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There are many benefits from this surgery. One of them is that it is a quick procedure and healing time takes about one to three days. This is very good for people who have a very busy lifestyle, because it is not necessary to take a long break, so they can rest after the procedure. After surgery, and a few days of rest, they can no longer revert back to their work as though nothing happened and clearer see.
Another advantage is that a large percentage of patients who have undergone the treatment are pleased with the procedure. Lasik surgery has a high success rate, and the right of patients to see far better. They can also save money because you don't have to buy it, eye glasses or contact lenses to their view.
In addition, patients who have undergone Lasik eye surgery Saginaw feel no pain at all during the proceedings. In comparison with other clinics photorefractive keratectomy, as Lasik is practically painless. And with reduced pain patients feel more patients is looking forward to have their eye surgery.
In addition, patients have to do a lot of activities after their Saginaw Lasik. Now they can do things such as swimming, playing in the shooting range, easy to read book. Patients who have undergone the treatment just have better views of life and boost your self-confidence.
If you want to try out all these advantages and disadvantages of having intended to deprive you of many diseases of the eye and the eye surgery-Lasik Saginaw might be for you. Search for qualified doctors and ask about how to live better, healthier lives.
Yes, you read it right. Dark chocolates can actually offer benefits to diabetes patients. This chocolate can definitely help in the reduction of the insulin levels among diabetics. Well, considering that the taste of black chocolate can be really not so encouraging and can be also an acquired one, but for people who are suffering and had been fighting with the disease, everything can be well worth persevering for. Just thinking that these chocolates can counteract insulin resistance in the body, it might probably taste great for them.
And one of the great news is that a new brand of dark chocolate that has none of the bitter taste is now available in the market. It has been proven that this black chocolate can be looked at as a healthy food and can be used on a regular and permanent basis that can provide benefits for the sufferers of diabetes.
The actual benefit of dark chocolate is really because of the concentration of flavonoids, these are rich in antioxidants that can definitely battle against the disease. Remember that antioxidants are the neutralizers of the free radicals which are simply taken as a phenomenon of living in today's world and generation. These free radicals are supposedly a by-product of the oxygen we breathe in, and they can occur through the general pollution in the air that we normally breathe in. they are indeed unavoidable in this day's living environment.
The next possible question could be: why are antioxidants are considered beneficial elements of dark chocolate that would be in turn beneficial to diabetes patients? The cocoa powder in the dark chocolate is very rich in flavonoids, which is rich in antioxidants, and which in turn helps a big part in fighting and counteracting insulin resistance. Now, this insulin resistance can actually be reversed if we maintain our weight, by eating a good diet, by stopping smoking, and by exercising regularly.
These great flavonoids are helping us in keeping our blood vessels healthy and by improving the flow of blood. This condition is really important for diabetics specifically because they can help in the development of the circulation problems which in turn can cause loss of extremities to occur.
One amazing fact about the many benefits of this dark chocolate is because it is a most terrific and important source of epicatechin. This is a compound that is occurring naturally in cocoa powder which is used, like we all know, in making chocolate that are commercially made. But then, it is the also the main reason and culprit for the bitter taste, so what the commercial chocolate makers do is that they process this compound out of the chocolate to remove the taste problem, but conversely, this also removes one of the most important beneficial compounds of today.
In fact, a research done at Harvard Medical School made some of the doctors believed that epicatechin can be the possible answer in getting rid of the Western World's four major diseases: heart failure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
Another important contribution f cocoa powder that is the origin of black chocolate is that it has been proven to a very effective suppressant of appetite. We all know that a known risk factor for the resistance of insulin is obesity. So, when taken in a portion of good quality dark chocolate even before a meal will also help you in battling the bulge, not to mention that it will also provide you and your vascular system with the needed boost of oxidant.
And finally, try enjoying your intake of black chocolate, and do it in moderation. For diabetic patient, although this antioxidant's benefits are quite encouraging and inspiring, it is still wise to continue monitoring your personal present situation. And it would not hurt if you consult with your trusted physician for whatever necessary reason there might be.
Hal Johnson has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website Free Standing Bathtubs which helps people find information on American Standard Bathtubs and information and deals on all other types of bathtubs.
You're a chocaholic and you want to figure out how to make chocolate. All you want to do is feed your sweet tooth, but it's worth noting that chocolate has held the attention of some of the world's greatest chefs and cooks.
Cooking with chocolate - especially making your own - really is a fine art. But did you know that it's also actually quite good for you?
Does that mean chocolate is the new granola? Well, not exactly. You might want to hold onto the organic wheat grass just a little while longer. But as far as feeling guilty for eating a bit of chocolate each day goes, you can forget about it!
Actually, to be more specific about it - we're talking about dark chocolate. When you eat a few chunks a day, you aren't doing your body any harm at all. In fact, you're probably gaining more than a few benefits.
Let's start with the simple fact that chocolate is nothing more than vegetable matter and as such, it contains a lot of of the health benefits that naturally accrue in vegetables. So when you start nibbling on dark chocolate, you are consuming important antioxidants (you know, the guys who made green tea famous!). These fight what are known as free radicals that drift through body and can contribute to heart disease and other illnesses.
Is dark chocolate enough on its own? Probably not. But in conjunction with an overall healthy diet and exercise regimen, it certainly isn't hurting anything.
And antioxidants (or flavinoids) aren't just good at taking down free radicals. They can also help lower your blood pressure and even ease up your cholesterol levels.
In that light, it almost seems like we really are talking about health food here!
