We all know that chocolate is unhealthy because of the excess fat and sugar, and as a result, we may steer clear of regular chocolate intake. However, a study has suggested that eating at least three chocolate bars every month can reduce our risk of heart failure. 

This study published by the European Society of Cardiology analyzed over half a million adults and determined that chocolate could deliver a direct impact on heart health. Individuals consuming up to three chocolate bars every month could reduce the risk of heart failure by up to 23%, compared to those not eating chocolate at all. 

The lead researcher Chayakrit Krittanawong believes that the ingredients of chocolate, otherwise known as flavonoids, are considered beneficial for a person’s health. They reduce inflammation and increase good cholesterol. Consuming flavonoids with a moderate amount of chocolate intake can also improve the levels of nitric acid found throughout the body. Nitric acid can increase blood flow while improving the circulation of blood. 

Dark chocolate, in particular, has a variety of health benefits such as relieving stress, boosting memory function, and improving mental health overall.  

While there are valid health benefits of chocolate, the research suggests moderation rather than overconsumption of sweets that you enjoy. In fact, exceeding your chocolate intake could lead to a 17% spike in the risk of heart failure due to the overload of saturated fats. Moderation, therefore, is a clear path to prevention of heart disease. 

To learn more, please visit https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/chocolate-bars-heart-failure-risk-reduced-health-study-new-york-a8511386.html

When we hear the word melanoma, the first thought that comes to mind is sunlight exposure. In addition to sunlight exposure, studies have also suggested that alcohol consumption can be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. By studying three healthy men in Germany, researchers measured how much UV light it took for the men to develop sunburns after consuming three drinks. They found that after consuming alcohol, it took less UV light to burn the skin. 

Scientists believe that this happens because of decreased carotenoid levels in the body. Carotenoids are defined as the yellow, red, and orange pigments that are produced by plants that are known to have antioxidant properties that protect against the damage of UV light. We consume carotenoids through vegetable consumption. Upon alcohol consumption, the men’s carotenoid levels decreased, which led to a decrease in antioxidants that made them more vulnerable to sunburns. 

The decreased antioxidant levels do not entirely explain why alcohol is linked to sunburns because sunburns can be attributed to additional external factors. More research will be needed to grasp to understand the relationship between alcohol and sunburns. 

To learn more, please visit https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/07/14/741063881/mixing-alcohol-and-sun-beware-a-buzz-begets-a-faster-burn

A recent study conducted by researchers at Montana State University has deduced that “teenagers are less likely to use cannabis when the drug has been legalized.” The university took surveys of high school students’ data from 1993-2017 and found that teen usage decreased by approximately 10%. Lead researcher of the study Mark Anderson hopes that the study “should help to quell some concerns that use among teens will actually go up.”

What is your opinion of legalizing weed? Do you think it will decrease teenage usage of cannabis? Let us know in the comments. 

To learn more, please visit https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48921265