Three UNHEALTHY foods that can help you live longer

Can you ever imagine that foods that are believed to be unhealthy and reasons for life threatening diseases can actually help you live longer? Sounds bizarre, right? Well, a study has made some shocking revelations that you must know.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discovered that some cheeses, such as cheese, red wine, and lamb, can improve brain health and increase lifespan. In this research, data gathered over a period of 10 years was taken from 1787 people. It was discovered that daily intake of cheese and red wine, along with lamb once a week, may also positively affect long-term cognitive results.
People who eat 12g of chocolate a day have a 12 per cent lower risk of dying, a study published by the US National Cancer Institute in 2022 had found. The researchers found that there was a link between eating chocolate and a lower risk of both having cardiovascular disease and dying from cardiovascular disease.

Chocolate, cheese, and red wine are indulgent treats and often tagged as unhealthy foods

Chocolate, cheese, and red wine are indulgent treats often associated with pleasure and luxury. However, when consumed in moderation, they offer surprising health benefits due to their rich nutritional profiles and bioactive compounds.

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These improve heart health through the enhancement of blood flow, reduction of blood pressure, and increase in HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. It contains compounds such as theobromine and caffeine, which can enhance brain function, focus, and mood. It also triggers the release of endorphins, which leads to happiness. Chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% should be chosen to maximize the health benefits while minimizing added sugars.
Cheese is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins like B12 and K2. Calcium and phosphorus are important for the strength of bones and teeth, and vitamin K2 is related to bone metabolism and cardiovascular health. Certain types of cheese, such as aged varieties, contain probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria balance. Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has potential anti-inflammatory effects and may support weight management at low to moderate intake. Even with high saturated-fat content, it appears that full-fat dairy consumption does not have the detrimental effects on heart health once thought. Instead, moderation and the best selection of nutrient-dense cheeses, such as Parmesan, Gouda, or blue cheese, will do the trick.
Red wine, in particular, is often revered for its antioxidant properties, mostly due to its high amount of polyphenols, most notably resveratrol, the compound found in grape skins, has been well-documented as improving cardiovascular well-being by reducing inflammation and protecting blood vessels, thereby cutting down on atherosclerosis, among other related factors. Some studies have revealed that moderate drinking of red wines increases HDL cholesterol levels as well as facilitates better heart efficiency. Apart from the heart benefits, resveratrol is thought to have potential anti-aging effects and to support brain health by preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants found in red wine help combat free radicals, thereby contributing to general cellular health.