What else can dark chocolate do? Well, if you're partial to it, eating it will make your feel happy. The good taste and pleasure will cause an uptick in your body's endorphin production. Dark chocolate can also help boost the serotonin levels in your brain and that is a recipe for staving off depression.
Finally, chocolate contains caffeine. That and its other naturally occurring stimulants can increase your energy and mental agility.
Dark chocolate does have fat in it, but not enough that you need to be concerned about it. Eating too much is bad, but in moderation, dark chocolate is actually pretty darn good for you. So eat up without guilt!
Want to learn more about dark chocolate? Check out How To Make Chocolate, Jasper Bailey's website for chocolate lovers!
Researchers have found some intriguing and wonderful health benefits of dark chocolate, which may encourage consumption of this wonderful product. These benefits are for dark chocolate, and the darker, the better. So the more cocoa (the higher percentage), the more health benefits you will gain. Most people can't tolerate the 100% cocoa for its extreme bitterness, but at the 70-80% levels, after acquiring the taste, you can begin to enjoy the numerous health benefits. In fact, you may come to prefer the higher cocoa percentages, as you acquire the taste for cocoa.
HEALTH BENEFITS FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH
* Acts as an appetite suppressant. Two research studies conducted at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, found 1) that consumption in moderate amounts reduces cravings for salty, sweat, and other foods, and 2) that eating a meal after consuming dark chocolate 2.5 hours previously, the caloric consumption is reduced by 15%. [Check out the website scientistlive.com for more information about their research.]
* Lowers bad cholesterol by up to 10%.
* Can lower blood pressure. According to JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) in August 2003 [The website webmd has a lot of health information.], eating a moderate amount each day can lower blood pressure because elements of the dark chocolate relax the blood vessels, making blood flow more easily.
* Contains many antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy free radicals in the body, protecting the body from aging and other ailments.
* Offers a lower glycemic index. It offers the same glycemic index as oatmeal, so it won't spike your blood sugar and let you crash later.
* Because it stimulates endorphin production and contains serotonin, you simply feel better after eating it. And it contains caffeine and other stimulants, so you're up as well.
Adding dark chocolate to your diet, if done in moderation, can add health benefits to your life. Balance its addition with a decrease in other caloric vices.
Katherine Ploeger, MA, MFA, is a full time writer, writing coach & consultant (see http://ploegerservices.com ). She's also a convert to dark chocolate after years (and tons) of milk chocolate, without any health benefits at all. She has written other articles and reviews of these products on http://darkchocolateorganic.com to help with buying decisions.
Food scientists all over the world suggest that dark chocolate contains all the necessary compounds and minerals to prevent major chronic heart conditions and disorders, most notably, cardiovascular disease. Derived from plants, it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. A large number of antioxidants are contained in this semi-sweet substance (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries) as well as more than 3 times the amount of catechins as that found in tea. The dark variety has far more antioxidants than white or milk chocolate.
Enriched with health compounds (medically known as flavonoids), it may also act as a traditional curative remedy for treating various body ailments. The flavonoids can help with your blood circulation in the same way that aspirin helps to reduce the likelihood of a blood clot. As a side note, the milk content of other chocolates can cause acne or "zits," but not dark chocolate.
The mood-enhancing qualities of chocolate are an obvious reason why it is so strongly associated with Valentine's Day, as a gift for lovers and loved ones. Benefits apart from protecting your heart include good taste that stimulates endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure. It contains serotonin, which may act as an anti-depressant, as well as theobromine, caffeine and other substances that are stimulants.
Remember, however, that overindulging in dark chocolate might blow your calorie budget, and packing on pounds could raise blood pressure. So portion control may help you have your indulgence while reaping its health benefits. From a healthy heart to young-looking skin to a happy mood, dark chocolate provides you with a number of benefits, provided you consume it in moderation. It is recommended by many studies that you eat an ounce a day.
Kimberly C. Smith is an aspiring writer with a different perspective. Visit http://www.HealthAndMoneyMatters.webs.com to browse a variety of interesting topics. Join this growing community FREE by clicking http://healthandmoneymatters.webs.com/apps/auth/signup.
Most diets want you to limit your intake of sugary and greasy foods. Sweet treats definitely falls into that group. A lot of people do have a sweet tooth and find difficulty in limiting their sugar consumption. Sweets should be controlled and eaten in proper portions rather than being gorged upon, but what if you were to hear that not all sweets were bad for you? Chocolate, something that most individuals would try to Remove of their diet, is actually something that offers health benefits. It's all about knowing what kind and how much of it to eat.
Chocolate comes from the cacao, which is a plant and thus has the benefits that dark green vegetables have. It has flavonoids which act as antioxidants. Not all chocolate is Good for you. The best kind is a dark chocolate, the darker the better. Milk chocolate contains a elevated fat ratio from the cocoa butter and milk, rendering the antioxidants much less affective. Studies have also shown that milk may essentially block the body's capacity to absorb the antioxidants, so it's recommended that you don't consume milk when you eat dark chocolate.
The health benefits in dark chocolate stem mostly from said antioxidants. It contains a significant number of them, about eight times the amount as strawberries have. What they do is they work at clearing the free radicals in the body. These are destructive molecules that are recognized for causing heart disease and other illnesses. It's also been said that they help and reduce the signs of aging.
Dark chocolate is also recognized for helping to lower blood pressure. It's the cocoa phenols found in it that makes this so. The United States does offer darker chocolate on the market but if you're wanting something very rich in antioxidants, try looking for dark chocolate from Europe; the cocoa phenols are much higher.
