Germs Make Food Healthier

In my life, the "5 second rule" has saved countless M&M's, cookies, and various inside bits of sandwiches. Is it disgusting? Of course it is!

Unless you're a dog or have some kooky fetish, there's no reason to eat off the floor. Okay, maybe grossing out girls -- that's funny!

But now, experts suggest eating food exposed to germs may help reduce inflammation which contributes to heart disease.

Writing in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, researchers found "ultra-clean, ultra-hygienic" environments, early in life, contribute to inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease in adults.

For the study, scientists took blood from children in the Philippines, who in some cases lived with animals which roamed freely, like dogs and pigs, and American whippersnappers living in "hygienic" environments.

Despite American's obsession with cleanliness, young'ins in the U.S. had higher levels of C-reactive protein, a risk factor for heart disease, even though Filipino kids contracted more infectious diseases.

But, before you run out and roll your kid in dirt, experts say the take away message is simply the importance of being exposed to bacteria.

Well, If it turns out eating boogers is good for you, than my little brother will live to be 101!

Via The Sydney Morning Herald.

By Gerald "Gerry" Pugliese 

Reprinted from Dietblog