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There is nothing sinister with dark chocolate. On the contrary, dark chocolate is prized by chocolate connoisseurs and gourmands, including health buffs.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
So you don't like dark chocolate. That's a pity because this type brims with healthy natural ingredients. For one, it is loaded with flavonols, strong antioxidants that promote normal blood pressure and healthy blood flow.
When the blood courses through the veins are unhampered, all of the body's systems are nourished. These flavonols prevent unhealthy fatty substances from clogging the arteries. As the body cells are nourished, the cells of the cardiovascular system are replaced with healthy new cells, which continue the cycle of sending the needed nourishment to the heart and other vital organs in the body. A well-nourished heart enhances brain health, too.
Dark chocolate also has PEA or Phenylethylamine, a substance associated to amphetamines. PEA raises the blood sugar levels and blood pressure, causing a feel good sensation and enhances alertness. This explains why chocolates have been labeled as aphrodisiacs. Thus, heart-shaped chocolate confectioneries are perfect gifts for Valentines Day.
Anti-Aging Factor
Stress is the culprit that causes aging. Stress could be internal, too. Without you knowing it, the vital organs could be stressed out. You only suspect something is wrong when you see the physical signs or feel something is not right with your eyesight, skin, and nails. The cells age fast because of oxidation.
Oxidation occurs when a substance gets in contact with oxygen. Metals rust because of oxidation. It's a different story with the internal organs of the body. Instead of rusting, the cells become ineffective and do not function properly to transport nourishment to the heart and other body organs. When are deprived of nourishment, the vital body organs break down. Your skin begins to show wrinkles and other aging problems.
Antioxidants retard the aging process. How? In simple terms, these substances keep cells healthy and reproduce regularly to replace aging cells. The levels of antioxidants in dark chocolates are sufficient to keep these cells elastic. Elastic cells easily transports the nutrients needed by the body organs. When cells are healthy, they keep the skin supple and younger looking.
Healthy cells have an impact on the health of your joints. The aches and discomfort of lifting an arm or just wiggling your toes can be unbearable if your muscles are in a sad state. If left untreated, this could lead to further joint and muscle problems. Including moderate amounts of unsweetened or lightly sweetened dark chocolate in your diet will keep your joints and muscles going.
The Choice of Chocolate Connoisseurs
Chocolate lovers develop a taste for dark chocolate. They love the bitter-sweet taste. Not everyone falls in love with this chocolate type but then coach their taste buds to like the bitter taste. Chocolates come from bitter cocoa beans, and that's that. In the olden days, the Aztecs and the Mayans loaded their chocolate drink with spices, not sugar.
Dark chocolates come in different shapes and flavor mix. Add these to your chocolate gift basket the next time you give away chocolates.
Choose from the variety of dark chocolates at www.indulgeinchocolate.com and live a healthy life.
To see our excellent selection of chocolates, visit our website: http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com
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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.
Have we really overlooked an age-old health remedy and missed out on the benefits of pure dark chocolate? Most people laugh either with pleasure or disbelief when they first hear about healthy chocolate; however, most skeptics soon become converted when they are shown the research being compiled from sources across the world.
If the research does not completely win the skeptic, the personal testimonies of the customers are sure to do the trick.