But just because studies have found the consumption of dark chocolate to be beneficial doesn't mean that it should b gorged upon. Be aware of how many calories are inside the chocolate you're eating. Decrease your calorie count from somewhere else in your diet to make up for the new calories you're consuming. Just a small portion of dark chocolate Each day can help you live longer. If you're thinking of adding chocolate to your every day diet, remember the secret is in portion control.
http://www.lavitacandy.com - Chocolate, candy and more
With all of this talk of removing junk food from your diet, some people go through withdrawal symptoms and miss the taste of some of their forgotten foods. Fortunately, some people believe that chocolate does not have to suffer the same fate. Apparently, it must be dark chocolate, though. Unlike your standard milk chocolate bar, dark chocolate is a much richer source of cocoa.
Cocoa is actually created from the seeds of a certain plant called the cacao tree, believe it or not. Cocoa powder is produced from these seeds and then combined into many of the sweet snacks with which our society is familiar. Almost all of these foods are complete junk, being high in sugar, fat and calories. But dark chocolate is not considered to fall under this list of junk.
The recommendations are to eat nor more than a couple of ounces of dark chocolate per day. Any more than that, and you start to run into the adverse health effects that are common to sweet foods. Cocoa is an abundant source of flavonoids, particularly a certain type called epicatechin. Flavonoids are known to protect cellular damage and decrease inflammation.
An ounce of dark chocolate is roughly 160 calories. It contains magnesium, which is essential for muscle functioning. Dark chocolate also has 5 percent of the daily value of selenium, which is a mineral anti-oxidant. Some studies have shown that chocolate cravings might be linked to low magnesium levels and certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is critical to emotional stability and happiness.
Tryptophan, that amino acid that everyone knows about from turkey (the one that makes you fall asleep), can be found in dark chocolate. Aside from causing drowsiness in excess, it is used to create this serotonin. Lastly, chocolate contains stimulants as well as PEA, which is the hormone thought to be largely responsible for the feeling of love. Whether PEA actually has effects when ingested like this is not well-known.
Aside from those effects, cocoa has several other positive health effects:
Improved Circulatory Health
Studies have linked a relationship between dark chocolate consumption and great blood vessel functioning, as well as lower blood pressure. Obviously blood vessels are very important to every part of your body, as it transports nutrients and waste to and from cells, respectively. Daily consumption of the chocolate may lessen the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the thickening of arteries. This is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Relaxing Insulin Resistance
Dark chocolate may even help the body respond to insulin. Insulin resistance leads to diabetes, which has been on the rise for some time now, along with increasing obesity trends. More than that, the improved blood vessel functioning from this chocolate may help diabetic people who often deal with circulatory problems.
Supporting Healthy Pregnancy
The same stimulants found in dark chocolate have been found to help less the risk of a condition called pre-eclampsia, which occurs in some women with high blood pressure.
Mark is an Internet Marketer and Electrical Engineer. His interests include meeting new people, making music, listening to music, travel and psychology. Come visit his latest website at http://www.bestmultivitaminformenshop.com which helps people find the best information on the men's best multivitamin.
Things are not always what they appear, and for those of us that love chocolate, the fact that we are able to eat certain types and enjoy them because of their health benefits make this a wonderful surprise. I'm talking about dark chocolate, something that has been known for many years to be beneficial to our health but there are two specific dark chocolate benefits that I would like to discuss in this article.
One of the things that all of us are subject to is the environment around us, and it is very difficult for us to not be affected negatively by it. Because of pollution and other problems in the environment, our body is constantly needing to remove toxins from it. Along with that, we have an internal problem of oxidation that is constantly going on and is releasing free radicals into our system that's sole purpose is to destroy us from the inside out on a cellular level. The only way for us to effectively combat this is through antioxidants.
Dark chocolate is extremely high in antioxidants, and this is one of the main benefits that sticks out most in people's minds. Because it is a good idea for us to be eating these antioxidants regularly, including a little bit of dark chocolate in your diet can really make a difference in your overall health. Of course, the darker the chocolate, the better so make sure that you opt for chocolate which is a minimum of 70 percent.
Another one benefit of eating this particular food is that it has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. Hypertension is a problem that far too many of us have to deal with regularly, and it can be extremely difficult to get under control. In studies, however, the dark chocolate benefits of reducing hypertension were clearly recognized. In reality, it wasn't the chocolate itself that was doing it but rather, the plant phenol, specifically cocoa phenol that was responsible for the drop in high blood pressure.
Just because there are these two benefits to eating dark chocolate, however, does not necessarily mean that you should allow yourself to get out of control when eating it. Even though this type of chocolate may have a lower percentage of sugar when compared to milk chocolate, it still has sugar in it, nonetheless. The additional calories that you eat whatever consuming this food can easily outweigh the benefits that you receive - it is certainly a case of little and often, too much of this food type and you'll start to really ingest more calories than you need to. The concept is similar to that of drinking red wine, a glass a day can give you a lot of health benefits but clearly drinking a bottle a day will completely destroy the advantages of consuming small amounts.
One other thing that you may want to consider is eating raw cocoa nibs. This is an excellent way for you to get all of the same benefits, including the antioxidant power punch and the hypertension reduction, all in one. The best part is, you are able to get this without the unnecessary sugar that often goes along in the darker chocolate candy which is bought off of the shelf. On the topic of eating, you want to make sure that you have the right diet recipes for you otherwise the advantages of eating controlled amounts of dark chocolate will be greatly outweighed by other unhealthy activities if you haven't for the correct diet.
