Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Chromium in the Diet
Functions and Sources
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Good sources of chromium include:
The process of refining removes chromium from grains. As a result, foods like white flour and white rice are low in chromium. Most Americans get only 50 to 100 micrograms (mcg) of chromium per day through diet.
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Chromium combines with niacin to form Glucose Tolerance Factor, also known as GTF. GTF works with insulin to help the body use glucose. Insulin is the hormone that takes glucose from blood and puts it into cells where it is used for energy. Chromium helps reduce the amount of insulin needed to maintain blood sugar. Some studies report that people who have diabetes better blood can get better glucose control by taking chromium supplements.
Getting the right amount of chromium each day may also help protect against heart attacks in people that are at high risk, such as those who have diabetes. Chromium seems to improve levels of blood fats such as cholesterol.