Recently, we discussed the terrific new "Twinkies Diet," which demonstrated that even those spongy treats hold promise. Now comes word that another perennial IB favorite, chocolate, has even greater health potential. Scientists working with candy giant Mars are even now busy deciphering the genome of cacao, from which chocolate is processed:
"Researchers ... are scouring the genome of the tree Theobroma cacao to find ways of enhancing the health benefits of cocoa beans ... They believe they can boost the levels of compounds known as flavonols in the beans. Flavonols have been found in recent research to improve blood pressure and have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system."
So a chocolate covered Twinkie would be the perfect health food, right?
"Researchers ... are scouring the genome of the tree Theobroma cacao to find ways of enhancing the health benefits of cocoa beans ... They believe they can boost the levels of compounds known as flavonols in the beans. Flavonols have been found in recent research to improve blood pressure and have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system."
So a chocolate covered Twinkie would be the perfect health food, right?