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There is some great news for all those chocolate lovers out there and that is that dark chocolates are good for you. Well, good for your heart at least! It's amazing that there are health benefits from chocolate because we all wanted a reason to be able to eat chocolate and not feel guilty! Things like Hershey cherry cordials may be eaten without feeling guilty just don't eat too many!
There are lots of other dark chocolate selections other than a Hershey's cherry cordial in case you like other flavors. There are dark chocolate bars that are plain, have nuts, cranberries, and even blueberries. You may even find organic dark chocolates made with a variety of other ingredients including red pepper! That's certainly one way to spice up your dark chocolate.
When you eat dark chocolate you won't only be enjoying it but you will also be offering yourself some protection against cardiovascular disease. The reason why there are health benefits from this particular type of chocolate is because of the flavenoids inside. These flavenoids catalyze a reaction in the endothelial cells, cells that line your veins and arteries, to improve function.
The flavenoids, which are basically antioxidants, are also found in a variety of other foods. There are certain fruits, wines, teas, and vegetables that offer up flavenoids that will help you reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. The more flavenoids you eat the lower your chances will be.
In just a short six week study ingesting dark chocolate on a daily basis shows a great increase in endothelial function. This makes researchers believe that if individuals up their intake of flavenoids over a long period of time they will really see amazing benefits in regards to cardiovascular health.
So, if you love chocolate start replacing your milk chocolate with dark chocolate. Not only will you still enjoy the flavor but you will be receiving great benefits that could positively affect your heart health. Remember dark chocolate still has fat and calories so these findings do not give you free reign to eat pounds of chocolate a day. But, the findings so far look positive that dark chocolate may be able to help us in the long run with heart health! Be sure to talk with your doctor before using dark chocolate as a health food so that you can fully understand the implications and what they mean for you.
Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. Things like Hershey cherry cordials may be eaten without feeling guilty just don?t eat too many! There are lots of other dark chocolate selections other than a Hershey?s cherry cordial in case you like other flavors. There are dark chocolate bars that are plain, have nuts, cranberries, and even blueberries.
Sure, we all know the most popular benefits of dark chocolate: sinfully delectable, tantalizingly delicious, and it tastes pretty good.
While those are all great reasons, there are also a few more that would appease even your most health-conscious comrades.
Now, of course, with numerous advertisements endorsing chocolates... it's not rocket science to figure that chocolate is existent in different forms: White chocolate, Milk chocolate, unsweetened chocolate and of course, our topic of discussion: Dark Chocolate.
All these types of chocolate (except dark chocolate) are made using milk, fat and sugar as additives. Most of the chocolates that you find in the supermarkets today are derivatives of the process of solidifying milk chocolate using condensed milk, courtesy of Henri Nestle.
And as much as you love indulging in one of those little bars of fantasy, sooner or later you'll begin to see the effects of having one too many of these little delights which of course contain far too much milk and sugar to earn the "healthy" tag.
Chocolate comes from the cacao tree. And if you didn't know that, perhaps its anglicized derivative, cocoa, would sound more familiar.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate - 5 Facts to Excuse Your Craving!
Scientists have actually discovered that cocoa contains flavonoids. Now if we consume flavonoids, our body will be able to process nitric oxide, which is largely responsible for maintaining healthy blood pressure, resulting in optimum cardiovascular health.
In addition, chocolate is known to relieve you from pain and even boost your energy levels.
Dark chocolate has been shown in several studies to lower LDL, or "bad cholesterol."
This super food also contains serotonin, which is one of nature's anti-depressants and mood-boosters.
Similar to kissing, the dark stuff can even trigger endorphin production, leading to an overall sense of pleasure and relaxation.
The only reason why dark chocolate is considered healthier is because of the greater level of flavonoids present, which is otherwise removed when making milk or white chocolate.
Also, the darker the chocolate, the higher the protein and fiber counts, and the lower the sugar.
Now, another interesting fact about dark chocolates is that they are classified based on a percentage of actual cacao content. In other words, while milk chocolate contains up to 10-20 % cocoa solids, dark chocolate contains levels of 35% to 85% cocoa solids.
To break it down, let's look at these classifications (with the percentage of cocoa solids available):
Sweet Dark Chocolate: 35% - 45%
Semi-sweet chocolate: 40% to 62%
Bitter-sweet chocolate: 60% to 85%
Of the three mentioned above, the last two are normally used in baking cakes, brownies and cookies, not forgetting the 100% cocoa solid, which is also known as unsweetened chocolate and used ONLY for baking purposes. Just a head-up for the adventurous types: 100% dark chocolate is indeed very healthy, but very few can stomach this acquired taste, and it certainly will taste nothing like you would expect from "chocolate."
Now that you know the true benefits of dark chocolate, cocoa your way over to the number one site for free health and nutrition tips at:
The benefits of dark chocolate have been reported in many scientific journals in recent years. One of these was the study by Grassi, Lippi, Necozione, and Desideri in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005. These researchers found that dark chocolate decreased blood pressure and had a positive impact on insulin sensitivity in healthy persons.
Dark chocolate provides health benefits due to the flavonoids found in cocoa. These benefits were first seen in the Kuna Indian population living in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. This population has a very low incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They also consume high quantities of cocoa-rich beverages. This led researchers to study the link between cocoa and their health. They observed definite links between the cocoa and their low incidence of certain diseases.
