Top 10 Chocolate Myths

10. Chocolate causes acne.

• Studies going as far back as the 1960's have failed to show any relationship between chocolate consumption and acne.
• An extensive review in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that “diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients…even large amounts of chocolate have not clinically exacerbated acne.”
• Preliminary research has actually demonstrated a beneficial impact of cocoa on skin health, measured as improved photo protection and dermal blood circulation, measures of the health of the skin surface and skin hydration.
  

9. Chocolate must contain at least 70% cacao to be good for you.

• In general, the percent cacao can be an indicator of the flavanol content of a chocolate – i.e., a 70% cacao chocolate will typically contain more flavanols than a 50% cacao chocolate. However, there is nothing magical about a 70% cacao chocolate.
• In an 18-week study, individuals who consumed a small amount of 50% cacao chocolate experienced a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• A recent study showed short-term improvements in blood flow and blood pressure after consumption of a 60% cacao dark chocolate.

8. Dutching destroys all the flavanol antioxidants.

• Dutching, or processing with alkali, breaks down the flavanol antioxidants naturally found in cocoa and chocolate.
• The extent to which the flavanols are lost is related to how heavily the cocoa or chocolate is dutched.
• According to a recent study, lightly and medium dutched cocoa powders still contained substantial amounts of flavanols.
• In the U.S., dutched cocoa can be identified on the ingredient panel of a food when labelled as “cocoa processed with alkali.”
• Unfortunately, food labels do not allow a consumer to determine the extent of alkalization of a cocoa powder, so for the most flavanol antioxidants, choose a natural cocoa.

7. Chocolate lacks any nutritional value.

• Chocolate and cocoa contain flavanols - antioxidant compounds also found in tea and red wine. These compounds have been associated with supporting heart health.
• A typical dark chocolate bar contains more antioxidant capacity than 3 cups of green tea, 1 ¼ glasses of red wine, or ¾ cup of blueberries. In addition, chocolate also contains minerals and dietary fiber.

6. Chocolate causes hyperactivity.

• Chocolate and other sweets are often blamed when children get overly excited and active. An extensive review of research studies indicates that there is no relationship between consumption of sugar-containing foods and changes in behavior.
• It is believed that the environment, in which sugary foods are often eaten, such as a birthday party or other celebration, is what affects behavior.

5. Chocolate causes cavities.

• Good dental health involves a number of factors, including oral hygiene, fluoride intake, genetics and diet.
• Cavities are formed when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars and starches (“fermentable carbohydrates”) from any type of food to produce acid. This acid then eats through the enamel of the tooth, causing a cavity.
• Although chocolate candy does contain fermentable carbohydrate, chocolate candy clears the mouth relatively quickly and has not been found to contribute to the development of cavities.
• One study investigated the development of plaque from chocolates with various levels of cocoa and found that all chocolate types have less of an effect on dental plaque than pure table sugar.
• Another study showed no association between consumption of chocolate and the development of cavities.
• Interestingly, the flavanols in cocoa may actually promote dental health by helping to decrease plaque formation.

4. Chocolate is high in caffeine.

• Many people are surprised to learn that a typical serving of milk chocolate contains relatively small amounts of caffeine – slightly more than an 8-oz cup of decaffeinated coffee.
• Dark chocolates contain more caffeine; caffeine content can range from about 25 to 40 mg per serving.
• A typical 8-ounce cup of regular coffee contains 65-120 mg of caffeine.
• Both milk and dark chocolate also naturally contain theobromine, a close relative to caffeine. Amounts range from about 60 mg in a 1.4-ounce milk chocolate bar to over 300 mg in an 82% cacao dark chocolate. Although in the same family of compounds as caffeine, theobromine has been found to have different effects in the body. It is believed that theobromine, unlike caffeine, does not have much, if any, stimulant effect.

3. Chocolate causes weight gain.

• Chocolate can be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation.
• The key to managing weight is balancing the calories consumed each day with the amount of energy expended from physical activity.
• An average chocolate bar contains about 200-220 calories, which is low enough to be included in a weight control diet if substituted for other high calorie foods.
• If you keep your portion sizes small, the occasional treat can be a guilt-free part of your diet. What’s more, many favorite candy and chocolate bars are also available in snack sizes, which often have less than 100 calories per piece. In addition, experts believe that saying no to favorite foods is not the answer. Enjoying an occasional piece of chocolate actually may help you stick to a healthy eating plan.
• One tip is to truly savor a small piece of chocolate by letting it begin to melt in your mouth and eating it slowly, noting the luscious flavors.

