Free Republic

Downing a smooth, sweet morsel of chocolate may feel like the ultimate indulgence, but did you know that certain compounds in dark chocolate could actually be good for your heart? Yes, you read that correctly — dark chocolate is more than just a delicious treat; it has some sweet potential benefits for your cardiovascular health too. Before you start stockpiling candy bars, though, there's a bit more to the science than simply grabbing the darkest-looking chocolate on the shelf. As a registered dietitian, here’s what I think you need to know about the potential health benefits and drawbacks of dark...

Insulin resistance may not be on your radar, but it should be. This often-overlooked condition is a precursor to a host of metabolic conditions, especially prediabetes and diabetes.1 ,2 The good news is there are ways to protect against and even reverse insulin resistance. That’s important because cells rely on insulin all day, every day, to effectively use glucose for fuel. Plus, it can reduce your long-term risk of many chronic illnesses. How can you protect against insulin resistance? Read on to learn all about insulin resistance, how it impacts your blood sugar levels, and the best ways to naturally...

If you were a fan of Super Size Me in the early 2000s, you may have mixed emotions on whether or not you can eat fast food and still be healthy. Fast food typically has a reputation for being high in calories, fat, sodium, and added sugars—but that doesn't mean you can't find healthier fast-food options as part of a balanced diet. We spoke to dietitians to find out exactly which fast food meals they recommend for your health and which ones can even help contribute to weight loss.