Studies have shown that some of the benefits of taking Healthy Chocolate (pure cocoa) may include:
Improved Nutrition - Unprocessed dark chocolate standardized for potency and purity is an excellent replacement for other candies (including white and milk chocolate)
High Fiber - Healthy chocolate contains fiber, which aids the body's digestive system carrying proper nutrients and eliminating wastes
Lower Bad Cholesterol - Studies on dark chocolate also showed an average 13% drop on levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
Weight Loss - A recent study from Japanese researchers found that cocoa acts as an appetite suppressant with potential mood and energy elevating chemicals, which contribute to weight loss
Antioxidant Benefits to Scavenge Free Radicals -Healthy chocolate (cocoa) has an impressive ORAC and contains 25 times the antioxidants of grapes
Healthy Heart & Reduced Blood Pressure - In a recent study, participants enjoyed a twelve-point reduction in systolic (top) blood pressure. Dark chocolate improved the health of blood vessels in study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive
Improved Insulin Levels - The measurement of sensitivity (predisposition to diabetes) was also improved in patients
Increased supply of crucial minerals - A high magnesium intake is shown to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis
Relief from Inflammation - Healthy chocolate is high in antioxidants, which relieve inflammation and protect against radiation. A growing body of research shows that chronic inflammation is strongly linked to various conditions ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and dementia
Body Cleanse - Cocoa has enjoyed centuries of use as a food staple and in folk medicine to cleanse and detoxify the body
Improved Mental Health - Several studies have shown that cocoa may help protect the brain and improve cognitive functioning
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Studies suggest that essential fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids can help improve brain function, protect against inflammation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote immune function
Sense of Well-Being - Various chemicals found in cocoa create a sense of happiness and well-being. Some research suggests that healthy chocolate consumption can increase dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain
The proof is there and growing evidence strongly supports the benefits of eating healthy chocolate.
For more information and research documents about the benefits of eating dark chocolate, check out Dean's Xocai website => http://www.DrivenResultsMarketing.com
How many people do you know who don't like chocolate? It's safe to say not many, right? Dark chocolate is especially yummy and as it turns out it has health benefits as well. This is especially so with dark pure coco chocolate. It almost seems too good to be true. Most people probably know that chocolate like coffee begins with a bean. Cocoa beans from cocoa trees were first manufactured into chocolate over three millennia ago in tropical South America. It has since become the most popular of all sweets on Earth. With its many varieties and different tastes chocolate is the go to of all candy ever manufactured.
Although darker chocolate is an acquired taste it remains the most popular amongst true cocoa lovers. The production of chocolate is almost synonymous with that of wine. The cocoa is harvested from the cocoa trees and then beat into a pulp. The pulp is then put into containers where it is fermented, much like the grapes used in making wine. After they are fermented the beans are laid out in the sun to dry, usually for 5-7 days. Once dried they are then shipped to a processing plant where the beans are cleaned of impurities and blended with other ingredients depending on what kind of chocolate is to be made.
Different chocolate types go through slightly different processes. Milk chocolate goes through a different process than dark chocolate for instance. Then once the desired taste has been achieved, the chocolate is stored and shipped to its final destination. Darkest chocolate as mentioned before is not only a tasty treat it can be beneficial to different body systems. It has been suggested in medical studies that pure chocolate is particularly good for circulatory health. There have been modest reductions in blood pressure reported by people who regularly ingest dark chocolate products. It has also been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and prevent heart attacks.
One thing to keep in mind if you are interested in the health benefits of dark chocolate is to get the right kind of chocolate. You need to be sure that it is manufactured with no harmful additives that take away from the health benefits. But once you find the right chocolate you will be happy that there is also another great benefit to this type of chocolate. It has been known to be an aphrodisiac! Dessert that is healthy and sexy!
Adeaze was born in China in 1962 but grew up in America where she attended College and University. Since 1999 she has been a nutritionist teaching in England. http://www.worldbusynews.com
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.
There are always stories in the news about the benefits of consuming more dark chocolate, but why? Can it really be considered a healthy chocolate? There are many health benefits to chocolate with more being discovered every day such as the recent correlation to autistic function and chocolate, but what is it that makes dark chocolate have all of these health benefits?
Dark chocolate, unlike milk, has significantly less fat and with less fat it is certainly a healthier choice than other candy confections and less likely to cause obesity when consumed in moderation. Some experts state that the milk which is incorporated in milk chocolate prevents the beneficial antioxidants in cacao from being absorbed in to the body. Cocoa-phenols, a substance which is proven to decrease blood pressure become higher with increasing amounts of cacao so it only makes sense that as cacao content increases so too do health benefits.
