A recent analysis of more than 20 studies conducted by Harvard Medical School has revealed that cocoa may be even more of a “super food” than was previously thought.  Researchers examined the information of more than 2500 participants from different studies and found connections between cocoa consumption and several cardiovascular health benefits.

In the information gathered cocoa was linked to reduced blood pressure, increased in HDL cholesterol, decreased in LDL cholesterol and improvements in the health of blood vessels.  In addition to the many direct improvements

A new study conducted by researchers at Columbia University has revealed a possible connection with insufficient sleep and issues with weight.  According to information gathered in the study people who  get too little rest not  only eat more than those that are well rested but they tend to choose less healthy foods as well.

Participants were observed on two separate six day periods.  The first observation period consisted of a full nine hours , the second only allowed for four hours of rest per day.  Over the course of the first four days of each six day period all participants followed the same diet, when the fifth day

Many health care providers already suggest that their patients eat more cruciferous vegetables for a number of reasons.  Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and bok choy are all loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, low in calories and high in fiber making them an ideal addition to a healthy diet.  Results of a recent study show that these powerful vegetables may have much more than better nutrition to offer though.

Previous studies have alluded to the possibility of cruciferous vegetables having cancer fighting properties, but researchers hadn’t had any luck pinpointing the connection until now. A new study has revealed the compound in cruciferous vegetables that targets and blocks the mutated p53 gene that is believed to be responsible for tumor growth.

The compound identified in cruciferous

There are plenty of identifiable attributes that increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.  Patients who are obese, have unhealthy diets, are inactive or who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all at an increased risk of developing the debilitating disease.

By the time these attributes are visible health care providers may have to put focus on treating the disease in its early stages rather than implementing much simpler preventative measures. A new research study has identified a potential method for helping health care providers identify the risk for type 2 diabetes years before other warning signs surface.

Past studies have shown a connection between bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis and an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.  Osteonecrosis is a serious condition where the bone dies due to insufficient blood flow.  Following early reports of the possible increased risk of osteonecrosis some dentists advised patients to forego bisphosphonates treatment for osteoporosis.

In an effort to more accurately determine patient risk during bisphosphonates treatment for osteoporosis, researchers embarked on a series of studies comparing the oral

Some health care providers recommend moderate consumption of alcohol to certain patients for its possible health benefits.  Moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke, a reduced risk of heart disease and a lower risk of developing gall stones.

The key for reaping the possible benefits of alcohol consumption without suffering a host of potential negatives lies in keeping consumption moderate.  The 2010 dietary guideline define moderate drinking as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Heavy consumption of alcohol has been associated with a number of serious health problems including cirrhosis, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, heart muscle damage and certain cancers.  A recent study has even shown a possible association between heavy

Many health care providers advise patients to consume fish that are high in healthy fats for the potential heart benefits but a new study reveals that consuming fish or fish oil may have additional benefits.  It appears that eating even a single serving of fatty fish per week could have the benefit of reducing the risk for macular degeneration.

Researchers used information from the Women’s Health Study to analyze the dietary and health data of nearly forty thousand women with an average age of fifty three.  Based on the information compiled during a decade long follow up period researchers were able to conclude that women who consumed one or more servings of fatty fish per week reduced their risk of macular degeneration by about 40%.

New research, published in Stroke, shows that women who drink a cup or more of coffee per day may be at a reduced risk of suffering a stroke than women who consume less than a cup per day.

Researchers followed nearly 35,000 women between the ages of 49 and 83 over the course of a ten year period.  The information gathered over the course of the decade long follow up pointed to a nearly 25% reduced risk of stroke among women who drank from 1-5 cups of coffee per day.

Researchers have a few theories, but the exact connection between coffee consumption and stroke risk remains unclear.  Some believe coffee may help reduce inflammation or increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, either of which could reduce stroke risk.   If a clear connection between coffee

A new research study consisting of more than 500,000 people from nine different countries in Europe reveals a possible connection between “good” cholesterol and the risk of developing colon cancer.  Information gathered from the participants showed that those with the highest levels of HDL cholesterol had the lowest risk of developing colon cancer even after taking other risk factors into consideration.

From the information gathered, researchers were able to conclude that for each increase of approximately 16 mg/dl of HDL the corresponding decrease in risk of colon cancer was more than 20%.  Previous studies have indicated that people with metabolic syndrome may have an increased risk for colon cancer,

Two new studies published in the Morbidity and Mortality Report from the CDC reveal that approximately one third of adults in the US get less than recommended minimum seven hours sleep.  While different age groups displayed different consequences from insufficient sleep levels, failure to get the appropriate amount of shut eye could put anyone’s health at serious risk.

Participants who reported getting less than the recommended amount of sleep had more difficulty concentrating, issues with memory and showed tendencies for unintentionally falling asleep.