Dark Chocolate is Sweet for the Arteries

The health benefits of dark chocolate have been trumpeted for years, but a new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension gives more credence to the advantages of this much-beloved food. Researchers report that the flavonoids present in dark chocolate may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Apparently, these flavonoids have a dilatory effect that helps to stimulate blood flow. Chocolate consumption also appeared to lead to a decrease in aortic stiffness, which scientists point out is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. Either way, here's another reason to indulge in a few squares of the high-quality stuff.

New Evidence Links Red Meat to Cancer

An extensive 10-year study of over 500,000 people across Europe has turned up some interesting links between diet and cancer. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) reported that bowel cancer risk was a third higher for those who regularly ate over two 80-gram portions of red or processed meat a day, compared to less than one a week. While eating poultry apparently had no impact on cancer risk, people who ate one portion or more of fish every other day were nearly a third less likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer than those who ate fish less than once a week. EPIC's study is reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Supplement Check

Most of the supplements sold in the United States are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that you're essentially taking the word of the manufacturer that what's in the bottles you buy actually meets their claims. But for certain supplements there's now a way to confirm that what you're buying is the real deal. Consumerlabs.com offers an unbiased, scientific examination of several vitamins and supplements. Not only does Consumerlabs confirm that the dosage of specific manufactured brands is correct, it also uncovers dangerous elements that could be lurking in our supplements -- such as lead and mercury. For more information, click on the link above.