Naturally occurring flavonoids as found in plants such as the theobroma-cacao tree act as anti-oxidants helping to protect the body from damage as a result of free radicals as we age. Since these flavonoids are a result of cacao content it only makes sense that they occur in higher quantities in darker chocolates than they are in other varieties, so if you are looking for health benefits your best choice is always going to be one with higher cocoa content. Many people, however, prefer to go with lighter dark chocolates because they do not taste as bitter, this is unfortunate because as cacao content decreases so too do the healthy benefits of this sweet treat!
One of the many facts about chocolate that generates the most interest is that of cacao's ability to stimulate a feeling of euphoria or "being in love". What is it that promotes this feeling of well being? Well, the chemical composition of dark chocolate stimulates production of both serotonin and endorphins which when combined create a feeling of happiness and stimulation, not unlike the serotonin prescribed in antidepressants and the release of endorphins during exercise. As with most of the health benefits of our favorite cacao based treat the darker the color the higher the concentration of elements which elicit these changes in our bodies.
Another unique aspect of dark chocolate which is often misunderstood is that of high saturated fat content. Many people try to discourage consumption of chocolate based on the high fat content; however, the fat is mostly composed of saturated fat in the form of stearic acid. Stearic acid in moderation is a saturated fat like no other and has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol unlike other saturated fats! The why as far as this health benefit still remains a mystery to scientists everywhere!
Most of the health benefits to dark chocolate can be attributed to the high levels of flavonol antioxidants. These antioxidants contribute to the various health benefits that are featured in the news almost daily. It has so far been proven that in moderation dark chocolate added to any diet can decrease blood pressure, decrease bad cholesterol, decrease risk of hemorrhagic stroke, increase brain activity, improve circulation, suppress coughing, inhibit diarrhea, facilitate dilation and decrease risk of infarction!
Amy Katherine is a chocolate connoisseur who is always in search of new ways to redefine life as a chocoholic. Amy spends most of her time reviewing and recommending chocolate over at her blog: En Chocolat.
First of all lets start of with...
What is chocolate?
Chocolate is a product derived from cocoa then mixed with fat and finely powdered sugar to produce a solid confection. The level, taste and quality of this product will vary depending on the quantities of ingredients added.
Dark Chocolate.
Dark chocolate is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. Basically it is chocolate without milk as an additive.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is a confection based on sugar, nutmeg and fat without the cocoa solids. White chocolate in some circles is not even considered real chocolate because of its lack of cocoa solids. Lately more and more articles are being written about the benefits of dark chocolate, but the bottom line is whether it's white chocolate or black chocolate both are to be eaten in moderation. Over indulging in dark chocolate will have the adverse health benefits that one hopes to gain. The bottom line is "We love chocolate", so with that in mind here are few of my favorite chocolate recipes for you to enjoy. Eat Smart.
White Chocolate Truffles
1/4 C butter
1/2 C confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg yolk
8 oz. white chocolate, broken into small pieces
1 C chopped blanched almonds, lightly toasted
Makes about 2 dozen truffles
Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar, egg yolk and almond extract; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a shallow glass casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Shape mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll in almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Place in miniature foil cups at room temperature to
serve. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
Foolproof Dark Chocolate Fudge
3 C semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
dash salt
1 C chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into aluminum foil lined 8 or 9 inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off foil and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.
Chocolate Almond Coffee
1/3 c Ground coffee
1/4 tsp Freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp Chocolate extract
1/2 tsp Almond extract
1/4 c Toasted almonds, chopped
Process nutmeg and coffee, add extracts. Process 10 seconds longer. Place in bowl and stir in almonds. Store in refrigerator. Makes 8 six ounce servings. To brew: Place mix in filter of an automatic drip coffee maker. Add 6 cups water and brew.
For more great chocolate recipes visit: Download Recipe Books
Rudy Rodway is the owner of downloadrecipebooks.com. The number #1 website for downloading online recipe books for the last 6 years here
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
Have you heard of the saying - 'A dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away?' if not, you need to gain a lot of knowledge about dark chocolate. Take a dark chocolate daily is good for the heart as these chocolates are fully loaded with many flavaniods. All you require to do to keep your heart in a healthy state is to eat a small 1.6-ounce bar of chocolate for heart health each day. Mary Engler of the University of California, San Francisco, has done the research.
