A Beer a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?

Lately scientific studies have been discovering new health foods (and drinks) in some pretty surprising places. The key to many of these new-found benefits are substances that have only recently been recognized as nutrients: flavonoids. These compounds make up the pigments in plants. They are the 'dark' in dark chocolate, the 'red' in red wine, and the 'amber' in amber ale to mention a few. Add to that recently discovered benefits of compounds like alcohol and caffeine and you have some pleasant surprises. So, if you want more reasons to indulge in some of your favorite temptations, read on.

1. Chocolate-

Specifically DARK chocolate is turning out to be good for you, at least in small amounts. Chocolate contains potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins B1, B2, D, and E. But the biggest nutritional benefit may be in the form of plant phenols. In a two-week study participants who had all been diagnosed with moderate high blood pressure were asked to eat a 100 gram candy bar a day, balancing the calories by eliminating other things. Half were given white chocolate and the other half dark. Those who added the dark chocolate were found at the end of the study to have significantly reduced their blood pressure. White chocolate had no effect. The difference between the two? Cocoa phenol, a flavonoid. In addition to blood pressure dark chocolate also has a beneficial effect on serotonin and other mood elevating brain chemicals. Not only that, but the flavonoids are considered to be powerful anti-cancer nutrients. So, if you love dark chocolate you're in luck. Just be careful to watch the calories.

2. Peanut Butter-

Peanut butter was once considered too fatty to be really good for you. That is, until several recent studies found serious health benefits- including weight loss- associated with the spread. A study conducted by Rick Mattes, PhD, RD, at Perdue found that after consuming peanut butter hunger was abated for much longer than with rice cakes and other traditional non-fat snacks. A Brigham and Women's Hospital study showed that dieters who add foods high in monounsaturated fat- like peanut butter- to their daily diet actually lose more weight and have better luck keeping it off than people who stick to a low fat regimen. Adding peanut butter to the diet has been found to lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. It improves the lipid profile (good vs. bad cholesterol). And remember those flavoniods? Well, peanut butter is a fabulous source, so once again, add cancer fighting to the already impressive package.

3. Red Wine

In 1992 Harvard researchers named moderate alcohol consumption as a proven way of reducing risk of coronary heart disease. Further research suggests red wine, specifically, is very beneficial to heart health. The red wine effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Again: flavonoids. Resveratrol found in red grapes is also considered a tumor inhibitor, therefore reducing cancer risk. Consumed with a meal red wine improves a person's lipid profile directly after that meal: it reduces bad cholesterol and increases the good. Alcohol, when used in moderation, also may help relaxation, thereby reducing stress. And we all know it is a social lubricant and socializing can have very beneficial mental health repercussions. So drink up. Two glasses a day is considered optimal. And if you don't like wine, there's more good news for you.

4. Beer

Okay, so you may have heard about the red wine benefit before, since it has gotten a lot of ink in the past few years, but what about beer? Well, more recent research has found the same exact benefits associated with beer and for the same exact reasons. Beers, dark, light and in between contain lots of flavonoids. So, if your preferred tipple is beer over wine, take heart. You too can indulge while congratulating yourself on your good health habits. Again, two a day is the amount recommended.

5. Coffee

It may come as a surprise to many who think of coffee as just another evil addiction, but it also has been found to have healthy effects. If a pharmaceutical company came up with a drug that could lower your risk Parkinson's disease, colon cancer, tooth decay, asthma, and diabetes? Add to those benefits elevated mood and fewer headaches and you have a wonder drug: coffee. The good news is the more you drink, the better. Studies have indicated that drinking coffee decreases risk of type 2 diabetes with people who drink six cups a day or more reducing their chances of the disease by as much as 58 percent. Part of the health benefit, particularly the ability to control asthma, cure headache and prevent Parkinson's, is related to caffeine. The flavonoids that make it dark are probably responsible for many other benefits. The bottom line is there is no reason to feel guilty about coffee consumption.

6. Tea

Green tea has gotten lots of recognition for its vast anti-oxidant properties resulting from flavonoids. What hasn't been as widely discussed is that ALL teas, whether black, green, red or white, have beneficial flavonoids, or polyphenols. As mentioned above these compounds are cancer fighting powerhouses. Tea is linked to lower incidence of ovarian cancer in women. Another study at Brigham and Women's Hospital showed that tea upped the disease-fighting abilities of gamma delta T cells, which greatly enhances the immune system. It's also the main source of the amino acid L-theanine. This compound has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase alpha wave activity while stimulating alertness. So it makes you calmer and more attentive at the same time. It looks like the Brits may really be onto something with tea time.

Of course, it bears mentioning again that some of these new health foods come with the caveat that they must be enjoyed in moderation. That said, it is nice to be able to enjoy your favorite treats knowing that they aren't really as bad as we once thought.