Fitness fanatics given shock assertion on scoffing chocolate and consuming wine
Natural compounds found in the treats, called polyphenols, slash the risk of developing a bulging gut and prevent heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure
Forget muesli, carrot juice and avocado on rye, boffins have revealed that wine and chocolate will keep you slim and healthy.
Fat fighters can raise a glass of their favourite red and happily chomp on choccies because they provide a host of health benefits, says a new report.
Natural compounds found in the treats, called polyphenols, slash the risk of developing a bulging gut, and as a result, more serious consequences such as heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. Believed to be the largest study of its kind ever conducted, Sao Paulo’s Medical School has assessed more than 6,000 Brazilians over the past decade and a half.
Participants who consumed polyphenols at a high level of 469mg per day reduced their risk of developing conditions like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar by 23% compared with those who consumed just 177mg daily.
It means those with a higher intake can lower their chances of suffering heart attack, stroke, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease.
Report author Professor Isabella Bensenor said: “These findings suggest that promoting polyphenol-rich diets could be a valuable strategy in reducing cardiometabolic risk.”
Prof Bensenor said the breakthrough could potentially rewrite public health guidelines.
She added: “The more diverse a person’s dietary intake and sources of polyphenols, the better the effect on their gut microbiota and hence on their overall health.”
Industry journal Beverage Daily, which reported the findings, said drinking coffee could also offer similar benefits.
It said: “Consumption of coffee, chocolate and wine reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome.”
And it added: “Polyphenols are found across various foods – in fact more than 8,000 have been identified in nature.
“The bioactive compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – the best known are phenolic acids found in coffee and wine.”
It follows a 2023 study by China’s Dalian Medical University that found glugging beer was good for your gut and better for you than trendy probiotic drinks.
The Daily Star recently reported that a study found nearly half of adults are ‘overwhelmed’ by advice on maintaining good gut health.
Leading nutritionist Farzanah Nasser said that we’ve lost sight of the simplest and most effective way to support our gut – through clean, natural foods that have been part of our diet for centuries.
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