Remember that not every chocolate is created equal. You must know that any standard manufacturing process for chocolate tends to destroy more than half of the flavaniods. However, fortunately, most companies have now learned the art of preparing dark chocolate that would preserve up to 95 per cent of its flavaniods. This is no scam. It is 100% true that you can benefit a lot by eating chocolate now.
This does not mean that you overload yourself with chocolate. Remember that chocolate tends to possess many calories and you definitely need to cut down on somewhere else if you are having a lot of dark chocolate.
There are several benefits of eating dark chocolate. Here are some of these benefits:
Lowers blood pressure: One of the main benefits of eating dark chocolate is that it tends to lower your blood pressure if it is too high. This has been proved as confirmed by a report by Dirk Jaubert, MD, phd at the University of Cologne in Germany. The report was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, make sure this report does not give you a reason to binge on, as these are many calories in chocolate.
Presence of antioxidants: When dark chocolate is taken in sufficient quantity, it proves to be a strong antioxidant to the body. This is proved by a report produced by Mauro Serafini, Phd and colleagues of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome. The issue of Nature published this report. Antioxidants are powerful enough to eat up many free radials, hazardous molecules implicated in heart disease or other health conditions. Remember that in order to benefit from antioxidants you need to eat dark chocolate without milk. People who have dark chocolate daily have higher levels of epicatechin. It is a real healthy compound found commonly in chocolate.
Good heart: As discussed earlier, dark chocolate is rich in flavaniods. This compound's healthy for the heart. It has also other healthy compounds that help in keeping the heart of individuals who eat chocolate in a healthy state.
With so many benefits of dark chocolate, there is no reason that you should stay away from it. All you require to do is to remember that a healthy diet balance is what keeps the heart fit and fine. Binging in will never help you achieve the desired goals. Choose dark chocolate for heart health.
Making chocolate has been around for hundreds of years. Dark chocolate for heart health is not very well known. Our site provides information on the benefits of chocolate to your health. Visit our site today for more information.
http://www.mymakingchocolatesite.com/
By M. Applebaum
When people think of chocolate the thought that comes to mind is that sweet creamy taste. What most don't think about or know about is the health benefits. Now the chocolate that studies are showing that is healthy in small quantities is dark and not made with milk or drank with milk. Why? Good question.
The reason being is that milk neutralizes the large amounts of antioxidants present in dark chocolate. These antioxidants are what eat up free radicals, those are the destructive molecules that are shown to be present in heart disease and other illnesses. Recently there were two studies done to see how much the dark chocolate affected mild high blood pressure.
The first study consisted of six men and seven women who were just diagnosed with mild high blood pressure. The ages of these individuals were between 55-64. The average blood pressure was 153 over 84. The top number is called the systolic, the pressure of which the blood enters the heart. The bottom is called the diastolic, the pressure of which the blood leaves the heart.
Every day over the course of two weeks, they ate a 100-gram candy bar. Now a 100-gram piece of chocolate is about 480 calories so they were told to balance this caloric intake by not eating other foods similar in nutrients and calories. On top of this the the group of people were divided by half were given dark chocolate and the rest got white chocolate. Those who got the dark chocolate had a noticeable drop in their blood pressure by an average of 5 points on their systolic number (top number) and an average of points on the diastolic number (bottom number). Meanwhile the ones' who got the white chocolate had no such drop in their blood pressure.
The second study was conducted on twelve healthy people, consisting of seven men and five women. Their ages ranged from 25 to 35.
On different days they were given 100 grams of the dark chocolate. Then the other days they were given 100 grams of the chocolate with a small glass of whole milk, or with 200 grams of milk chocolate. An hour later their antioxidants were measured in their blood. The ones' who ate just the dark chocolate had the highest level of antioxidants. They also had the highest levels epicatechin in their blood. Epicatechin is a healthy compound found chocolate.