2. People with diabetes must give up chocolate.

• Chocolate does not need to be completely avoided by persons with diabetes.
• People are often surprised to learn that chocolate has a low glycemic index.
• Chocolate adds flavor and enjoyment when used as an occasional treat as part of a well-balanced diet.
• Recent preliminary research suggests that dark chocolate may actually improve insulin sensitivity in people with normal and high blood pressure and improve endothelial dysfunction in people with diabetes, although more studies are needed.

1. Chocolate is loaded with cholesterol-raising fat.

• Cocoa butter, the fat in chocolate, might be expected to increase blood cholesterol levels because it contains saturated fat. But stearic acid, the main saturated fat found in milk chocolate, is unique.
• Research has shown that it doesn’t raise cholesterol levels the same way that other types of saturated fats do.
• When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan, chocolate does not increase blood cholesterol levels. In fact, eating a 1.4 ounce milk chocolate bar instead of a carbohydrate-rich snack was shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

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Top 10 Foods With Known Health Benefits

10. Yogurt

9. Apples

8. Spinach

7. Tomatoes

6. Salmon

5. Berries

4. Cranberries

3. Oats

9. Nuts

10. Broccoli

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Top 10 Reasons You Visit Us

10. Hyperlipidemia as in high cholesterol, as in high risk of heart attacks, as in high use of restaurants with “Hi, supersize that?” greetings.

• To determine your lipid levels either visit your doctor or try the Jay Leno technique. “Go to the trash can, open it up and count the number of pizza boxes from Domino’s. Now multiply by fifty.”
• Astonishingly, the overall number one prescribed drug in North America is atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication.
  

9. Acute bronchitis

• Nothing cute about coughing great gobs of green gluey frothy fetid phlegm, courtesy of the Marlboro man.
• Clarithromycin is the most popular antibiotic used for bronchitis.

8. Otitis Media

• Blame the media for the eighth commonest visit to the clinic. Media as in middle as in middle ear infection.
• Unfortunately, Amoxicillin is prescribed to 81% of ear infection victims in North America while in Europe antibiotics are seldom if ever used for ear infections.
• Kids successfully fight the infection themselves 90% of the time, with a little help from Tylenol.

7. Normal pregnancy supervision

• One of the few times people actually look forward to seeing a doctor. “I have some good news for you Mrs. Bloggins.”
  “Actually, it’s Miss.”
  “Then I have some bad news for you, Miss Bloggins.”
• The commonest “drug” recommended on this visit is folic acid, a vitamin.

6. Anxiety

• Lorazepam is the most common drug used to treat anxiety.

5. Acute upper respiratory infection, aka “a cold.”

• Apparently, many of you suspect that your doctor has secretly developed a cure for the cold and has simply forgotten to inform the press and Nobel committees, though he must be willing to share it with you.
• Please don’t pester us with a common cold as it only means that we will catch your cold, spread it to our family who will in turn curse us for being a doctor who brings home assorted communicable diseases.
• Surprisingly, a whopping 48% of those who see a doctor for a cold, manage to wrangle an antibiotic prescription.
• Though it does nothing for the cold, it’s often easier for the doctor to give you a drug than taking the time to convince you that you don’t need one.

4. Health check-ups for the worried well

• The routine “I am well but I need a check up.”
• 25% of those who come for “annual” exams don’t need them.
• If you are younger than 40 don’t darken our door for a routine physical exam for no reason, pap exams excluded.

3. Diabetes

• Diabetes is a real up and comer as the population gets wide and fatter.
• Glucophage is the favourite drug used to treat this sweet sickness.

2. Depression

• A real downer to see this one up there.
• Paroxetine, a big sister of Prozac is currently the top prescribed anti-depressant.

1. High blood pressure (hypertension)

• By more than twice its nearest competitor!
• To deflate the burgeoning blood barometer Ramipril is the top selling anti-hypertensive.

