Dear Yvonne,
Are green M&M’s an aphrodisiac?

— J.P.

Dear J.P.,
The only way green M&M’s will turn you on is if you truly believe that they will. Your mind is your biggest sex organ, so you have the power to make anything in this universe a turn on, including candy.

 With chocolate in general, research has found that consumption doesn’t create an arousal response. The sweet candy can, however, put you in the mood to invite such more readily. This is due to key ingredients which awaken you, boost endorphin production for a high, and that act as a natural amphetamine and antidepressant.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Ease into fall with this healthy wonder

Summer vacation is over,  and you just may need something to keep in your desk to ease the transition back into faster, more hurried times. My pick? Dark chocolate. Think really dark, as in 70 percent cocoa.  The very dark chocolates contain less fat and sugar, and much more of chocolate’s spectacular mood-enhancing and health-imbuing compounds.

Tropical origins

The rainforest tree from which cocoa originates is Theobroma cacao, which means food of the gods. There is a dispute among experts regarding the origin of cacao.  But recent DNA research supports the notion that Venezuela’s Maracaibo basin marks the spot where the food of the gods first sprang forth in nature. Sometime around 1000 B.C. the Maya, whose civilization flourished from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Pacific coast of Guatemala, are believed to have cultivated the cacao tree for the very first time. The Maya so highly valued cacao, they used cocoa beans as currency, and to pay taxes.  From the very onset of its use, cocoa was assigned high status.

When Hernan Cortez returned to Spain from the New World in 1528, he told of a widely consumed food made from the fruit seeds of a tree. Cortez and his conquistadores described great plantations of Theobroma cacao throughout Mexico. His account of chocolate, its popularity and value, greatly piqued the interest of the Spanish. Cortez was chocolate’s first and most important trans-continental messenger.

Cacao, The Tree

While Theobroma cacao may grow appreciably taller in the wild, the cultivated tree ranges between 13 – 26 feet in height. The large, distinctive fruit pods of the tree jut out directly from the trunk and the lower branches. Young fruit pods tend to be greenish in color, but as they mature over the course of 5 – 6 months they become elliptical in shape and bright red or yellow in color. The fruit pods average about nine inches in length, and typically contain 30 – 40 almond-sized seeds (what we know as cocoa beans) nestled in a pale white flesh. 

Cacao is now cultivated in virtually every tropical area in the world. Cacao is grown commercially throughout Central and South America, Africa, the Caribbean, Indonesia, Malayasia, and the Pacific islands. This widespread distribution is testimony to the popularity of the tree and the heavenly fruit from which chocolate is made.

The Greatest Mood Food

Of the multitudinous compounds in cocoa, one is PEA, or phenethylamine. This chemical, which occurs in chocolate in small quantities, stimulates the nervous system and triggers the release of pleasurable opium-like compounds known as endorphins. It also potentiates the activity of dopamine, a neurochemical directly associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. Phenethylamine increases in the brain when we fall in love, and during orgasm.

Cocoa additionally boosts a sense of well being by increasing brain levels of serotonin, the so-called feel-good brain chemical. For this reason cocoa and chocolate provide a highly desirable mood boost to women during PMS and menstruation, when serotonin levels are often down. In fact, women are consistently more sensitive to chocolate than men. Women typically experience stronger chocolate cravings than men. 

Yet another constituent in cocoa alters mental state in pleasurable ways. Anandamide (whose name derives from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means bliss), is a cannabinoid, a member of the same psychoactive substances found in cannabis. Anandamide produces a global feeling of euphoria. This compound may account for why some people become euphoric or blissed-out when they eat chocolate.

Cocoa contains a wealth of naturally-occurring compounds. Of these, the most thoroughly studied are the methylxanthines. The two methylxanthines in chocolate are caffeine and theobromine. According to the Chocolate Information Center, a 50 gram piece of dark chocolate will yield between 10 – 60 milligrams of caffeine, as compared with a five ounce cup of coffee, which can yield up to 180 milligrams. Theobromine, the second methylxanthine, occurs at a concentration of about 250 milligrams in a 50 gram bar of dark chocolate. Like caffeine, theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant, though it is appreciably weaker.

Good For Your Heart!

