June Newsletter
It's Okay, Eat That Chocolate
Numerous studies have shown that dark chocolate can widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure (a process known as vasodilation). Additionally, it may enhance a person’s attention skills. Larry C. Stevens from Northern Arizona University and his colleagues used electroencephalography (EEG) to observe the immediate electrical changes in the brains of individuals after they consumed dark chocolate. They enrolled 122 men and women aged 18 to 25 years, with a subgroup assigned to consume chocolate containing 60% cacao. The results from the EEG study indicated that dark chocolate improved brain activity related to attention. The authors of the study stated, “This is the first known study to investigate the acute EEG effects of consuming chocolate and suggests a potential attention-enhancing effect.”
Fiber Could Prevent Pancreatic Cancer??
Pancreatic cancer involves malignant cells in the pancreas and has a poor prognosis. In 2009, there were 42,470 new cases in the U.S., with 35,240 deaths. The three-year survival rate is around 30%, but less than 5% survive five years after diagnosis. It’s often labeled a "silent killer" due to vague early symptoms, leading to late diagnoses.
Dietary fiber consists of plant compounds that resist digestion, providing no calories. High-fiber diets are linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality. Americans are advised to consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily, yet the average intake is about 15 grams.
A study in the Annals of Oncology explored the relationship between dietary fiber and pancreatic cancer risk, involving 326 patients with cancer and 652 healthy individuals. Researchers found that both soluble and insoluble fiber, especially cellulose lignin, and, our personal favorite, flax, were associated with a 50-60% reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Fruit fiber intake also reduced the risk by 50%, while grain fiber showed no protective effect.
Support Your Lungs With Fish Oil
Zhilin Zheng and colleagues from Huazhong University of Science and Technology analyzed data from 248,133 participants in the UK Biobank, focusing on 850 who reported using fish oil. Blood samples were examined for various fatty acids, while lung function was assessed through forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Results indicated that fish oil users had better lung function, with associations found between improved lung metrics and higher levels of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and DHA. The study suggested that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA was primarily responsible for these benefits, potentially due to its role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response.
Even More Fluoride Problems...
What is it? This is a naturally occurring toxic metal, just like arsenic, lead, and methyl-mercury. Fluoride is added to our water supply, toothpaste, and applied to children's teeth to harden tooth enamel against decay. However, this poison is known to cause fluorosis (teeth staining), and recent studies are proving it has more dire consequences. Exposure to high fluoride concentrations in drinking water has been shown to elevate renal and liver function enzymes in serum and cause severe histological changes of the liver and kidneys. University of Zaragoza found similar results with rat studies.
Overall, this evidence suggests that we should reconsider water fluoridation, especially for those with existing health issues, as fluoride can harm brain and heart health. So, what can we do to prevent tooth decay then? A good start is reducing sugar intake (which is wise in general, mind you), and consider using a hydroxyapatite toothpaste instead to care for your enamel.
Sources
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279741431_The_Acute_electrocortical_and_Blood_Pressue_Effects_of_Chocolate.
- Bidoli E, Pelucchi C, Zucchetto A, et al. Fiber intake and pancreatic cancer risk: a case-control study. Annals of Oncology. Jan2012;23(1):264-8.
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