Sweet Heart
Slashing your risk of heart problems has never been tastier. A study published in the journal BMJ reports that daily consumption of 100 grams of dark chocolate—a helping that contains at least 60-percent cocoa—can cut your chances of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Benefits are not the same with milk and white chocolate.
Academic Genes
Earning a diploma isn’t simply about smarts. Researchers have discovered that academic achievement may also be genetic. A national study involving thousands of young people published in Developmental Psychology found that one’s ability to finish high school and go to college was linked to three genes: DAT1, DRD2 and DRD4. These genes are connected to behaviors such as attention regulation, motivation, violence and intelligence.
The Cranberry Cure
Fighting frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Cranberries may be the antidote. A study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine reports that juice and other cranberry products can prevent UTIs. Every year, UTIs prompt 7 million doctor visits and 100,000 hospitalizations. The study shows that cranberry consumption more than twice a day provides the best protection—and those who consumed the juice regularly were 38 percent less likely to develop UTIs than noncranberry juice drinkers.
Bananas for Weight Loss
Looking to lose or maintain your weight through sound nutrition? Eat bananas. The potassium, vitamin B-6 and fiber-rich fruit delivers energy and nourishment, and its calories are nearly fat-free. Bonus: The perfect snack is also more beneficial in controlling high blood pressure than limiting salt intake due to its high magnesium content.
30%
A treadmill sprint could do more than tame your tummy; it may also lengthen your life. A recent study, published online in Cancer, found that women who exercised had a 30-percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Even moderate physical activity apparently does the job: 10 to 19 hours of weekly exercise, particularly during reproductive and post-menopausal years—was enough to lower one’s risk of developing the dise