Meanwhile the group who ate milk chocolate or dark chocolate with milk had the lowest epicatechin levels. Now chocolate is made from plants, therefore it contains a lot of the health benefits of dark vegetables. Chocolate gets it's benefits from the flavonoids in it. These flavonoids act as antioxidants. Flavonoids help in the blood pressure because flavonoids help in the production of nitric oxide. Which in turn help balance certain hormones.
In other words what experts are discovering that a small amount of dark chocolate introduced into the diet is beneficial. But too much of a good thing is necessary good either. There are those calories to think about. So add a small amount of the darkest chocolate you can find or handle since the darker the chocolate the more flavonoids the better. But remember to balance those calories but cutting out foods similar in nutrients and calories.
Chris loves chocolate. All kinds and to find out more about the health benefits of dark chocolate check out The Ultimate Chocolate Shoppe.
How many things in life can you honesty say taste good, make you happy, AND add to your longevity? Well, not too many I would think. In this article, I will explain why dark chocolate is one such commodity and what natural ingredients are in it that provide you with so many healthy benefits.
How does Dark Chocolate Add to My Longevity?
Chocolate comes from plants, which means it includes many of the health advantages of dark leafy vegetables. These benefits come from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants preserve the body from getting old, caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that contributes to heart disease. Chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 4 times the number found in blueberries, the leading fruit in this category). Flavonoids also help reduce blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body. Here are some reasons why chocolate is good for your heart:
Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart -
A small 2-oz bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system function well over the long-term.
Lowers Your Blood Pressure -
Many studies have shown that consuming a small bar of chocolate everyday can lower blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. Chocolate also has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (i.e. the bad cholesterol) by up to 10%. Also, more than three quarters of the fats in it are actually beneficial to lowering your total cholesterol level.
Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate -
Chocolate also holds other benefits apart from protecting your heart:
1) Most people love the way it tastes.
2) It has been proven to stimulate endorphin production, which gives one a feeling of pleasure.
3) It includes serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. Chocolate also has the obromine, caffeine and other substances which act as stimulants.
Learn how to inexpensively find the best dark chocolate from a 25-year connoisseur in the field at John Wayne Marshall's dark chocolate website.
About The Author
John Wayne Marshall, a long time resident of Naples, Florida and the Florida Keys, has spent much of his adult life tasting and cooking with countless chocolate brands that come from all over the world. Visit his site now and discover which extra dark chocolate bars, chocolate recipes, and chocolate ingredients he recommends for all your discriminating tastes. --> Go to http://www.bestdarkchocolate.org/
One would never think that chocolate would be considered as a health food. But research from science has found that this is a well know fact and should change the way we look at chocolate forever. People around the world are starting to realize that a treat we all love is really healthy for our own benefit. So, lets join the cheer leading squad by chanting: "Eat Chocolate To A Greater Health!"
Ok, before we get over zealous about this fact, let us consider the studies the scientist has found about the benefits of chocolate; especially dark chocolate which most people crave more than other types of this rich flavor.
Sufficient evidence has been proved that dark chocolate has more benefits for your health rather than white chocolate and even milk chocolate. Milk chocolate and white chocolate actually has more fat content and lower benefits to health for consumers.
Also known as Bittersweet and Semi-Sweet, dark chocolate is very healthy and can enhance your mood. Also it keeps your emotions in a lighter, friendlier state of mind. The serotonin that dark chocolate has in it acts like an anti- depression drug would.
So while you are having an emotional bad day, eat a bar of dark chocolate to improve your mood visibly and restore your emotional content. Aside from helping us to calm our mood swings, dark chocolate helps our blood vessels flex, which improves the blood circulation in our bodies.
Other aspects of chocolate that are important to us are all the other nutrients that are contained in chocolate which is known to prevent some cancers. One ingredient very well known; Cacao is an ingredient that dark chocolate has an abundant of, is very important for the body. It contains antioxidants to fight off free radicals which can cause heart problems and diseases of other types.
One major enemy of most free radicals is Flavonoids which is also found in chocolate. Flavonoids help by tackling the other foods which have been ingested or inhaled form the environments we are around each and every day. Catechins and Epicatechins which are Flavonoids really protect the immune system of the body. Now can you see why eating dark chocolate of course in moderation is very important for our health?
