healthbriefs
For love
energy drinks Not
& Heart
Created equal
D
ark chocolate comprises a true gift
of the heart, both pleasing the pal-
ate and keeping the risk of heart disease
F
ans of workouts and athletics need to exercise caution when it comes to imbib-
at bay, according to a recent article
ing so-called energy drinks, according to Johns Hopkins University scientists,
published in The Journal of Nutrition.
who have spent decades researching the effects of the caffeine they contain. They
A moderate amount of the sweet treat
report that caffeinated energy drinks, often marketed as “performance enhancing,”
works best.
should carry prominent labels that note their caffeine content and warn of poten-
In their study, researchers focused
tial health risks. Caffeine is a drug, and caffeine intoxication can lead to nervous-
on the complex mechanism of
ness, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, rapid heartbeat and in
inflammation, a risk factor for the
rare cases, even death, according to the literature.
development of cardiovascular disease.
Research reveals that the caffeine content of energy drinks varies
They note that the high amounts of an-
over a 10-fold range. Some brands contain the equivalent of 14
tioxidants in the cocoa seed, in particu-
cans of Coca-Cola, according to the September, 2008 issue of the
lar flavonoids and other polyphenols,
international journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
appear to have a beneficial effect on
The market for energy drinks, now
the inflammatory state. But the amount
estimated at $5.4 billion in the United
of chocolate consumed also plays a
States, is expanding at an annual
crucial role. An average of 6.7 grams
rate of 55 percent. Yet consum-
per day, corresponding to one small
ers, especially teens and young
square of chocolate, two to three times
adults, remain largely unaware
a week, is sufficient to reap chocolate’s
of the health risks associated with
protective effect. Beyond these amounts
excessive caffeine consumption.
the benefits tend to disappear.
Incidentally, milk chocolate does
not have the same heart-healthy ef-
ST. JOHN’S WORT UPDATE
fects, because its milk content interferes
with the absorption of cocoa’s antioxi-
New Cochrane Systematic Review
dants.
research supports the use of St.
Source: Catholic
John’s wort extract in treating University,
major depression. Previous studies
2008
had advocated the use of this herb
only for the treatment of mild to
moderate depression.
Source: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008
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