Substantive science now shows that cocoa is very good for us indeed. Cocoa, which is the primary ingredient in finished chocolate, is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, a group of protective chemicals found in many plant foods such as red wine and tea, which have been the objects of scientific investigation for their beneficial influence on cardiovascular health.

Polyphenols are reportedly cardioprotective in two ways. First, they help to reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or so-called ‘bad cholesterol.” Oxidation of LDL is considered a major factor in the promotion of coronary disease, most notably heart attack and stroke.  Additionally, polyphenols inhibit blood platelets from clumping together. This clumping process, called aggregation, leads to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. By inhibiting aggregation, polyphenols reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Since atherosclerosis is a major killer of American adults, the protection provided by the polyphenols in cocoa is of real value.

Cocoa not only inhibits platelet aggregation, but it thins the blood, thus slowing coagulation. In a study of healthy subjects given a strong cocoa beverage, platelet aggregation was reduced and fewer microparticles had formed than normal. Additionally, blood from the subjects took longer to form a clot than blood from control subjects. This study showed that cocoa performs the same beneficial anti-clotting activity as aspirin. 

Daily Chocolate Rx

If you are diabetic, then only pure, unsweetened cocoa is advisable for you. Use it in baking and in smoothies. Otherwise, half a bar daily of semi-sweet strong dark chocolate will put a groove in your mood, protect the cells in your body, and help to maintain heart health. And, it will make running in the rat race just a bit more enjoyable. That’s not bad for the world’s most beloved confection.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide.  His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at www.MedicineHunter.com

Studies show that certain foods can increase your chances of longevity by decreasing the risk factors associated with the top diseases plaguing Americans.  Here are some tips to increase your chances of living longer.

BEANS:

There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

Studies have shown that people who eat a high-fiber diet lowered their risk of diabetes by 30 percent. Foods high in fiber take longer to digest, which means that insulin is created slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes.

PISTACHIOS:

About 400 million people around the world are classified by the World Health Organization as obese. In a study done by Swedish researchers, men who had been overweight at 18 were one third more likely to die prematurely compared to their normal-weight peers. The study of 45, 920 men over an average 38 years underlines the dangers of being overweight and the need to tackle a growing obesity epidemic.

This nut can help! Pistachios are known as “the skinny nut” because they contain two key nutrients which help stave off hunger: Fiber and protein. Pistachios are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids as well. Omega-3’s prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together and sticking to arterial walls in the form of plaque. They also drive down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Researchers suspect that omega-3’s may block the production of inflammatory substances linked to arthritis and lupus.

Get cracking! Whether you’re at the office, ballpark or hanging with the guys, stick with pistachio nuts.

EDAMAMES:

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. One out of every six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, and one out of every 35 men will die of this disease.

Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men by as much as 50 percent.  Soy isoflavones help reduce testosterone, which is the hormone that may increase prostate cancer risk.

While dining with your wife or taking your family out for Japenese food, order some edamame to the table, which are boosting with soy. If that’s not your thing, opt for the miso soup.  If you’re in the car, grab a Soy Joy, which is not only packed with healthy soy proteins, but filled with essential vitamins and minerals.

COFFEE:

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. As of February 2009, as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Is your morning cup of joe what gets you through the busy work day? According to the April, 2009 publication of Tufts Newsletter, a new study by Finnish and Swedish researchers reported that people who drink between three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife could be cutting their risk of Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease by 65 percent.

Some studies have also shown that coffee helps protect the nervous system, which can also protect against dementia.  Due to the fact that the average American drinks more than three and half cups of coffee daily, these results can have imperative implications for the prevention or delay of the onset of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

If three cups of coffee seems like one-too-many for you, don’t worry — have a skim cappuccino with breakfast or dessert, or grab an iced latte mid-afternoon. These sweet coffee treats will get you through the day. 

ALCOHOL:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States today. Seventy million Americans suffer from some form of CVD. 

A study by Harvard University researchers suggests that, moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of heart attack. Those who had one-half to two drinks a day had the lowest heart attack risk — 40 percent to 60 percent lower than healthy men who didn’t drink. And that was true no matter whether they were drinking beer, wine or liquor. In addition, in a recent British study, they found that moderate alcohol consumption along with a healthy lifestyle added 14 years to life, compared with men and women who did not adopt these behaviors.

Do we need to say how to incorporate more alcohol in your diet? Just don’t get carried away doing shots with the guys.