The flavanoids found in cocoa serve as antioxidants when ingested. These flavonoids protect blood vessels from undergoing oxidative changes that result in certain diseases. The result is stronger capillaries and other connective tissue that leads to enhanced health and wellness.
They didn't know about flavonoids centuries ago but they did know that there were health benefits to dark chocolate. Historical documents have been discovered that refer to the medicinal use of chocolate in treating diseases such as angina and heart pain.
Plants are protected from microbes and insects by their flavonoids. For humans, these ingested antioxidants trigger the production of natural enzymes that protect us from disease just as they do the plants that contain them.
What are some flavonoid-rich foods?
cocoa
blueberries
cranberries
red beans
red fruits
yellow fruits
red vegetables
yellow vegetables
certain nuts
green tea
There are many health benefits to eating even small amounts of this nutrient. A well-balanced diet consisting of adequate fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even a little dark chocolate will provide sufficient levels of these antioxidants.
What are some of the health benefits?
reduces risk of certain cancers such as ovarian cancer
lowers blood pressure
improves insulin resistance
reduces risk of stroke and heart attack
fights atherosclerosis
reduces risk of chronic respiratory problems
protects from UV light that may reduce the risk of skin cancer
decreases inflammation and pain associated with arthritis
the smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves which results in relaxation
Before you stock up on chocolate bars there are some important facts to keep in mind:
dark chocolate has the beneficial flavonoids; stay away from white and milk chocolate
European chocolate is highest in flavonoids
monitor the fat and calories you consume with chocolate; you only need a very small amount to benefit
do not rely on dark chocolate for the bulk of your antioxidants; let it replace your unhealthy sweets
The role of flavonoid rich foods in preventing disease and maintaining health and wellness will continue to be heavily researched by scientists. Try to stay informed of these and other developments in contemporary health and wellness.
Dr. Steve Tuggle is a practicing dentist, certified personal trainer (ACE, ACSM), certified wellness coach, and life coach. You can learn more about belly fat and how it affects your health and wellness at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com
Keep up with what's new with chocolate at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com/benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html
We all know that stress can have terribly destructive effects on both our physical and emotional health. Sometimes prolonged stress can be responsible for some pretty serious health problems as well.
A new study by scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne Switzerland has found more about the health benefits of dark chocolate and that enjoying this type of chocolate might not just be a tasty indulgence, but it also appears to lower levels of stress hormones in those who are feeling stressed out.
Add this to the growing number of potential benefits to your heart that come from dark chocolate and all those good-for-you flavonoids inside that tasty package, and you'll be choosing this delicious confectionary over any other kind.
Enjoying one dark chocolate candy bar daily for two weeks was found in this latest study to actually reduce levels of cortisol as well as the "fight or flight" hormones known as catecholamines in highly stressed people.
So, if you're dealing with constant stress, a small amount of 70% cocoa chocolate or higher each day might be just the thing to help you cope.
In the study, the team examined the effects on 30 healthy adults of eating 1.4 ounces (40 grams, the size of an average candy bar) of rich and yummy dark chocolate every day for a two-week period on measures of stress.
Half the candy bar was eaten mid-morning, the other half mid-afternoon. The anxiety levels of the subjects were determined at the start of the study using validated psychological questionnaires, allowing the team to classify subjects as low or high anxiety.
Body fluids (blood and urine) were also collected and analyzed at the beginning and end of the research period.
The result was that those with lots of anxiety who ate dark chocolate daily cut stress hormone levels. It also seems to have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and microbial action of the digestive system.
"Consuming dark chocolate daily can positively impact the metabolism of people that report having high-stress levels," explains Sunil Kochhar, a Nestle researcher leading the study. "These results strongly support our ongoing metabonomics research efforts to ascertain the impact of certain foods on human metabolism through the adaptation of gut microbial activities."
The study appears in the Journal of Proteome Research and was conducted by a team of experts at the Nestle Research Center located in Lausanne, Switzerland.
It makes sense that chocolate, which comes from plants, should have some of the same natural, good-for-you substances found in dark veggies.
Flavonoids in this kind of chocolate are nearly 8 times what you find in strawberries, and act as antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
They also help relax blood pressure by producing nitric oxide, as well as balancing some hormones in the body.
And while chocolate of any kind does contain fats, only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you. That doesn't mean indulge all you like... keep your dark chocolate intake to no more than 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) a day to get the benefits without suffering because of the added calories.
Remember too, that the calories you take in from chocolate must be balanced to get the best health benefits of dark chocolate, by lessening the amount you take in someplace else so you won't be packing on the pounds while you're coping with an especially stressful time.
FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from Daily Health Bulletin and click the link now to discover other benefits of dark chocolate.
More good news for dark chocolate lovers... a recent report has identified the precise molecular mechanism that explains dark chocolate health benefits come from a compound in the chocolate that protects the heart, and can guard against the damage of a stroke.
The substance is a flavanol known as epicatechin that sets in motion two built in protective pathways in the brain that shield nerve cells from damage as the result of stroke.
The work was conducted on mice who were induced to suffer a stroke. The researchers gave different doses of epicatechin to the mice 90 minutes before a stroke and found that it significantly reduced infarct size, the measurement used to assess stroke damage.
The protective effect lasted up to 3.5 hours, but not longer than 6 hours. The substance was found to offer no protection to mice that had been bred without these brain pathways.
