Chocolate is chocolate, right? Maybe not. According to a recent article from the BBC, several manufacturers have now started selling a “raw” version of the ancient treat, which is already eaten by many people in cacao-growing regions. This chocolate is made from cacao beans just like any other, but rather than roasting the beans prior to grinding, the beans are left outdoors to dry naturally. According to manufacturers, the unroasted cacao beans retain more nutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and vitamin C, and are known to have high antioxidant content. Best of all, it's said that raw chocolate has a more natural taste than using roasted beans. 

Source: BBC

You may not realize diabetes and psoriasis are related. However, it turns out there is an important connection between these health conditions, and given that diabetes affects 12.3% of adults over age 20, learning about this connection is vital to the health of millions of Americans. In type 1 diabetes, the connection between diabetes and psoriasis appears to be genetic. Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease, it runs in families, and specific versions of certain genes related to immune function (such as those related to the development of psoriasis, which is believed to be caused by abnormalities in the immune system, among other things) are strongly associated with the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. As for type 2 diabetes, common genetics also seem to predispose people to psoriasis. Another link may lie with insulin resistance that contributes to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Researchers have noted people with severe psoriasis may be nearly 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people without psoriasis, and psoriasis patients have more insulin resistance than similar people without psoriasis. For people with both psoriasis and diabetes, it’s important to work with your medical team to optimally manage both conditions. The following tips can help you get started:

• Take control. If your psoriasis is flaring up, talk to your doctor about how best to handle it. Your insulin resistance may be worse if your psoriasis is not under control.
• Consider your options. Some of the newer medications used to treat psoriasis have been associated with improved insulin resistance in people with both psoriasis and type 2 diabetes. Ask your doctor which medications are best for you, especially if you have more than one medical condition.
• Stay on top of your health. The association between psoriasis and the risk of type 2 diabetes seems to be strongest for people with severe psoriasis. If this includes you, do what you can to reduce your diabetes risk, or manage it if you already have it. For example, get regular, moderate physical activity, as much as your health allows.
• Fight the flames. Health experts have noted that one common pathway between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes could be inflammation. Given this, it makes sense to focus on a diet that may help reduce inflammation. The Mediterranean diet may be a good option, with its emphasis on olive oil for cooking and dressing, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and lean protein sources such as fish and chicken instead of red and processed meats, all of which may help reduce inflammation.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Protein-packed foods aren’t just for body builders and fitness enthusiasts anymore, reports NutraIngredients. The rising demand among protein-hungry consumers for functional foods—that is, foods that are modified and fortified in a way that may promote good health—has compelled manufacturers to introduce protein-injected staples into the mainstream market. The latest craze can be found in the candy and freezer aisles: In the UK, Mars recently launched protein-packed versions of Snickers and Mars chocolate bars, which contain 18 and 19 grams of protein, respectively. WheyHey, an ice cream brand, has released high-protein, low-sugar ice cream, which boasts 20 grams of protein per serving.

Is protein-infusion all it’s cracked up to be? Some research suggests that a high-protein diet may aid weight management and help decrease blood pressure. But, even if there are benefits, it’s crucial to remember that the protein source matters: Red meat is protein-rich, but high intakes have been associated with increased risks of heart disease, cancer, and death. Plant-based proteins and sources such as fish and eggs may be a better way to get your protein fix.

Source: NutraIngredients

You’re probably tired of hearing about the importance of omega-3s. But it’s true, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for many reasons, including for cardiovascular health. Yet when it comes to fatty-acids, they’re not the only fish in the sea. Although omega-6 fatty acids often get a bad rap, they play a key role in the body too. They protect the immune system, providing the material needed to produce hormones, and regulate gene activity. There is some indication that our dietary intake of omega-6s should be balanced with our intake of omega-3s—but the science on that point is still uncertain. What is certain is that both nutrients are necessary for good health.

Source: Dr. Oz

Marathon runners, triathletes, and the like may do well to keep their fruit baskets well-stocked— research has discovered that, in addition to potentially aiding recovery, polyphenols from apples and grapes may also boost endurance. Published in Nutrients, the double-blind study recruited 48 active men, ages 25 to 37, to perform three high-intensity cycling tests. For the first test, the men cycled at 70% of their predetermined maximum aerobic power for as long as they could until exhaustion. For the second test, the men were randomly given 500 mg of a supplement with a polyphenol profile similar to that in apples and grapes or a placebo the evening before and one hour prior to a cycling test. During the cycling test, they cycled until exhaustion at 70% of their maximum power. For the third test a week later, the men swapped treatments and again cycled until exhaustion at 70% of their maximum power. During all three tests, researchers timed how long the men took to reach exhaustion, as well as physical parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen use. In addition, the men used a scale to report on their perceived level of exertion every four minutes while cycling. Researchers found that:

• Compared with the placebo, the men cycled an average of 9.7% longer after receiving the polyphenol supplement.
• Taking the polyphenol supplement was also associated with a 12.8% average increase in time to reach their maximum perceived level of exertion.
• None of the physical parameters measured during exercise were affected by the polyphenol supplement, but supplement use was associated with a longer respiratory recovery time, which may have been due to the longer exercise time.

These findings suggest polyphenols from apples and grapes may help endurance athletes up their game. It’s important to note, however, that this research was funded by the manufacturer of the polyphenol supplement used in the study; therefore, unaffiliated research is needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, while polyphenols from eating fruit are different from polyphenol supplements because your body may absorb them differently, apples and grapes do make great snacks and are an excellent pre-exercise choice to give you extra fuel. And you may not have to eat an extraordinary amount to get a lot of polyphenols: depending on the variety, an apple has about 136 mg of polyphenols, and around 2/3 of a cup of blue-black grapes has about 169 mg of polyphenols.

Source: Nutrients