SKIM MILK:

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Consuming sources of vitamin D like skim milk, eggs and sardines will help reduce the risk factors associated with MS.  According to researchers at Oxford University, northern countries, which have less sunlight, tend to have a higher incidence of MS. The study proves that vitamin D controls the activity of a gene that increases the odds of MS. Vitamin D attacks the fatty sheath that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, reducing one’s risk of MS.

Switch from whole milk to skim milk and save on almost half the calories and eight grams of fat. Add skim milk to your coffee, smoothies and cereal bowls.

ONIONS:

According to researchers at the University of California’s School of Public Health, the healthiest people were those who consumed substantial dietary vitamin C on a daily basis.

There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, as well as levels of interferon — the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

What’s a burger without sautéed onions?? Grill up some onions for your burgers and steaks and eat your way to a healthier life.

BANANAS:

Until the age of 55, more men suffer from high blood pressure than do women.

Research suggests that foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The evidence is so convincing that the Food and Drug Administration recently allowed food labels to bear a health claim about the connection between potassium-rich foods and blood pressure.

Not only are bananas an amazing post-workout snack, but they are great to eat any time of day. Slice up some bananas into your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal.  Blend bananas into a fruit smoothie or as a delicious dessert, or enjoy dark chocolate frozen bananas.

CHOCOLATE:

High cholesterol puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. For many men, the risk of high cholesterol starts in their 20s and increases with age. High cholesterol tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. But a variety of lifestyle factors also affect cholesterol levels ― including diet, activity level, and body weight

According to Dutch researchers, men whom consumed cocoa lowered their risk of dying from heart disease by 50 percent compared to those who did not eat cocoa. Cocoa contains chemicals called flavanols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improve function of the cells lining the blood vessels.

How exciting is this? Something that you grew up on can actually help reduce your cholesterol! 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Here’s a Valentine’s Day quiz to test your knowledge and put you in the mood.

1. Who created the first box of Valentine’s Day Candy?
a) Richard Cadbury, 1868
b) George Hershey, 1910
c) Phil Snickers, 1880

ANSWER: A — Richard Cadbury, the son of John Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury’s cocoa and chocolate company was the first one to invent the famous box of Valentine Day candy, in 1868.

2. Which of these foods doesn’t belong and why?
a) Banana
b) Asparagus
c) Cantaloupe

ANSWER: C — Cantaloupe.  Bananas and asparagus are erotic stimulants because of their phallic resemblance. Asparagus contain folate, which boosts histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

3. Which food will not make you frisky?
a) Oysters
b) Eggs
c) Beans

ANSWER: B — Eggs. Oysters have long been considered the food of love and legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day, once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips.  Oysters and beans both carry a hefty dose of zinc. Zinc has been linked to male fertility, potency, sex drive, and is essential to sperm production.

4. How many calories are in one chocolate-covered strawberry?
a) 45 calories
b) 60 calories
c) 30 calories
d) 75 calories

ANSWER: A — 45 calories.  One chocolate-covered strawberry contains 45 calories. Not only do these contain the fewest amounts of calories as opposed to other chocolate candies, like nut or caramel filled, but strawberries contain fiber and beneficial nutrients as well.

5. How many calories are there in one glass of champagne?
a) 75 calories
b) 100 calories
c) 150 calories
d) 200 calories

ANSWER: B — One glass of champagne contains 100 calories. Champagne is the wine of choice on Valentine’s Day because it will lower inhibitions and help any couple into an amorous mood.

6. Which is the sexiest nut?
a) Pine nuts
b) Pistachios
c) Almonds

ANSWER: B — Pistachios. Besides providing protein to help increase stamina, pistachios are heavy in healthful mono-saturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are linked with increased sexual desire. Pistachios have a greater portion size than any other nut, so you can eat 49 kernels (1 serving) and still feel sexy.

7. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, food aids in the part of the body it resembles. Which food did the Aztecs value as an aphrodisiac?
a) Avocado
b) Orange
c) Grapes

ANSWER: A — Avocado. The Aztecs valued the avocado as an aphrodisiac and named it “ahuacale”which means testicles, because they grow in pairs. This fruit will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.

8. According to studies at the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, men find the smell of which food to be sexually arousing?
a) Beef Jerky
b) Buttered Popcorn
c) Licorice
d) Steak

ANSWER: B — Buttered popcorn.

