“Banned” Food is the Secret to PERFECT Gut Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 9, 2017
Q: I’ve been seeing all of this research on how good chocolate is for your health. But I gave it up a long time ago, and it all sounds like a lot of baloney to me. Would you really recommend it to patients?
— Judy Q.
Dr. Scott: First off, I understand your skepticism… I really do. Most of the time, when something makes our taste buds happy, it’s usually terrible for our health.
And let me make a clear and important distinction here – when researchers are talking about chocolate, they mean real cocoa. Not the sugar-loaded junk in your supermarket candy aisle.
But as far as cocoa is concerned, it’s time to officially lift the ban. Because a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that it can make your tummy and tongue happy at the same time.
I’m sure you’ve heard before that good health starts in your gut. There are trillions of bacteria in our guts that support our immune system, digest our food, improve our metabolism, and work with us to make us healthier (or not).
When the bacteria are in perfect balance you are healthy. If not, you end up with digestive problems (and whole-body problems).
Chronic bacteria imbalance results in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and diseases far from your gut including allergies, asthma, arthritis, and even cancer.
It is in your best interests to keep your gut bugs as happy as possible.
That’s where cocoa enters the picture.
Cocoa has many benefits including acting as a powerful antioxidant, lowering cholesterol, slowing down mental decline, and keeping our hearts healthy.
But the new study showed that cocoa is great for our digestive tract.
When we eat chocolate, we don’t digest all of it, and this leaves some cocoa for our gut bacteria. The gut bacteria then take cocoa and change it into smaller components that we can then absorb.
This is great news for our bodies, because many of these small molecules digested by our gut bacteria support our good health.
Many studies have shown that cocoa helps to reduce inflammation in the gut. Cocoa also seems to promote the growth of good bacteria over bad bacteria – further improving our health.
But here is what no one is telling you about chocolate studies – scientists use very high levels of cocoa to see the results they are seeing.
The cocoa they use is like Baker’s chocolate or powered cocoa – think chocolate before sugar and fat are added.
So, before you rush out and grab a Snickers bar, thinking you are doing your body a favor, think again. The sugar in that kind of chocolate will wipe out any benefit you might be getting from the small amount of cocoa in the bar.
If you want to get the benefit of anti-inflammation, and better gut health, look for a bar that is 80 percent cocoa or above.
Want me to answer your question next? Email me at askdrscott@livingwelldaily.com
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar
If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you know the drill. Cut way back on sugar in your diet. While you’re at it, rein in your fat intake too, which can lead to insulin resistance. And don’t forget the extra calories—they add up fast and can sabotage your blood sugar control. But...
The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum
Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day! That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath. A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising...
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...