Did you ever think about looking at that velvety soft texture of a chocolate bar as having healthy minerals? Minerals such as Magnesium and Iron? At least you now know that resisting chocolate for some is not an answer, but when you eat in moderation, for health reasons; eating chocolate is good!
Other benefits from the antioxidants found in dark chocolate is that it helps reduce stiffness and pain in joints which is caused by arthritis. Eating chocolate today will help in allowing you a restful sleep the next night as well due to the antioxidants that are found in chocolate. Brain and body energy increase from Vitamin B which is also found in dark chocolate.
Remember when they said that consuming chocolate would lead to a higher calorie intake that would cause your blood pressure and cholesterol levels rising above normal levels? Well, they were wrong and there are studies now to prove these facts. In fact, chocolate actually lowers your levels of cholesterol and your blood pressure. That should be an astounding hooray for lovers of chocolate. Yes chocolate does have fats and cholesterol, but they are good for the body and they do not interfere with the production of insulin.
Have you ever heard that with eating chocolate, a person will become diabetic? Wrong! Actually for diabetics, dark chocolate is good because of the low carbohydrates it has. And since diabetics must constantly keep their sugar levels within a normal level, dark chocolate will not hurt them.
With citing the healthy benefits of eating dark chocolate, do not go out and consume an enormous amount of it! Please remember that with all things, eating too much is not the way to good health. Moderation is the way to go when eating anything: especially that sultry melt-in-your-mouth piece of chocolate!
Warren D. Griffin writes articles on health, fitness, and nutrition. Adding chocolate to your diet can maximize your overall health!
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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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:
Before Xocai came along, eating chocolate of any kind was not considered a very healthy choice, in spite of all of the recent research about dark chocolate that proves otherwise.
You can't blame doctors and nutritionists for their skepticism because the chocolate that most people purchase from their local store contains a lot of pretty unhealthy ingredients.
Commercial chocolate is typically loaded with wax, fillers and tons of sugar which causes it to contain a high caloric content that results in excess body fat, a factor in and of itself that leads to a host of other health-related problems like obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
So other than satisfying a guilty pleasure or a late night craving, the store-bought chocolate that we are used to just doesn't have any health benefits. But what if you could have your chocolate and eat it, too? Read on!
Xocai products are made with raw cacao that is non-alkalized and non-lecithinized to maintain it's high antioxidant value. A closely monitored and patented fermentation, drying and roasting process ensures that chocoholics receive all of the wonderful health benefits of dark chocolate from each piece.
If you still aren't convinced of the health benefits of dark chocolate, then please take a moment to review just some of the things that make dark chocolate so good for you:
1. Cacao beans are one of the most complex foods on the planet, containing over 300 chemically identifiable compounds.
2. Unprocessed, raw cacao is considered to be the #1 super food in existence because it contains the highest ORAC value, or antioxidants, of any food substance on the planet.
3. Dark chocolate contains vitamins like A, B1, C, D E, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, that allow our bodies to function properly.
4. The flavonoids in cacao can help reduce the risk of getting heart disease by significantly reducing fats from blocking the arteries, and these flavonoids have been known to reduce the risk of cancer.
5. The chemicals in dark chocolate brighten your mood, increase happiness and alertness, and have the capacity to reduce pain and reduce fatigue.
These are just a few of the healthy benefits of consuming dark chocolate. But of all the findings though, the antioxidant content of Xocai is the most significant.
As we are all aware of by now, antioxidants stop the negative effects of free radicals in the body. In the past, eating huge quantities of fruits and vegetables was the only way to get our bodies daily requirement of antioxidants. But now, eating Xocai chocolate can be advised as well!
Each piece of this healthy dark chocolate deliciously delivers 100% of the full antioxidant value of cacao without the fat, wax, fillers, preservatives and high sugar content of regular chocolate. By enjoying just three decadent pieces per day, you can turn your once guilty pleasure into a healthy habit!
