Eating Chocolate is a Healthy Habit!

            EVERYONE LOVES CHOCOLATE RIGHT? Of course when we think of healthy habits chocolate isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but did you know chocolate helps you maintain a healthier body weight? Studies show people who eat chocolate lower obesity and body mass index (BMI) although they are consuming more calories and exercising less, yet they still maintain lower BMI. Crazy right? Well, don’t feel bad the next time you eat chocolate especially DARK chocolate. Milk chocolate does not have the same concentrations of the good stuff, and white chocolate doesn’t have any chocolate in it at all. Can you believe it? According to the FDA:

“White chocolate contains cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, lecithin and flavorings (usually including vanilla). Cocoa butter is the fat from cocoa beans, extracted from the cocoa beans during the process of making chocolate and cocoa powder. Cocoa butter has very little 'chocolate' flavor”. Which technically makes white chocolate not chocolate. 

Chocolate has the same benefits of coffee and tea and other compounds in dark chocolate, like "polyphenols, help improve circulation and prevent blood clots. Dark chocolate can be beneficial in protecting your heart against cardiovascular disease".  As little as 2 oz. of dark chocolate daily can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Research has shown that men and women who consume dark chocolate reduce their risk of a heart attack and stroke by nearly 40 percent.

Dark chocolate isn’t only good to eat it, it also good for the brain. Eating dark chocolate daily can also help diabetics control their blood sugar. 

"7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate:

• ·         Dark Chocolate is very Nutritious
• ·         Dark Chocolate is a Powerful source of Antioxidants
• ·         Dark chocolate may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
• ·         Dark Chocolate raises HDL and Protects LDL against Oxidation
• ·         Dark chocolate may lower risk of Cardiovascular disease
• ·         Dark Chocolate may protect your skin against the sun
• ·         Dark chocolate may improve brain function"

Although after reading the 7 benefits of chocolate the thought of indulging in chocolate seems like a great idea but, that does not mean you should go out and go into a chocolate coma. It is still full of lots of calories and very easy to overeat. Try having a square or two after dinner and be sure to savor the flavor.

Eating chocolate alone isn't going to get you healthy. Remember to eat moderately and live a healthy life. 

References:

 Gunnars, K. (2015, November). 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate (No. 5 is Best). Retrieved from http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/ 

J. (2016, February 12). Chocolate is a Healthy Habit | Healthy Habits. Retrieved from https://www.healthyhabits.com/hh_news/chocolate-healthy-habit/ 

Hand Washing!

When it comes to washing your hands you won’t believe how many people skip this step in their daily routines? Did you know there are millions of germs on your hands researchers predict about 1,500 centimeters of bacteria are on the human hand. The cause of many diseases and conditions are by individuals not washing their hands. Some of the diseases that are caused by individuals not washing their hands are Noroviruses and Nosocomial infections. Nosocomial infections is spread by hospital patients or staff having poor hand washing techniques. Hepatitis A is also one that is spread by improper hand washing. Hepatitis A is spread from contamination of food handlers who do not wash their hands properly.  

   The proper way of washing your hands:

You should always wash your hands with clean running water and soap for 20 seconds. If clean running water is not available a person should use the water that is available to them. Unless there is no water or soap it is okay to use a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer. Although it is okay to use hand sanitizer it is not as effective on visibly dirty hands. This is why it is important to wash your hands with soap and clean water.

People go through simple everyday task without washing their hands. So, when is the right time to wash your hands?

According to the CDC you should wash your hands:

• “Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage” 

There are things we touch in our everyday routine that we do not notice hold many germs and bacteria. There are items in our households alone that are dirtier than a toilet seat such as the cutting board you use and even your cell phone. Yes, your cell phone most people use their cell phone while on the toilet. The best way to get rid of germs and bacteria on your cell phone is to clean it. Ways of cleaning your cell phone are:

• ·         Clean your screen with screen wipes or a damp cloth
• ·        AVOID  taking it into the bathroom with you

The first step to eliminating the spread of germs is to wash your hands. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and start healthy habits.

References:

Kloss, K.  9 Everyday Items Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat.  Reader's Digest.  Retrieved from http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/germs-toilet-seat/

Number of Germs on Hands. (29 March, 2010).  NumberOf.net. Retrieved from http://www.numberof.net/number-of-germs-on-hands/

When & How to Wash Your Hands. (2015, September 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Introduction Healthy Habits/ Germ Stoppers

Hi my name is Kaila I am a health studies major. I picked the topic Healthy Habits and Germ Stoppers because I am very much interested in finding different ways to stop the transfer of germs. Also learning new ways and healthy habits that we may avoid on a daily bases.