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Did you know that a benefit of dark chocolate is that it can help reduce insulin levels ? Unfortunately dark chocolate can be an acquired taste but for those suffering with diabetes it is well worth persevering as a benefit of dark chocolate is that it can counteract insulin resistance. But the really good news is that there is a new brand of chocolate on the market that has removed the usual bitter taste of dark chocolate thus producing an awesome tasting chocolate with huge health benefits. Yes, dark chocolate can now be viewed as a healthy food and used on a regular basis it has outstanding benefits especially for diabetes sufferers.

A benefit of dark chocolate is that due to its concentration of flavonoids it can can help in the battle against diabetes as it is rich in antioxidants. Which brings forth the question "what are antioxidants"?

Antioxidants are neutralizers of free radicals. Free radicals are simply explained as a phenomenon of today's living. Free radicals are a by product of breathing oxygen, they occur through general everyday pollution in the air, they are basically unavoidable in today's living environment. Molecules become damaged and split, the result being that the damaged molecule becomes a free radical. Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides spawn free radicals.

It used to be that the body could handle free radicals, but as free radical production has become excessive, damage to the body is occurring. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age. So the older we get the more susceptible we are to damage.

Why are antioxidants showing to be a benefit of dark chocolate and diabetes ? Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids which in turn is rich in antioxidants and as such helps to counteract insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be reversed by maintaining healthy weight, eating a good diet, exercising and stopping smoking. Those fabulous flavonoids help in keeping blood vessels healthy and they improve blood flow. That is extremely important for diabetics because they can develop circulation problems which can cause loss of extremities to occur.

Another amazing benefit of dark chocolate is that it is a terrific source of epicatechin. This compound is naturally occurring in cocoa powder that is used in commercially made chocolate, however, it is the main reason for the bitter taste, so commercial chocolate makers process this compound out to remove the taste problems. What this does in effect is to remove one of today's most beneficial compounds. Research at Harvard Medical School has doctors believing that epicatechin could potentially rid the western World of 4 major diseases, stroke, heart failure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

This new chocolate, called Xocai, has developed a process of removing the bitter taste of epicatechin without removing any of the benefits. The result is a product laden with thousands of ORAC units. The ORAC scale was developed by the USDA to measure the amount of antioxidants in each fruit or vegetable. An optimal daily dosage is between 12,000 and 15,000 units. The average US diet contains 800 units. Now with Xocai chocolate all that is needed is 3 squares per day to provide the optimal recommended dosage. Those 3 squares a day only amount to 190 calories and just 8 grams of sugar, so it will not impact your calorie intake. Also Xocai chocolate suppresses craving so just another benefit of dark chocolate.

The alternative is you could eat 7 lbs of spinach or 13 lbs of red grapes or 52 lbs of tomatoes. There appears to be no contest!

This specially processed dark chocolate has helped people with diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, fatigue, skin problems, gum disease, the list is endless. To learn more about 'Healthy Chocolate' please go to [http://www.healthychocolatiers.com] or email admin@healthychocolatiers.com

As the country becomes more and more health conscious and baby boomers populating the majority, we are finding several ways in which certain foods are absolutely beneficial to us. For many centuries people have known the health benefit of dark chocolate, but it seems as if the information is suddenly taking the world by storm with the incredible antioxidant claims. Could this be because baby boomers are looking to live longer or the fact that more and more people are looking for great tasting ways to help them trim their waist lines?

Whatever the case may be, the health benefit of dark chocolate is definitely making its way to the forefront and people are sitting up and taking notice. Dark chocolate has amazing ingredient properties and there are several studies which indicate dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and is beneficial for heart disease. Dark chocolate also has been shown to suppress appetite making it ideal for dieters trying to stave off the sugar cravings.

One of the most important properties in dark chocolate is flavonoids. Flavonoids provide protective benefits with its potent antioxidant power. Antioxidants help our cells resist damage of all those nasty free radicals roaming around in the body. There is no way to avoid free radicals as they are caused by environment and a major contributor to the way we age. Out bodies absolutely need adequate amount of antioxidants to lessen this damage, but the fact is that many people are not taking in near the recommended amount.

This is where dark chocolate comes in and can help many of us! Just about everyone loves chocolate. But before you go reaching for that candy bar, there is a particular kind of chocolate that is extremely beneficial, where others are not.

Most chocolate is processed and contains sugars and fats that are damaging to our bodies and the benefits are lost. Cocoa in its purest form is beneficial to us before it goes through chemical processes and all of its antioxidant qualities are removed. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are definitely out of the question and should be avoided if you are looking for health benefits.

Dark chocolate is the only form of chocolate that retains high levels of flavonoids, but most dark chocolate still contains sugars and fats, depleting the benefits. The absolute best form of dark chocolate with antioxidant benefits is in its purest form, completely unprocessed.

If you would like more information on the health benefit of dark chocolate in its unprocessed form and how you can earn six figures from the best tasting healthy Belgian chocolate, head on over to [http://MyDarkChocolateHealth.com]

Raw, dark chocolate has been known to have significant health benefits.  Research studies continue to reveal that chocolate may hold clues to fighting more and more types of diseases.  It is great news that the enjoyment and satisfaction of chocolate can be linked to healthiness and well-being.   Here's how research involving chocolate consumption has been shown to benefit conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and more.

Cancer and Heart Disease

Raw cacao and dark chocolate contain even greater amounts of the antioxidant compounds found in red wine or green tea.  In protecting cells from toxins, as well as damaging and slowing the growth of cancer cells, antioxidants help reduce cancer risks and heart disease.   The more cacao contained in chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains.  Keep in mind that white chocolate does not contain antioxidants. 

High Cholesterol

Despite being high in fats, studies have shown that chocolate consumption does not raise cholesterol, due to the type of saturated fat it contains.   Less harmful saturated fats mean less harmful cholesterol and artery-clogging plaque.  In fact, dark chocolate may help boost good cholesterol. 

Mood

Consuming chocolate is thought to have an opiate effect on the body, possibly helping ease mood disorders. In addition, the fat contained in chocolate helps provide a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure, releasing endorphins that positively affect mood.  Chocolate also may help cases of depression and soothe anxiety.  Certain research study participants diagnosed with depression found relief from their depression when given dark chocolate.

High Blood Pressure and Circulation

Dark chocolate has been shown to help prevent blood platelets from aggregating, thus minimizing blood clots.  In fact, one research study showed that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate each day slightly lowered blood pressure.   This effect is due to the level of flavonoids in cacao that improve the level of protection against heart disease and encourage good circulation.  Flavonoids tend to be lower in milk chocolate so stick with the dark.  In addition, the Dutching process used in making cocoa powder also reduces flavanols, so look for naturally processed cocoa.

How Much Chocolate To Consume 

To reap the possible health benefits, try adding 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day to your diet.  Make sure there are no refined sugars or hydrogenated oils used in making the chocolate.  There should also be a high cocoa percentage (70% or above) in the chocolate bar.  Keep in mind that chocolate will add calories, so make dietary adjustments accordingly.

For more information on the health benefits of chocolate, visit Chocolate Is Healthy.

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