9. Which fruit is known as the “love apple?”
a) Tomato
b) Grapes
c) Cherries

ANSWER: A — Tomatoes are known as the love apple. Upon arrival in Italy, the heart-shaped tomato was considered an aphrodisiac, thus tomato in Italian poma amoris means “love apple.”

10. Which spice won’t spice up your sex life?
a) Cayenne
b) Curry
c) Ginger
d) Basil

ANSWER: D — Basil. The right spices not only heat things up on the tongue, but also in the bedroom.  Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers, stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins, giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high.  Hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body.  The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices help infuse romance into the atmosphere.

11. How many pounds of chocolate does the average American consume each year?
a) 6.5
b) 11.5
c) 7.5

ANSWER: B —  According to ABC News, Americans consume 11.5 pounds of chocolate a year.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there’s nothing that comes to mind more than chocolate.  And with all the recent studies showing the health benefits found in cocoa, you might be tempted to eat too much.  Let’s get the facts straight so you don’t go eating all the chocolate in sight.

Yes, it’s true that chocolate has many beneficial properties.  Chocolate comes from the cocoa bean, which is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants and helps prevent heart disease and cancer.  Typically, the darker the chocolate, the greater the health benefits.  But, not all chocolates are created equal. So, if you are going to consume chocolate for health benefits it is best to consume dark chocolate with the least amount of added sugar and fat as possible. 

There are 3 types of chocolate:

Dark: (at least 60% cocoa) contains the most flavonoids and the least amount of sugar
Milk: (usually 30%-50% cocoa) contains very little health benefits and is typically loaded with extra fat and sugar
White: (no cocoa) contains no health benefits

So on this Valentine’s Day, for those of you who want to use chocolate as a pleasurable preventative, remember: The darker, the better.  But a balanced diet and exercise are still the keys to a healthy heart.  Keep in mind, a serving is not an entire box or bar, but it is closer to an ounce.

Besides your typical chocolate treats, other F-Factor recommended products sure to beat a chocolate craving are GNU Foods Flavor & Fiber Chocolate Brownie Bar (14 grams of fiber) and Chocolite bars (12 grams of fiber for 2 pieces).

*F-Factor Best Bites

For comparison:

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

There are some great foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are heart-healthy and will do wonders for your sex life! Cooking together with a romantic partner encourages intimacy and connection — so prepare meals together.

Stay away from foods that contain excess amounts of caffeine — they reduce libido.  And stay away from foods that may make you feel bloated and gassy (cabbage, broccoli, onions). Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive and are found in various fruits and vegetables, so include a salad with meals if you want some action later. This is very exciting news, so start preparing.

Foods for a better sex life:

Bananas, carrots, asparagus. 
Bananas, carrots and asparagus are all erotic stimulants because of their phallic resemblance.  Asparagus contain folate, which boosts histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.  Plus, watching you eat asparagus, a phallic food, is sure to get him in the mood.

Red wine.
Red wine is healthy for your heart and your romantic moods!  It may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. It is also a particularly rich source of antioxidants which raise HDL (good) cholesterol.  It lowers inhibitions and stimulates appetite so add a glass of wine to a romantic dinner!

Oysters.
Oysters have long been considered the food of love, and legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day — once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips.  Oysters carry a hefty dose of zinc. Zinc has been linked to male fertility, potency, sex drive, and is essential for sperm production. The daily requirement for zinc can be gained by eating just one oyster, so imagine what serving your boyfriend/husband an appetizer of a few oysters can do …  schwing!  If oysters aren’t his thing, turkey, lean beef, and beans are other good sources of zinc.

Champagne.
 So you’ve already heard the buzz that a daily glass of wine raises good cholesterol and helps prevent arteries from clogging. But alcohol, especially champagne, can also improve your health and your sex life. Like many mind-altering substances, a glass or two of champagne will lower inhibitions and help ease any couple into an amorous mood. 
 
Pistachios.
Besides providing protein to help increase stamina, pistachios are heavy in healthful mono-saturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are linked with increased sexual desire. Pistachios also have a greater portion size than any other nut, so you can eat 49 kernels (1 serving) and still feel thin and sexy.
 