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Top 10 Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration

1. Monitor your vision annually with the aid of an Amsler Grid

• simple test that can be used at home
  
• google and download test to your computer screen

2. Take a multiple vitamin with lutein

• lutein, zinc and other anti-oxidants are essential nutrients for a healthy retina
• in established macular degeneration, the AREDS formulation of supplements is especially useful

3. Eat lots of dark leafy green vegetables

• food such as spinach, collard greens, kale and turnip greens
• these vegetables should be cooked to reap the benefits

4. Wear sunglasses with UV protection

• ultraviolet rays may cause damage to the pigment cells of the retina

5. Quit smoking

• smoking decreases the efficiency of blood vessels in the retina by impairing circulation in the body

6. Get regular exercise

• exercise improves the body's overall health and increases circulation

7. See an eye doctor on a regular basis

• most individuals under the age of 65 should seek the attention of an optometrist every 1-2 years for an eye exam
• people over the age of 65 should see an eye doctor on an annual basis
• if a person has been diagnosed with macular degeneration (or other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension) they should be referred to an ophthalmologist at least once a year

8. Don't ignore visual changes

• any change of vision warrants attention and explanation by a physician
• acute (and possibly permanent) visual loss may be seen in "wet" macular degeneration

9. Get your cholesterol reduced

• elevated cholesterol is a risk factor for development of macular degeneration
• healthy diet and exercise essential (medications may even be necessary)

10. Follow a low-glycemic index diet

• a reduction of sugar in the foods that we eat is also helpful in preventing the onset of macular degeneration

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Top 10 Ways to Feel Less SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

1. Exercise reduces stress and increases energy by releasing "feel-good" chemicals that improve your mood.

• besides, it will also warm you up on a cold winter's day.

2. Eating a healthy diet that avoids refined and processed foods helps to boost your energy and mood.

• By ingesting more complex carbohydrates, there is less fluctuation of blood glucose levels and fewer symptoms of depression, fatigue and mood swings.
  

3. Get some sun...in moderation.

• Exposure to sunlight causes the release of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that are essential in controlling our mood.
• In the winter, the shorter and darker days can lead to the classical pattern of SAD. Try to spend more time outdoors or sit next to a window...artificial light therapy can also be very effective.

4. Stick to your New Years resolutions.

• People who exhibit healthy behaviors such as avoidance of smoking and regular exercise have less incidence of SAD.
  

5. Avoid binge drinking.

• Even though the thought of staying indoors in winter and having a relaxing drink sounds comforting, alcohol is a known depressant. 
• Some people tend to drink more heavily when they are feeling down but this only makes the situation worse.
  

6. Treat yourself to a special event or even plan a trip to a sunny (and warm) location.

• Having something to look forward to during the long, cold winter months can be a great motivational tool that can do wonders for your mood.
  

7. Take advantage of what the season has to offer.

• Instead of dwelling on the negatives of winter, try and embrace those aspects that make it unique. 
• Why not spend some time in the snow or lace up the ice skates and see how you feel.
  

8. Strength in numbers...

• take the opportunity to ask for help from your family, colleagues, neighbors and friends. 
• Access your support group and let them know how you feel-next time they might be calling you.
  

9. Relax and just say NO.

• When you're feeling overwhelmed, try not to take on new projects...it's amazing how much better you'll feel by doing something for yourself instead. 
• Take the time to read a book, meditate, do some yoga stretches or... absolutely nothing.
  

10. Catch up on your sleep.

• Try and sleep for 7-8 hours each evening in an effort to store up the required energy needed to make it through the day. 
• Keep this pattern consistent and avoid oversleeping on the weekends as this can actually cause more fatigue.

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Top 10 Health Benefits of Kissing

1. Helps keep the facial muscles toned.

• A kiss involves 34 facial muscles (30 if no tongue) and often 112 postural muscles in the rest of the body including those muscles that prepare you to run like really really fast.

2. Those who kiss their partner goodbye each morning live five years longer than those who don’t.

• Those who forget completely may not live past supper.
  

3. Less cavity searches (by the dentist) as extra saliva produced during kissing cleans the bacteria off your teeth.

• So a hearty floss or a Heidi Fleiss. So kissing can be helpful to your teeth though should you be salivating with Moose's girlfriend, possibly harmful to your teeth.

4. Can help you lose calories.

• During a really, really passionate kiss you might lose two calories a minute - double your metabolic rate.
• Of course you might even burn more calories if kissing leads to other activities like, umm, basketball.
  

5. Due to the release of the calming hormone oxytocin it helps relieve stress, unless it is with someone other than your spouse or dog, in which case the oxytocin is replaced by oxy moron.

6. Prevents three eyed children.

• Women tend to be attracted to male partners with a different immune system makeup from their own.
• They subconsciously detect information about a partner's immune system through smell during kissing and can reject a potential mate based on one kiss.
• And here I just thought it was the garlic and pickled eggs but in fact its just a different immune system. I feel better.
  

