The sweet solution for a sharper brain Yet another check mark on cocoa's scorecard: A new study revealed that cocoa flavanols (compounds naturally found in cocoa beans) can help stave off age-related memory loss. In the study (led by Columbia University Medical Center), 37 participants aged 50 to 69 were given a cocoa beverage that contained either 10 mg or 900 mg of flavanols every day for three months. Researchers conducted memory function tests on both groups at the study's outset and then again at the conclusion. They found noticeable improvements in memory function in those who consumed the high-flavanol drink. The study's lead author put it into quite a staggering perspective. He said, "If a participant had the memory of a typical 60-year-old at the beginning of the study, after three months that person on average had the memory of a typical 30- or 40-year-old." The study also showed positive changes in the brain's "dentate gyrus," an area of the brain associated with age-related memory decline. While there's more to study here, this is extremely encouraging. And further evidence that cocoa can be a serious brain boon. Just make sure to steer clear of milk chocolate. Opt for dark chocolate that's at least 80 to 90 percent cacao. Or you can go for 100 percent cocoa powder. Mix it with hot, unsweetened almond or coconut milk, along with a little bit of stevia (just enough to cut the bitterness), and you've got a delicious treat that will keep you warm--and healthy--this fall and winter.

The blind leading the blind: New study proves how dismal diabetic nutrition counseling is

Dear Reader, According to a new study, people who know they have diabetes tend to eat healthier than people who have yet to be diagnosed. The researchers evaluated 3725 adults with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, who were a part of the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that men who knew they had diabetes consumed an average of 87 grams of sugar per day, whereas undiagnosed men ate an average of 117 grams. Likewise, diagnosed men consumed fewer carbohydrates and more protein than undiagnosed men. Women showed similar trends: Those with diagnosed diabetes consumed less sugar--an average of 79 grams per day, vs 95 grams for their undiagnosed counterparts. They also ate more protein--67 grams vs 57 grams in undiagnosed patients. I think it's great that diabetics are making an effort--I really do. But let's not break out the balloons and party hats just yet... If I ate 235 grams of carbohydrates a day, I, as my mother liked to say, would be as big as a house (and probably the lot next door too). And 87 grams of sugar?! I haven't eaten 87 grams of sugar in the past six months... let alone in one day. Honestly, if this is a good thing, Lord help us! Which leads me to the next study I want to tell you about... It looked at the importance of nutritional counseling and healthy diets for prediabetics. While I consider this a normal--and essential--part of every office visit, most doctors don't. In fact, most patients with pre-diabetes never get a single word of advice from their doctors about what they should--and shouldn't--be eating. But guess what this study showed? That's right--people who were counseled to eat right and exercise were able to lower their blood sugar levels. And they did it following some pretty dismal dietary advice: a calorie-restricted diet, in which 60 to 70 percent of the energy came from carbohydrates and monounsaturated fat, 15 to 20 percent from protein, and less than 7 percent from saturated fat. Wrong, wrong and wrong again! Eat like that and you might improve your blood sugar by a hair...temporarily. But eventually you will get fatter--and you WILL wind up with diabetes. If you truly want to take control over your blood sugar, you have to eliminate sugar. "Reducing" your intake to 87 grams per day isn't going to cut it. And the simple, refined carbs have to go too. But you don't have to spend every waking minute tracking your calories and denying yourself all the foods you love. Juicy steaks, gooey cheese omelets, rich dark chocolate--all of these decadent "treats" are perfectly OK. In fact, they're good for you! Combine them with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits--and that daily walk I'm always encouraging you to take--and you'll balance your blood sugar without even thinking about it. It really can be that simple--if you have the right tools and information. Stick with me and I'll make sure you do.

This MRI could save your life

I've never seen anything like this...  Experimental doctors treating a former gold medalist with terminal cancer got the shock of their lives when they held his MRI up to the light. What they saw could be hailed as the biggest cancer breakthrough in history. And after 7 years, their unbelievable discovery is finally being revealed in this free video. If you're suffering from cancer or even if you just want to see something astonishing... You need to watch it now. The government has kept this rare footagequiet over the last 7 years for fear it will topple the billion dollar cancer industry... I can't guarantee how long it will be available, so watch now!

America has a major weight problem, and now, it turns out, there are different types of belly fat to worry about—one of which you can’t even see. Visceral fat is the kind you have to watch out for. This deadly fat wraps around the organs deep in your abdomen, spiking your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. The good news is you can start blasting dangerous belly fat with these 5 healthy habits.       End Bad Moods: Cheer up with snacks scientifically proven to banish the blues.   5 Teas for Weight Loss: Green isn’t the only kind that can help you get and stay slim.   Gross Things In Your Food:You’re already eating wood chips, pesticides, and hair.   Nutrition Myths: We’re here to clear up some of the crazy rumors about food.

What Elderly People with Good Memories Have in Common   
If you want to age gracefully, without suffering through endless aches and pains, forgetfulness, and loneliness, this is one of the easiest and best things you can do - it can make a huge impact on your ability, mobility and even add 7.5 years to your lifespan.

Why Carb Loading Is a Bad Idea
Carb loading prior to your workout may backfire, especially if you've been following this type of popular diet plan...

I always encourage you to take a walk after dinner every night. I've been accused of overstating the value of this ritual before. But the fact of the matter is, every little step really does count. And the results of a recent study do a good job of showing just how much of a difference your daily stroll can make.

Hit the head before bed, and sleep soundly until morning!

No matter what your worry--starting without hesitation, keeping your stream strong, finishing fully every time or maintaining control and comfort. With this REVOLUTIONARY SECRET you can help improve your quality of life--with fewer trips to the bathroom--day and night. And less uncomfortable urges to go! Don't wait another day to see how this discovery can change your life.