This article from your Nepean chiropractors talks about what junk foods are good for you and why. Contact Capital Chiropractic to learn more about this article.

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CHOCOLATE BARS in Nepean!

Why do you think they are bad for you- because they are full of sugar and calories?

What you should know: Yes, I said chocolate (not the milk chocolate sugary kind) but high-quality dark chocolate. How can chocolate be good for you? Because it is full of cocoa which contains flavonoids. This is the same thing that is found in green tea and wine. Flavonoids have been shown to act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help relax blood flow and increase circulation. Dark chocolate is also rich in Iron (which helps with energy) Magnesium (which helps with muscle contraction and heart function) plus fiber and other minerals.

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WINE!

Why you think it's bad: It has little nutritional value and is the reason we need the term "beer belly."

Why it's not: Wine, especially the red variety, has been studied extensively and some findings suggest it may promote a longer lifespan, protect against certain cancers, improve mental health, and provide benefits to the heart.

I can already hear all the wines glasses clinking !!!

But how much is enough and how much is too much? This all depends on a few factors - your size, age, sex, body stature, and general state of health, as well as whether it is being consumed with food or on an empty stomach. Women absorb alcohol more rapidly than men because of their lower body water content, size, and different levels of stomach enzymes. So how much before it becomes more hazardous to health? Up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Do this: Pinot noir. It contains more disease-fighting antioxidants than any other type of alcoholic beverage. Red wine seems to have more health benefits than beer or white wine. But remember wine in moderation.

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COCONUT

Why you think it's bad: Ounce for ounce, coconut has more saturated fat than butter does. This is the reason experts have warned that it can clog your arteries.

Why it's not: Even though coconut is packed with saturated fat, it appears to have a beneficial effect on heart-disease risk factors. One reason: More than 50 percent of its saturated-fat content is lauric acid. A recent analysis of 60 studies published in the Canadian Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that even though lauric acid raises LDL (bad) cholesterol, it boosts HDL (good) cholesterol even more. Overall, this means it decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Do this: Shredded, unsweetened coconut makes for a great snack or sprinkle it on some food but don't go overboard it still packs on the calories. The great thing about coconut is that it can be filling and it won't spike your blood sugar.

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WARNING: Even though these foods are healthier than you believed, they are still are full of calories.