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Whether you’re trying to lose weight or you just need a sweet treat after a long day, dark chocolate is your friend.

Dark chocolate is full of nutrients and it offers amazing benefits for your health. Quality dark chocolates are rich in fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals.

To learn more about the health benefits of dark chocolate, keep reading.

Reduce blood pressure levels

Dark chocolate has bioactive compounds found in cocoa that can improve blood flow in the arteries. This cause a small but statistically important decrease in blood pressure. Studies have shown that eating dark chocolate appears to help improve artery function and decrease blood pressure levels.

Support brain function

If you feel like you need a little bit of brain boost, eating dark chocolate is one of the answers. In a studywhere healthy volunteers spent five days consuming high-flavanol cocoa, the participants showed improved blood flow to the brain.

In older people with mental impairment, cocoa may also significantly boost cognitive function. It can also improve verbal fluency. While caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulant substances found in cocoa can also improve brain function in the short term.

Reduce risk of heart disease

There are observational studies that show a big reduction in heart disease risk for people who consume dark chocolate.

For example, in one study of 470 elderly men, cocoa was found to decrease the chances of cardiovascular death by half over a 15-year period.

According to another study, eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by a whopping 32 per cent!

Helps protect skin

If you want to improve your complexion, don’t be afraid to include dark chocolate in your diet. The bioactive compounds in cocoa is great for your skin. The flavanoids that comes with dark chocolate helps protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

Eggs get such a bad rep in the nutrition industry even though many studies have proven otherwise. Probably, the biggest controversy surrounding eggs is you guessed it right – cholesterol.

This particular issue blew up five decades ago when the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association was released 50 years ago, which puts a limit on how much cholesterol a person should only consume per day. Sadly, this dietary recommendation did not evolve as fast as science does over the years.

As we understand it now based on factual research and experiments, dietary cholesterol (the kind you’ll find in eggs) actually has very little effect on blood cholesterol, and eggs are actually beneficial to the human body.

Aids in weight loss

Eating eggs in the morning, instead of bagels or any sort of bread, can actually help you lose weight based on certain studies. As a matter of fact, one particular research showed that women subjects found eating eggs early in the day very satisfying that tend to eat less at later meals.

Rich in protein

If you’re wondering why bodybuilders love eggs, the answer is protein. Whole eggs are an excellent source of protein. They contain amino acids which is essential for our diet and it’s more easily digested than other protein sources.

Eggs don’t cause heart disease

It’s true that eggs contain cholesterol, but contrary to popular belief, the dietary cholesterol found in eggs do not adversely affect blood cholesterol levels that can cause a variety of health problems. In fact, egg cholesterol raise HDL or what doctors call the ‘good cholesterol’.

It’s good for your memory

Aside from being a protein-rich food, eggs are also choline-rich, has been found to stimulate brain development and function, as well as improve memory.

Eggs are good for your eyes

There are two antioxidants found in eggs – leutin and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants have been shown to make your eyes healthy by protecting them from macular degeneration and cataracts.

Maintaining pearly white teeth is something that many people are conscious of. Quality teeth whitening products (those that are safe and effective) can be pricey. Teeth whitening sessions at the dentist are not essentially cheap.

Keeping your teeth white shouldn’t be awfully expensive. Avoiding certain foods is an effective way to give your smile bright and white.

Red wine

If you love wines, you’ve probably had that funny red wine smile after a few glasses. Red wine may seem harmless but too much of it can actually stain your teeth.

White wine

Did you know that white wine can cause yellow teeth as well? Before you pour yourself a glass of chardonnay, take note that white wine can cause yellow teeth as well. It’s not because of the color but the acid that is present in the white wine and its effect on your teeth.

Tea and coffee

It’s no secret that caffeinated beverages cause teeth discolouration. However, due to the addictive nature of coffee, people do not even try to give up on it. Well, the good news is, you don’t have to. You just have to add milk or your choice of creamer to combat the stain.

Fresh lemon and lime

The acid in citrus fruits can actually strip off the enamel of your teeth – the protective coating. When the enamel eroded, the teeth reveals its yellow undertones.