7. It can boost the immune system.

• If you're sharing your germs with somebody, you're adding to your internal defense system.
• This has lead to an interesting line at the bars "Hey baby, care to snuggle up to a little Strep."
  

8. Gets rid of the owwie.

• I know this is true because my mother told me so and she is bigger than your mother.
• The trust that is generated with a kiss makes one feel loved with all the confidence that comes with it.
  

9. A study in Japan revealed that thirty minutes of intense kissing can relieve sneezing and sniffling, caused by allergies, by slowing down histamine production.

• Of course this can get a little messy if it doesn’t work.
• Makes fugu look good.
  

10. When we swap kiss we swap antibodies.

• There are powerful proteins in saliva that make it a natural antiseptic.
• New evidence suggests that these proteins may even destroy HIV.
• Animals lick their wounds because saliva has healing qualities and acts like an antibiotic.
• Personally, knowing what my dog has been licking I tend to take antibiotics after he zips his tongue into my mouth trying to get at those jujubes.

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Top 10 Health Benefits of Having a Pet

1. Several studies have shown that having a pet helps you get in shape.

• This, of course, is obvious if your pet is a dog as opposed to a June bug. You take the dog out to do its business because you get tired of him relieving himself on your pillow. The dog has an innate reflex that makes him poop like a mastodon on the neighbour’s manicured lawn and then you both end up running like the new long-haired boy in prison.
• This interval sprinting and laughing can help you get in shape. One study showed that new dog owners lose an average of 14 pounds in the first year.

2. Pets help people survive heart attacks.

• Pet owners have healthier hearts and more pleasant heart attacks than patients who don't have a dog or cat! Those who own a dog are eight times more likely to survive one year after suffering a heart attack.
• One study conducted out of a coronary care unit found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not own pets.
• Stroking a dog, watching a kitten tumble, or observing the hypnotic explorations of fish can lower blood pressure and heart rates.
• Heart attacks, however, did increase in pet owners who discovered their miniature dachshund pregnant and the huge Irish Wolfhound next door with a poop eating grin on his face to go along with the grin he normally has from eating poop.

3. Pets are great for mental health between those times when they’re driving you mental.

• In fact, pet ownership even moderates the effects of mental illness. Patients who have pets are less depressed or anxious and show lower scores on the depression severity scale than those who do not own pets. So if you’re feeling blue take two shitzus and call me in the morning.

4. Petting a dog releases beneficial hormones known to be associated with health and feelings of well being.

• A study out of the University of Missouri showed that within minutes of a human petting a dog, they get a massive release of beneficial hormones; beta endorphin, prolactin, dopamine, oxytocin, and beta phenylethylamine.
• The release of these petting hormones not only make people happy but they also decrease the stress hormone, cortisol. The fish, however, were not thrilled with this study.

5. Dogs are beneficial in speech and language development.

• Dogs are instantly loyal and eager to please, perfect companions during the sometimes difficult speech therapy sessions.
• Therapeutic progress occurs more rapidly when dogs are involved. Patient’s physical anxiety goes down, measured by lower blood pressure and heart rate, and less stress almost always equals a more productive session.

6. Pets help blunt pain.

• By initiating and maintaining the relaxation response pets can take people's focus off of their pain and elevate their moods.
• Through touch or physical contact they can block transmission of their pain from the periphery to the central nervous system shutting the pain processing centers down. So after Rover chomps on your leg, pet him.

7. Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive.

• They feel they need to survive to take care of their pets. (Many cancer patients with pets have lived longer because they felt that their pets need them!)

8. Pets in the home teach empathy, responsibility and raise IQs.

• In fact it has been shown that dogs improve children's reading scores.
• Trained teams of dogs and humans help children who have trouble reading to jump whole grade levels in just a few months in a simple program where children read to dogs.
• Of course that may involve a lot of words like “see” and “spot” and “run” and “get” and “off” and “ruined” and “my” and “freakin’” and “dress” repeated again and again.

9. Seniors who have pets have far fewer doctor visits and sleep better than those who don't.

• Equally important for the health of seniors is having something to keep them active and to help alleviate the loneliness and listen to stories about their bowels.
• Spending as little as 30 minutes with a dog each week reduces feelings of loneliness in long-term care residents.

10. To many researchers, the most exciting facet of these studies is that positive human-animal interaction may delay production of harmful body chemicals associated with diseases such as cancer.

• Studies indicate an improvement in body chemicals associated with a healthy immune system. We may soon see a time when people at risk for certain types of illnesses including cancer may be prescribed a Chihuahua. Thanks Leo

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