Artichokes.
This nutrient-dense, peculiar plant was once considered such a powerful aphrodisiac that women were banned from eating it. According to Martha Hopkins, co-author of “Inter-Courses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook,” part of the appeal of the artichoke may be that you have to work hard to “get past the spiked leaves to get to the velvety-smooth heart.” 
 
Spices.
The right spices not only heat things up on the tongue, but also in the bedroom.  Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers, stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins, giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high.  “Chili pepper and ginger help improve circulation,” says Dix. “And hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body.”  The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices help infuse romance into the atmosphere.
 
Avocado.
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, food aids the part of the body it resembles. In fact, the Aztecs valued the avocado as an aphrodisiac and named it “ahuacale” or testicle because they grow in pairs. Though science can neither confirm nor deny that this fruit will get your fire going, it will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.
 
Chocolate.
Don’t skip dessert!  Eating chocolate causes the release of mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin. The sweet stuff also causes a release of phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, leading to feelings of excitement conducive to lovemaking. Just make sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Even smells of certain foods have been found to be sexually arousing, according to studies at the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, notably:

For men: Pumpkin pie and buttered popcorn
For women: Licorice candy

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

              Dear Yvonne,
Given the state of the economy, I’m already planning ahead for Valentine’s Day, and I want to take advantage of the after-Thanksgiving sales. I was wondering what I could get my girlfriend without breaking the bank. Any ideas would be really appreciated.
                                      -Lance

Dear Lance,
While many advertisements would have you think that expensive gifts, like jewelry, are going to make you her prince for the day, lots of ladies are a bit easier – and easier on your wallet – to please. “Think of me” gifts, with a sexy/romantic note, are one way to win her over without putting yourself in debt. For example, get her a pretty sun catcher to hang in her window with a note stating that you hope she’ll think of you every time she sees it. This will let her know that you want to be on her mind. Framing a picture of the two of you will give her a warm glow in reinforcing her confidence in the relationship. Get something that compliments what you love about her most. For example, if she has amazing locks, get her a pretty clip to pull up her hair, with presentation key, for example, let her know it has greater appeal in allowing you to better nibble on her neck. 

If you want to go for something traditional, give the tried and true gifts, only with a spin. A bouquet of flowers can be professionally preserved so that she’ll always have them around. Chocolates that are homemade from a gourmet store are going to be more appealing than ones from traditional candy makers. 

Remember packaging is a way to make a so-so gift much more special. Just the right wrapping paper and bow – basically presentation – will go a long way and shows that you’ve put a lot of thought into the gift. That’s what’s going to be priceless come V-day. And if a woman ends up giving a guy a hard time because something isn’t expensive or lavish enough, then you may want to rethink why you’re involved with her. Nobody should have to be that hard to please.
Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Caffeine has become a necessity for all different types of individuals. Whether jump starting your day, staying late night hours at work or just going about your typical day, everyone seems to rely on caffeine in this fast-pasted society we live in. Although in the past, caffeine has gotten a bad rap; recent studies show that caffeine may actually be good for you.

Caffeine is a drug that is naturally produced in the leaves and seeds of many plants. Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased alertness.  Most experts agree that moderation and common sense are the keys for eating or drinking caffeine-containing products. Moderate caffeine consumption is considered to be about 300 mg, which is equal to 3 cups of coffee.
 
Here are some surprising health benefits of caffeine:

• Mental Performance: If you are falling asleep and need a boost caffeine can definitely help you.

• Mood: Studies have shown that when people consume caffeine, they felt an increased well being, happiness, energy and sociability.

• Physical Performance: Caffeine helps the body burn fat instead of carbohydrate and dulls the perception of pain, which can both boost endurance.

• Headaches: Most headache medications include caffeine. When you get a headache the blood vessels in your brain expand; caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict which helps relieve pain.