Beetroot

Beets can also leave unpleasant stains on your pearly whites. To combat the effect, munch on some cheese.

Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce

If you look at the label closely, most balsamic vinegars are made up of fifteen per cent sugar. The dark and sticky liquid quickly attaches itself to your teeth so monitor your consumption if you want to maintain healthy, white teeth.

Australia health and dietary authorities recommend that we drink two litres of water. That’s only eight glasses per day but most of us don’t meet the suggested amount of fluid intake. If you come to think of it, the human body is made up of roughly 60 per cent water, and it’s vital to our survival.

The health benefits of water are amazing. In fact, if you will drink only water for 30 days, expect to experience health rewards that will blow you away.

You will boost your brainpower

The brain gets its oxygen from water to function optimally. According to Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal, if you will only drink water 30 days, your mental performance and acuity will improve immensely.

You will slow down ageing

Water is a magical anti-ageing elixir. It keeps your skin and cells hydrated. Hydration means less wrinkles, more muscle tone, and a more youthful appearance.

You will have faster metabolism

When your metabolism is in full gear, your body’s ability to burn fat increases. In fact, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, by drinking water only, you can increase your metabolic rate by 30 per cent.

Stronger immune system

Cell renewal is key to a stronger immune system. Water is vital to cell renewal, plus it also supports the optimal function of your liver and kidneys by getting rid of toxins in your blood.

It strengthens the heart

To maintain a healthy heart, drinking water is essential. Oxygenating this vital organ helps lower blood pressure and helps decrease your risk of heart attack by preventing blood thickening.

Develop stronger bones

Water serves as a natural lubricant for your joints and is a main ingredient in rebuilding cartilage, which helps your joints move smoothly, and it prevents joint damage in the process.

Are you drinking eight glasses of water a day?

Health insurance is without a doubt a confusing subject. Wrapping out brains around the language, the rates, and premiums as well as what we should do when we’re hurt or ill is a bit challenging. Though it can be a daunting task, it’s important to educate yourself about this complicated industry and make the most out of what it offers. Let’s dispel some common myths around Australia’s private health insurance jungle.

1. We Don’t Need Private Health Insurance — We Have Medicare

The government might cover most medical services through the Medicare system, but it only covers a certain amount of the cost. Private health insurance gives you a greater choice over your hospital experience — including access to a private room in a private hospital as well as greater control over your choice of doctor and hospital. Without private insurance, you’ll also have to wait to get treatment in a public hospital — an average of 73 days for a hip replacement or 38 days for general surgery.

2. I’m Fit And Healthy

Being fit and healthy doesn’t make you invincible. There’s still the possibility that you’ll get injured, suffer an accident or have a medical emergency. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for whatever situations may arise. Private health insurance can ease the financial burden you’ll be in where you need to have your tonsils removed, break an arm or leg, or getting ill. You can also access a range of non-hospital treatments like dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic and remedial massage.

3. Private Health Insurance Is Too Expensive

Accidents can happen at any time which could leave you with considerable out-of-pocket expenses. And without an appropriate level of private health insurance, you’re required to pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge. Consider the impact of a health issue that can cause serious and ongoing financial harm versus the range of policies available at different price points. You just have to pick out a policy that matches your income and health needs accordingly.

4. The Costs Outweigh The Benefits

Some private health insurance providers offer more than just plain insurance. Take Medibank’s GymBetter as an example, it provides members with access to a nationwide network of gyms at discounted rates as well as 24/7 access to health advice. So, it pays to shop around to find the best value for your money.

5. There’s No Need To Update My Policy

As our lives change, our health needs also change. So, having the same policy might not be beneficial in the future. It’s worth reviewing your cover regularly to ensure you’re always covered. It’s also a worth checking out new products from time to time. After all, policies don’t adapt to our personal health needs, we’re the ones that need to make the decisions to switch.

As health insurance premiums are expected to hike up as a result of rising medical costs, you should brace yourself for a blow to the family budget. Policyholders may choose to switch providers for a better deal or abandon their cover altogether if their health funds continue to climb. But before you ditch your health cover, here are some tips to help reduce the impact on the price hike.