The team of researchers was careful to focus on cocoa over chocolate. The truth is, eating lots of chocolate is never going to be a healthy choice, but moderating your intake and enjoying other healthy foods just might be.
Interestingly, it was research involving the cocoa drinking Kuna Indians that led experts to study epicatechin in the first place. These people have an unusually low incidence of stroke and other heart disease that can't be explained by genetics, and was eventually attributed to drinking of very bitter cocoa drink. The substance was identified as the protective ingredient in dark chocolate by studies conducted by other scientists, including those out of Harvard Medical School.
It makes sense that cocoa, which comes from plants after all, would have a measure of the natural, good-for-you substances found in dark fruits or veggies.
Flavonoids in dark chocolate are known to be nearly 8 times those found in strawberries, they function as antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. They also help lower blood pressure by producing nitric oxide and balancing some hormones in the body.
And while some will tell you that chocolate of all kinds does have fats, the good news is that only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you.
That is not to suggest you indulge without restraint, the experts recommend you keep your dark chocolate intake to no more than 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) a day to get the benefits without struggling with weight issues because of the added calories.
It's important to keep in mind that in getting dark chocolate health benefits the calories you take in be balanced by lessening the amount you take in someplace else. This latest research in animals supports the idea that epicatechin could be used to treat stroke in people. Despite the promise, using this substance to address stroke outside the laboratory is a way off - risks and side effects of the substance must first be studied. Natural does not always mean without risk.
FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from Daily Health Bulletin and click the link now to discover other dark chocolate health benefits.
In spite of knowing about the ill effects of eating chocolates, chocolate lovers find it impossible to resist them. Interestingly, over a long span of time, this sweet indulgence has managed to retain a long list of loyalists. According to most chocolate lovers, they are favored not just because of their distinct flavor and taste. Avid eaters report that chocolates can respond to them emotionally helping them to deal with stress and everyday problems. For the health conscious chocolate eaters, there cannot be a better option than dark chocolates that have become widely popular all over the world.
Dark chocolates that have a higher anti oxidant value are also extremely beneficial for our health. This is chiefly because the dark varieties are prepared from raw cacao. As we all know, cacao beans contain more than 300 chemical compounds that make them rich in anti oxidants. The presence of anti oxidants in the this type of chocolate equates to reduced degeneration of cells in our body. This in turn, helps the eater to work more energetically. Apart from the anti oxidant value that these possess, it is further interesting to note that dark chocolates contain vitamins such as A, B1, C, D and E along with calcium, potassium and iron. These essential elements help you to remain active.
Dark chocolates are also helpful in lowering possibilities of heart related diseases such as cardiac arrests and heart attacks. This is made possible by the flavonoids present in cacao beans. Flavonoids reduce fats thereby preventing blockage of arteries. As a result, chances of heart diseases are minimized to a great extent. Moreover, dark chocolates are known for lifting moods and increasing alertness in stressed out people. These factors make dark chocolates the best choice when it comes to enjoying a tempting treat without compromising on health.
Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues.
You can check out his new website at Poker Tables which helps people find the Best Poker Tables available and information they are looking relating to this subject.
In the last couple of years dark chocolate has been cropping up in the news and online, health journals and financial reports. But is this just a sudden revelation? You either are a chocoholic or you know one. Haven't these people known for as long as memory serves them that chocolate makes them feel better? For those who try to control their chocolate consumption, it is their greatest guilty pleasure. What if chocolate is not just a new kid on the block? The latest health fad? What if I told you chocolate had been around for over 3500 years. And from the beginning ancient peoples realized its healthy properties. They ground the beans into a paste or powder, mixed it with water and sipped the foam. No heat, no chemicals, no sugar, no milk, no added fat. "YUCK", you say. But king Montezuma marched his troops for days consuming nothing but this pure, raw chocolate. And money literally grew on the cacao tree. The beans were traded for other valuable goods in the market system of civilized cultures all over the Americas.
When Europeans visited the New World, they saw the value in this rare fruit and took it with them back home. But the more delicate crowd in the refined cities of Europe couldn't get past the taste. So over time they learned to roast the beans to alleviate the bitterness. A little later, someone figured out if you treated them with alkali, it took away even more of the bitterness. Did no one ever consider that consuming alkali might not be the healthiest thing? And then the clever chocolate makers found out that by adding sugar and milk they had a highly consumable, and marketable, product. But at this time, they didn't realize that through all that processing they had left behind up to 80% of what made the chocolate an all purpose food and ancient energy drink. But they didn't leave behind it's value in the marketplace. As manufacturers and candy makers discovered more and more ways to present chocolate, they discovered more and more ways to make money with it. Chocolate has remained a marketable commodity during economic downturns and upswings. Statistics show that when times are good, people celebrate with chocolate, and when times are bad, they soothe themselves with it.
So, in keeping with the pattern, when science began to recover the healthy properties of chocolate the makers leaned their ears in that direction. And when consumers began to look for it, they started tweaking their recipes with stronger cocoa content and nuts and berries. But even at their best they still typically roasted and alkalized their beans so they could use cheaper sweeteners to make it edible. At first, you could only find the real stuff in small candy kitchens, where they were willing to hand process the beans in tiny batches. So only the chosen few could buy it. A few of the finer ones got internet sites and sold their wares more widely. But how many customers can one small kitchen serve? Gradually some of the larger companies improved their chocolate, so the average Walmart shopper had a chance to at least choose something a little healthier than a chocolate flavored kiss. And one or two even put all their energy into producing a chocolate that takes it all the way back to it's ancient Mayan roots in purity and nutrition. And once again, historically, a company that has taken the time and resources to make the superior product will reap the most benefits in the market. And in this case, those who get on the bandwagon of either consumption or marketing of these chocolates could find their life situations changed in ways they never imagined.
