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For people with existing hypertension, containing cocoa flavonoids helped reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness, according to a small study in Frontiers in Nutrition. Is cacoa the same as cacao? The cacao bean is the source of both cacao and cocoa powders. Cacao beans are found inside the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree in fleshy, oval-shaped pods. When you see cacao nibs, powdered cacao (or cacao powder) in the Grocery stores, the bean is in its raw state uncooked, additive free, ...

Beneath a light chocolate sponge studded with fresh raspberries lies an intense chocolate sauce. Perhaps surprisingly, this is a healthy dish, because it uses puréed apple and xylitol to give it a touch of sweetness. Health Benefits Polyphenols, in the cocoa powder, are known for their antioxidant properties. For a stronger antioxidant boost you can use high antioxidant cocoa powder, which is readily available. It has a slightly stronger, bitter taste, so use a little less in the rec...

Exercise helps patients regain arm mobility more quickly after breast cancer surgery
A new study indicates that physical therapy can help women receiving a lymph node dissection for breast cancer regain full use of their affected arm more rapidly than current standard follow-up care. Many women who are treated for breast cancer receive a lymph node dissection, which is a surgery to remove lymphatic tissue between the breast and underarm. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged, fluid can bui...

Before we get started, let’s define ‘healthy’. There’s a much larger conversation happening around this word in the wellness industry right now. I personally think there’s an element that’s individualised to defining healthy beyond baseline metrics. As a nutritionist, it means having a variety of produce items with other food groups to create nutrient dense meals. As a food lover, it’s being seasonally conscious for the best versions of items possible...

Worried about your bone density? Well the answer might be to eat more of one particular fruit.  In a new study, researchers from Pennsylvania State University in the US found that daily prune consumption preserved bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and protected against increased fracture risk in older women. The study, which was presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases – a clinical conference on bone, joint, and muscle healt...

Rhubarb is a colourful and flavourful, yet under-appreciated, vegetable that is at its peak this time of year. Though not common in most people’s diets, this tart plant may offer cancer-preventive properties. The edible part of the rhubarb plant — the stalk — contains anthocyanins, which yield its bright red colour. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid found in foods such as berries, red onions, black beans, red grapes and black plums. They act as antioxidants in test tub...