1. Pre-Pay And Save

Paying the annual premium upfront before the price hike which is on April 1, helps you beat the increase. Some health funds provide extra incentives for members who pay their premium a year in advance. These incentives could be a discount on the premium or a suspension of the increase. Opting for a direct debit premium may also help you negotiate a discount, which can help you pay on time and avoid late penalties.

2. Choose A Higher Excess

Most health funds allow you to increase your excess for a reduced premium, which means that you’ll need to pay more if you need to go to the hospital. While you may think you can save by dropping extras and increasing your restrictions, opting for a higher excess makes more sense in reducing your premium.

3. Change Your Co-Insurance Ratio

This is how much you’ll pay after you’ve met your deductible. A common ratio is 80/20, which means that after you pay your deductible toward health care expenses, your insurer pays 80% of the bill while you shoulder the 20%. Changing this ratio in order to pay more will mean a lower premium. Like choosing a higher excess, you have to weigh the costs versus the risks.

4. Explore Direct Primary Care

A growing number of primary care physicians are partnering with employers to deliver affordable preventive and primary care on a fixed-monthly membership model. Direct primary care, coupled with a high-deductible health insurance plan, can be an outstanding and relatively affordable solution for entrepreneurs and small businesses. A major drawback though is that it generally isn’t, on it’s own, a solution for the kind of catastrophic illness, like cancer, which leaves people bankrupt.

5. Trade Up Group Health Insurance Plans

If both you and your spouse have group health insurance plans available through work, figure out which one will cover both your needs at the lowest possible cost. This is a case to case basis though, for an individual family plan may offer a cheaper option for some people as opposed to group rates.

6. Find Out If You’re Entitled To A Corporate Or Restricted Fund

Talk to your employer and find out your options. Often, corporate or restricted fund members enjoy exclusive discounts and perks, including lower premiums for higher levels of cover or free gym membership. There’s also the possibility that you can join a fund that someone in your immediate family has access to.

Health insurance isn’t cheap so it’s a sensible idea to review your health insurance policy at least once a year. It’s crucial to know how to get the most value from your cover. Take a look at your private health cover to ensure you’re not spending more money than you need to especially as the end of the financial year approaches. Here are some tips to help you navigate the puzzling world of private health insurance at tax time.

1. Sticks And Carrots

To reduce the demand on the public system, the federal government encourages Australians to take up private health insurance through a “sticks and carrots” approach. The “carrot” is the Private Health Insurance Rebate, which makes private cover more affordable, while the “sticks” are the Medical Levy Surcharge (MLS) and Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading. MLS is an additional tax levied on those who don’t have private health insurance and earn more than $90,000 for singles or $180,000 for families and couples. LHC is a 2% loading payable on top of your premium for every year you’re aged over 31 and didn’t have private health insurance. LHC compounds, so better take out private health insurance before you reach 31 or you’ll pay at least 2% more if you’re 31 or older and wait until after tax time.

2. Only Hospital Cover Counts

The government only gives incentives to policy holders who have hospital cover. Which means that you will still be hit by the Medicare Levy Surcharge if you have an extras-only policy and earn more than $90,000 (singles) or $180,000 (families and couples).

3. Life Stage

Consult a private health insurance expert and discuss where you are in life and what your future plans are. Estimating your current and near-future requirements as well as your financial situation and budget will ensure you take out the right policy to cover your health needs at a price you can afford.

4. Cut The Fat

Think about the types of extras you’re likely to use. You don’t want to pay for something that you think you don’t require. If you’re not sure which extras to prioritise, it’s worth considering a flexible extras product that merge your separate extras limits into a single annual limit for you use across various services.

5. Get More Bang For Less Buck

Some insurance providers offer a discount for paying by direct-debit. You can also get a discount by paying a year’s worth of premiums upfront instead of monthly repayments. A number of providers also offer handsome introductory offers such as one month free or reduced waiting periods.

The 4 Benefits of Dark Chocolate

5 Reasons Why Eggs Are the Healthiest Food in the World

6 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

6 Reasons Why You Should Drink Water Only

Common Health Insurance Myths Busted

How To Lower Health Insurance Premiums

Tax Time And Health Insurance

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