Terri, along with husband Johnny, operates a healthy chocolate business from their home and on their travels. They live in rural western Kentucky and have one daughter and a brand new granddaughter. They are passionate about sharing what eating healthy chocolate, and being in the healthy chocolate business, has done for them in the three years since they first discovered it. Although their favorite way to share chocolate is face to face, they also have a lucrative online business and look forward to each new friend it brings their way.
http://eatchocolategetpaidnow.com
http://myfitchocolate.com
Ever have a craving to dip into a delicious box of chocolates? Ever felt that a little chocolate might be just the thing right now? Well, it isn't surprising at all! Eating chocolates is one way of bringing out feelings of relaxation and a natural sense of well being. Aside from those reasons, chocolates have have also been found to have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and introducing antioxidants to the body. The best kind of chocolate with the highest amount of rich nutritional value to promote good health is dark chocolate
Why is dark chocolate healthy? Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolates have more cacao which is the key component in the obtaining the health benefits. It also has less sugar, and no milk ingredient. This is the reason why dark chocolate is also called plain chocolate The health benefits of dark chocolate may well replace the advantage of eating apples everyday. According to a study, eating 1.6-ounce of dark chocolate daily will be good for your health. The top health benefits include:
* Lowering risks of heart diseases. - The flavonoids content of dark chocolates promote blood clotting and this helps increase the blood flow in the heart.
* Lowering blood pressure -
* Lowering cholesterol -
* Feelings of relaxation that act as an anti-depressant -
* Promotion of good digestion and improved appetite
* Potential cancer prevention
* Antioxidants
* Recent studies show that it slows down decline of brain activity due to age
* Indications that it aids in treating anemia and kidney stones
So just why is dark chocolate is healthy ? Dark chocolate is healthy due to the fact that it comes from the plant seeds of cacao. Since its natural components come from nature, it can carry the same kind of nutrients and benefits that one can get from any fruit or vegetable. Dark chocolates are created by mixing fat and sugar to cacao but without milk additives such as those found in regular commercial chocolates. The flavonoids found in dark chocolates is believed to contain more antioxidants than a number of other fruits such as strawberries. So eating dark chocolates will help you lower your blood pressure and assist some of the hormones in your body to be better balanced.
Like most good things, there is a potential downside. Unfortunately, too much of it can still be fattening, but that is true for most things! While dark chocolate has less fat than other chocolates and a lot of other sweets, too much of a good thing tips the balance of the benefits and markedly increases your calorie consumption. So if you plan to include dark chocolate in your daily diet and you are not contented with consuming just 1.6 ounce of it, better cut out or lessen your intake of other high caloric foods. You may eat more chocolate but you definitely want to make sure that you maintain your daily calorie intake to avoid unwanted pounds. Also, eating higher quality chocolates can assist in cutting back the amount. The higher the quality and types of chocolate that you eat the more quickly you are to be satisfied with you delicious taste treat.
For some, eating dark chocolate is as pleasurable an experience as kissing! Aside from the natural high it brings, it also assists you in promoting good health if eaten in a specific amount of daily dark chocolate Daily small doses of dark chocolate included in a balanced diet and regular exercise can make for a healthier you. It is possible that the health benefits of dark chocolate may surpass those of some other fruits and vegetables while also giving the added benefit from giving you warm feeling inside out. So enjoy! Chocolate can be a part of your life and you don't have to go overboard - A little a day just might keep the doctor away!
Colleen Maguire -
Writer, Traveler and Chocolate Lover
For More Delicious Chocolate Ideas and Tastes: Explore Gourmet Dark Chocolates.
A Bit of History
Thousands of years ago, the Aztec Empire had used cocoa as part of the ingredients to make spicy bitter drinks for their special occasions. At the later centuries, cocoa beans were brought to Spain, which then spread across Europe. Only at the end of the 19th Century, milk was added to chocolate to eat as well as to drink. Chocolate was once a fashionable choice, meant for the noble, rich and famous but now, it is meant for everyone.
Health Benefits
There are many conducted studies revealed the much benefits one could gain just by having a little bite of dark chocolate. To be considered as dark chocolate, a product should have at least 65 percent of cocoa content.
Why not dairy chocolate? A study shows that milk does interfere in the process of antioxidants absorption, thus lower the chances to fight certain disease. The same goes to white chocolate, which contains no flavonoids (solid cocoa), known to be important as an antioxidants agent.
The following are 3 main reasons why it is good to consume dark chocolate:
1. Antioxidants
Compounds called phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids found in cocoa act to protect the body from free radicals and damage that can lead to ailments such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, asthma and cancer (lung cancer, prostate cancer).
Procyanidins produce nitric oxide which helps to stabilize blood pressure, balance up hormones inside the body and also decreases blood clotting.
It also lowers cholesterol level by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and help increase HDL (good cholesterol) concentrations in the blood.
2. Stimulants
Caffeine help eases the symptoms of pre-menstrual, boost spirits and increase energy.
Have low glycemic index which act to maintain blood glucose and insulin levels.
Theobromine is mildly diuretic (increases urine production), is a mild stimulant, and relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs. (Note that this may be toxic or lethal to dogs and other domestic animals such as horses because these animals metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans).
