Is this tasty treat good for diabetics?

Many years ago, I wrote that a great way to treat metabolic syndrome is by taking magnesium. I quoted a study that showed how magnesium reduces your risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 31%. Now a new study says chocolate may have the same results.

This makes sense, as chocolate is one of the most magnesium-rich foods around. In fact, it’s why many women crave chocolate — they have a magnesium deficiency.

A review of medical studies on dark chocolate confirms that eating the tasty treat has several health benefits. It can lead to improvements in blood pressure, blood vessel endothelial function, and a dip in insulin levels. The latter means that your insulin might be working better.

Overweight? Here’s how to avoid heart disease

If you’re overweight, your doctor has probably warned that you’re at a much higher risk of heart disease. In fact, you probably already have the first signs of it — high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It’s true that excess body fat is a major risk factor for heart disease. But two new studies suggest you don’t have to die of a heart attack.

Both studies looked at the impact of a fruit juice cocktail on major heart-disease risk factors. The results are stunning.

How much vitamin D is too much?

Last week, I introduced you to Millie. Millie is a thin woman who is at high risk for osteoporosis. Because of her high risk, I wanted to make sure her vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone levels were all in the optimal ranges. When I found that her parathyroid hormone was too high, I recommended she take 10,000 IU of vitamin D to lower them. Here’s what happened...

After two months, I measured Millie’s calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels again.