Are Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Actually Good For You?
Michael Kerr • 23 March 2020
Red wine and dark chocolate are associated with certain health benefits as they contain micronutrients called POLYPHENOLS.
WHAT ARE POLYPHENOLS:
A type of beneficial plant chemical (phytochemical) that provide antioxidants and other health benefits
TWO MAIN TYPES OF POLYPHENOLS:
flavonoids and phenolic acids.
BENEFITS:
Promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (prebiotic-effect)
Blood sugar control
Anti-inflammatory effects
Improve depression
Limit oxidative damage (associated with degenerative disease and ageing)
FOOD SOURCES:
Red wine
Cocoa powder and dark chocolate
Tea & Coffee
Fruits (especially berries, plums, cherries and apples)
Beans, Nuts, Soy
Vegetables (especially artichokes, chicory, onions and spinach)
So, while red wine and chocolate may not be health foods, they provide beneficial polyphenols and can be included in moderation as part of a healthy diet!
PHYTONUTRIENTS/PHYTOCHEMICALS:
bioactive plant nutrients that support human health and maintain immune function to prevent diseases
COMMON TYPES OF BIOACTIVE PHYTONUTRIENTS:
polyphenols, terpenoids, resveratrol, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, phytosterols, anthocyanins, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.
PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
Anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PHYTONUTRIENTS:
Protect against chronic diseases (i.e. cancer, CVD, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure) as well as inflammation and infection
Every Sunday, I take time to prep our lunches for the upcoming week. I find it a massive pain in the ass every single week. I find it challenging to think of new ideas for meals I want to eat for an entire week, that keep well, and are tasty and delicious. But if I don’t meal prep, I regret it for the entire week. So (almost) no matter what, I get it done. This is one of my favourite meal prep recipes. It’s quick and easy, keeps well all week long and provides tons of fiber. My favourite kind of recipe!
This is bomb. Creamy and delicious, just the way Alfredo should be. Minus all the saturated fat of a traditional Alfredo sauce 🙌
1 pack (454g) Rice vermicelli noodles 227g Cremini mushrooms, sliced 15 Brussels sprouts, halved 1 small sweet potato, cubed (1/2 inch x 1/2 inch) 1/2 Spanish onion, diced