3. Antidepressant and Aphrodisiac
Phenyl ethylamines and serotonin in chocolate are hormones known to help boost positive emotions.
Endorphins help create a sensational and pleasure feelings.
It also helps improving the flow of blood to the key regions of the brain thus prevents fatigue and ageing effects besides help to lift spirit.
Good Fats vs. Bad Fat
Some of the fats in chocolate do not impact our cholesterol. The fats are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid:
Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil.
Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol.
Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk.
That means, only 1/3 of the fats is bad for us. The others react positively throughout our body.
Useful Tips
One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories. If we eat half a bar of chocolate a day, we must balance those 200 calories by eating less of something else. It is always good to substitute our snacks or sweets with good bar of dark chocolate in our daily intakes.
Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it.
Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings as they tend to add fats and sugar besides holding us from getting the benefits of dark chocolate. However, chocolate with nuts, flavorings and peels will do just fine.
It is better not to eat chocolate with milk as it will prevent the antioxidants absorption in our body, thus erase the utmost benefits of chocolate.
A Healthy Diet
Dark chocolate by far is one of the best additions for a healthy diet. It can be consumed in any form like cakes, pastries, and bars or even as beverages. However, the key for healthy diets always come in moderation. This means that dark chocolate should be eaten moderately and never too much as it can still be a high-calorie and high-fat food. Fresh fruits and vegetables should always be eaten regularly as they are still the best source of antioxidants, therefore, never substitute them.
The author is a freelance writer dedicating her time doing general research on certain topic of interest regarding health issues. More health, nutrition and diet info available at http://healthnutritiondiet.blogspot.com
Many people believe that consuming chocolate only makes their body fat, and some even anti-chocolate just because they are afraid of being fat. Yeah, it does contain fats, but did you know that it has many health benefits?
Chocolate is popular gift since hundreds of years ago. No needs to question why as all people know how delicious it is. It has inspired many writers and filmmakers to make stories and films about this delicious thing, and some people even swear that they would go anywhere to find chocolate!
Being widely sold in Valentine's Day, a chocolate is considered as a way to express one's love. Its sweet taste is often compared to the sweet feeling of love. The way it melts in your mouth is like how people melt when somebody states her or his love.
Made of cocoa, dark chocolate has many health benefits as (however) it is made from plants. It is rich of antioxidants that help you relax blood pressure. The content of antioxidants is 8 times the number found in strawberries! The antioxidants also help balance certain hormones in the body.
For those need something to lower cholesterol, this delicious food can be a good choice. Studies have shown that it can reduce LDL cholesterol. If you have high blood pressure, you can lower it by consuming only a small bar of dark chocolate everyday. It is also good for your heart and your cardiovascular system.
Many people even say that consuming chocolate makes people happy. Consuming it gives you a pleasure feeling since it stimulates the production of endorphin. For those often get depressed, they are suggested to consume it because it can act as an anti-depressant.
You may feel a dilemma of being fat and being healthy. However, it is a matter of your self discipline. Just limit your intake to stay healthy without being fat.
Doing sports regularly is also helpful in keeping you slim and healthy. Why do not you try to play softball? Professional players use softball pitching machines to increase their skills. You can consider buying pitching machine balls as a gift for yourself.
Contrary to popular belief, there are many benefits to eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Chocolate started out as a drink made from cacao beans in pre-Columbian Mexico hundreds of years ago. The drink was said to have revitalizing and restorative properties. Today, we enjoy chocolate mainly because of its sweet and rich taste. This is because of the added sugar and milk in the production of modern chocolate. However, chocolate started off as dark and bitter like the original cacao beans it came from.
Since the cacao bean originates from a plant, it contains a lot of the health benefits which are associated with dark vegetables. The benefits come from flavonoids. They act as antioxidants inside the body, protecting the body from aging that is caused by free radicals and damage that can lead to heart disease. A large amount of antioxidants can be found in dark chocolate. The flavonoids contained within it produce nitric oxide which helps to relax blood pressure and balance a number of hormones throughout the body.
What it comes down to it, dark chocolate can be very good for your heart. Eating a small bar of it every day can help keep your heart healthy and improve your cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown that a daily intake of a small amount of dark chocolate reduces blood pressure. It has also been known to reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
The health benefits associated with dark chocolate are not limited to improving your heart. Many people prefer the slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate to the sweetened taste of normal milk chocolate. It contains much less sugar and fat than normal chocolate. It also stimulates the production of endorphins in the body which give a sensation of pleasure when eating it. It also contains serotonin which is an anti-depressant hormone. There is also caffeine and a number of other natural substances that act as stimulants. This is why so many people love eating chocolate. It tastes so good and leaves you feeling on a high afterwards.
While the taste of dark chocolate may require some getting used to, it is an excellent place to start if you want to lose weight by eating healthy. Instead of eating normal chocolate or candy bars try replacing it with a dark chocolate bar. It contains much less fat and sugar yet is still tasty and has more health benefits.
Like wine tasting, chocolate tasting is also something that can be greatly enjoyed. Because making chocolate has become such an involved process, with each bar containing over 300 different flavor compounds, it is worthwhile spending time to really taste and enjoy the chocolate. Dark chocolate is the original taste and is not smothered in sugar or added milk flavors. Dark is also the favored chocolate when it comes to cooking and baking. Chocolate that is both bitter and dark can be used in the preparation of savory dishes.
Article by Nancy Cope of IndulgeInChocolate an online chocolate shop - the place to shop for dark chocolate gifts for that special someone.