of phytochemicals and vitamins in potato skins — many of which help lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease — while researchers at the Institute for Food Research have found they contain blood pressure-lowering molecules called kukoamines.
COFFEE
Gym bunnies, take note: Sinking an espresso boosts the fat-burning potential of cardiovascular exercise. Caffeine dilates blood vessels, thus increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles. A post-workout americano can reduce aches, too. Coffee also stimulates the release of cholecystokinin, a hormone that inhibits cholesterol build-up in the gallbladder.
AND, OF COURSE, CHOCOLATE . . .
With its ability to boost "feel-good" endorphin levels, chocolate has long been used as a mood-lifter. But it can also improve the brain's ability to do mental arithmetic. A team of volunteers found that mathematical equations became easier after they ate dark chocolate, which is rich in flavonoids that improve the function of blood vessels and promote oxygen flow to the brain.
If you needed another excuse to eat it, chocolate might also help you lose weight. Last week, a new brand of chocolate was launched which claims to trick your brain into believing you aren't hungry. Called Lola, the sweets are cholesterol-free, and are said to help digestion by boosting a healthy level of intestinal bacteria.
Its Spanish inventors recommend that you eat one or two chocolates before a meal to help you feel full. The only drawback — apart from the price ($8.73 Cdn for a box of five) and the fact that it's only available in Spain — is the slight green tinge, which comes from spirulina, a nutrient-rich algae.
AND RED WINE
Prepare to raise your glass to some cheering news. Last week, a study found that moderate alcohol consumption can protect against heart disease. The report showed that drinking up to 30 grams of alcohol a day, the equivalent of one large glass of red wine, reduced the risk of heart disease by half. Increasing consumption does not improve the protective effect, and raises the risk of cancer, mental-health problems and liver cirrhosis.
Drinking up to two glasses of red wine a day has also long been thought to improve brain power. Dr. Clinton Wright, professor of neurology at Columbia University, New York, found that moderate drinkers score higher in mental acuity tests than teetotallers. It is known that resveratrol, a compound found in grape skins, promotes healthy blood flow to the brain. Studies suggest that it also boosts your immune system.
While too much alcohol is linked to high blood pressure, liver problems and infertility, resveratrol has been variously linked to fighting cancer, obesity, diabetes and even the signs of old age. Results from a study published earlier this month suggest it may also slow the formation of the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