• Diseases: Caffeine has been said to protect against gallstones by showing that caffeine can reduce the size of the crystallized stones. Caffeine can also protect against Parkinson’s disease.  This disease results when levels of the brain chemical, dopamine fall, interrupting nerve signals from the brain to muscles. caffeine increases the expression of dopamine receptors in the brain

• Antioxidants: Many caffeine-containing beverages, most notably tea and more recently coffee, have been found to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants have been known to help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Due to the ever growing consumption of caffeine, manufacturers have been producing more products containing caffeine in them. So if you’re not a coffee addict, here are some surprising boosts of caffeine:

• Edys Grand Espresso Chip Ice cream,(4 oz.) 45mg
• Haagen-Daas Mocha chip, regular or light, (4 oz.) 30-40mg
• Crackheads Candy,(1 package)120mg
• Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar, 20mg
• Sumseeds Sunflower seeds,(1 container)140mg
• Swiss Miss Mocha Cappuccino,(1 packet) 25,mg
• chocolate milk,(8 oz.) 2-7mg
• Mountain Dew,(12 oz) 54mg
• Red Bull, (8 oz.) 80mg
 
Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

A mother has defended feeding her 18-month-old daughter a diet of French fries – even though the child weighs as much as a four-year-old.

Angela Boswell, 33, from Manchester, England, insisted Courtney, who weighs 30 pounds, will grow up to be healthy.

The youngster occasionally extends her diet to take in chocolate, crisps, cereal and Coca-Cola – but steers clear of her greens.

You are sitting at your desk when all of a sudden your body demands chocolate. You try and focus on your work, but you can’t get chocolate off your mind. A voice in your head begins to chant, “I want chocolate!” forcing you to march over to the vending machine and buy yourself a chocolate bar.

Cravings like that are all too familiar for many of us. And when the craving is strong enough – words like “healthy” and “diet” go right out the window. So how do you tame your cravings without packing on the pounds?

The trick is not to ignore the craving – you’ll just end up obsessing even more. Instead, give in to the craving, but make a smarter choice. Below are the five most popular cravings and my top picks for alternatives that won’t sabotage your middle.

CRAVING WRONG FOOD HEALTHIER CHOICE

Salty Potato Chips Light Microwave Popcorn

Sweet Cookies Gnu Food’s Flavor and Fiber Bar

Fat Hamburger Turkey burger with sliced avocado

Creamy Ice cream Low-Fat ice cream

Chocolate Snickers Bar 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate

1. SALTY: When you want something salty and crunchy, potato chips fit the bill. Unfortunately, a 2oz. bag of Lay’s potato Chips has 300 calories and 20g of fat. WOW! Instead, opt for a bag of microwave popcorn. Try Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop Butter Flavor. Seven cups have only 120 calories, and 2g of fat, plus a whopping 7g of fiber that will help to keep you full all afternoon long.

2. SWEET: Cookies are sweet and chewy but also loaded with fat and calories. Three Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies have 160 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 1 gram fiber. One oatmeal raisin cookie from Au Bon Pain contains 230 calories, 8 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Instead, grab a Gnu Food’s Flavor and Fiber Bar. These sweet and chewy bars not only taste amazing, they contain only 130-140 calories, less than 2 grams of fat and have a whopping 12 grams of fiber per bar!

3. FAT: Men love red meat. When you crave a burger, your body isn’t just looking for protein, but fat too. Unfortunately, the fat found in chuck is saturated – the kind of fat that clogs your arteries and raises your cholesterol. So swap your beef burger for a turkey burger made from skinless breast, which has about 6 grams less fat per ounce (do the math – that will save you almost 24 grams of fat for a 4 oz. burger). To address the fat craving, add some sliced avocado to your turkey burger. Avocado is a monounsaturated (the good fat that lowers your cholesterol), so this is one burger you don’t have to feel guilty eating.

4. CREAMY: When you crave something cold and creamy, nothing but ice cream will do. The problem is that premium ice cream is loaded with fat and calories! One cup of Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby contains 660 calories and 40 grams of fat! To put it into perspective, a Big Mac has 570 calories, and 32 grams of fat. The good news is that through advancements in processing, low fat ice cream now tastes as rich and creamy as regular. So swap the premium stuff for a cup of Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream Peanut Butter Cup which has only 260 calories and 12 grams of fat.

5. CHOCOLATE: When your brain craves chocolate – there simply is no substitute. Only the real thing will do. To eat chocolate without gaining weight, the trick is to do it the way European’s do. They go for the dark stuff. Instead of milk chocolate bars loaded with sugar, caramel and nuts, opt for a bar of premium dark chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa content. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk and because the flavor is so strong you don’t need to eat as much to feel satisfied. Also, the darker the chocolate, the higher the antioxidant content. And the good thing about antioxidants is they help protect you against cancer.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being. For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com