To the tantalizing delight of chocolate lovers everywhere, a number of recent studies employing various methods have suggested that compounds in cocoa called flavanols could benefit cardiovascular health. Now a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cocoa consumption reveals some further pieces of supporting evidence. The meta-analysis in the Journal […]

Researchers have known for more than 50 years that eating oats can lower cholesterol levels and presumably reduce a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Studies during that time have focused on the impact of oats on levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, which collects in the walls of blood vessels where it can cause blockages […]

For many people, there’s nothing more satisfying than a hot, spicy meal. But some research has suggested that capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their kick, might cause cancer. Now researchers show in mouse studies that the pungent compound in ginger, 6-ginergol, could counteract capsaicin’s potentially harmful effects. In combination with the capsaicin, 6-gingerol […]

Who knew that the wild mint that scents afternoon hikes with its fresh smell actually bursts at the helm with health benefits too? Native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and Australia, wild mint (Mentha longifolia) has long been used as a folk remedy for a broad range of ailments, including gastrointestinal problems and sore throats. […]