FADS IN FOURS

UNRIPE PLANTAIN IS HIGH IN IRON:

This is a misconception that has misled many people into consuming loads of unripe plantain. Plantain has been found to contain mostly starch (complex carbohydrate) and a meagre iron content of 0.5 mg/100g raw weight of unripe plantain.

BEANS IS HIGH IN PROTEIN:

Many diabetics have been led to believing that cowpea (vigna ungiculata) contains low carbohydrate, thereby being effective in glycemic control. Beans contains 60g/100g carbohydrate, dwarfing it’s protein content of 22g/100g raw weight.

SUGAR IS ENTIRELY BAD FOR YOU: Simple sugar (glucose) apart from being the fastest and simplest form of energy for physical work, is also the only form of energy which the brain can use in mental activity. Moderation is the watch word here as an excess can lead to reserve storage as subcutaneous fat.

CHOCOLATE IS A KILLER FOOD: Chocolate from cocoa has been bad-mouthed as the chief cause of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In the actual sense, dark chocolates:

A.) Cocoa is high in HDL which lower cholesterol by antagonizing and preventing the oxidation of LDL, thereby preventing cardiovascular diseases and reduces tension in the bloodvessels. It also increases insulin sensitivity. Observational studies have revealed a lower risk of heart related diseases in people that consumed chocolate regularly.

B.) Flavonols contained in cocoa protect the skin against sun-induced damage, improves blood flow to the skin and increases skin density and hydration.

C.) Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in the elderly with mental impairment..It also contains stimulant substances such as caffeine and theobromine which can be a reason chocolate increases brain function on the short termm.

D.) Dark chocolates are loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants such as polyphenol, flavonols, catechin and selenium which protect the cells against oxidative damage.

E.) Dark chocolate is also a rich source of minerals such as iron (67% RDA), magnesium (58% RDA), manganese(98% RDA), copper ( 89% RDA), zinc, phosphorus and potassium per 100 grams. It also is a high source of energy, throwing 600 Kcal/100g into the circle which could yield enormous reserve if consumed in excess, so BE GUIDED!!