Kelley M. Falgout owns the Xocai Chocolate Store, which offers the best prices on the freshest healthy chocolate products straight from the manufacturer to you.
Dark chocolate smoothies taste like dessert for breakfast! Add dark chocolate cocoa powder to your healthy smoothie recipe in the morning for an unbelievable burst of rich chocolate yummy flavor. This is the ultimate in that decadent -you won't believe it's sooo good for you flavor! Dark chocolate cocoa powder is so healthy because it's high in polyphenol content, which means it has antioxidant power! It's also high in vitamins. This chocolate is a bit bitter, so the base of the smoothie should be either vanilla flavored yogurt and vanilla almond milk with some agave syrup or honey. Adjust the sweetener according to your desired level.
Chocolate comes from the cacao bean. This bean contains antibacterial agents that fight against tooth decay and help boost your immune system. These agents are diminished once sugar and milk are added to the chocolate to create milk chocolate. Cocao also contains phenyl ethylamine which enhances endorphins and gives you that happy feeling. Researchers have found that the mere smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves inducing relaxation. People who eat dark chocolate are also said to live a year longer -perhaps because of the antioxidant effects or maybe just because they are happier!
Smoothies are a great way to sneak in protein and extra vitamins and minerals into your kid's breakfast or snack. Great additions for smoothies are protein powder, bee pollen, lecithin granules and brewers yeast. Go easy on the brewer's yeast because it has a bitter taste the kids will taste!
Rae Haining writes about the benefits of dark chocolate and healthy smoothie recipes at her website FillingLowCalorieFoods.com.
There are as many stories associated to chocolate candy as brands available on the market. Different shapes, sizes, and colors are usually accompanied by a dilemma, which is better, dark chocolate or white chocolate?
Apart from taste, World's Finest Chocolates are characterized for their nutriments. Within your preferred brand, Hershey chocolate, Ghirardelli chocolate, Nestle chocolate, or Lindt Chocolates, you will find that they are available in dark chocolate and white chocolate presentations.
Nutritionally speaking, white chocolate is a new comer that has been promoted for the benefits of its higher content of milk. However, this type of chocolate candy is not exactly what a chocolate should be.
Standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that white chocolate is a combination of milk solids, butterfat, cocoa butter, sugar, lecithin and flavorings, but NO chocolate, but a similar tasting resulting from cocoa butter and sometimes artificial flavoring.
Although a white Hershey chocolate was introduced in 2005, it is White Nestle chocolate, which is more commonly found in this variety, which color is not due to milk content, but sublime or vegetable fat. You must be careful with this product more often referred to as confectionery or summer coating with very low nutritional value.
Lindt Chocolates has a white variety, the same as Ghirardelli chocolate, but labeled as baking chocolate. White chocolate is a great covering for desserts, cakes, dark chocolate candy, and more.
World's Finest Chocolates are dark whether bittersweet or semisweet. Chocolate candy is not only claimed as a sensual food, but also a product with true nutritional benefits including improvement of endothelial and platelet function, related to cardiovascular health.
Next time, you go to the grocery store, take a dark Hershey chocolate, and compare the information with that of a white Nestle chocolate. You will find differences in their ingredients, but especially in the higher proportion of fats in white chocolate.
Although cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate are still in debate due to risks associated with effects of glucose and lipid, in body weight, dark chocolate has anti-oxidative effects that benefit the heart.
Ghirardelli chocolate was associated to recent research studying the benefits of flavonoids in dark chocolate. Lindt Chocolates are also reputed for lowering high blood pressure. Whatever brand is your preference, balance your calories with up to a 100-gram serving a day, can help you to improve your health.
When it comes to the World's Finest Chocolates, apples have been left behind, substituting the saying with this phrase: "A Dark Chocolate a Day Keeps the Doctor Away", and this saying seems true, indeed.
Natalie Aranda writes on food and drinks. Although a white Hershey chocolate was introduced in 2005, it is White Nestle chocolate, which is more commonly found in this variety, which color is not due to milk content, but sublime or vegetable fat. You must be careful with this product more often referred to as confectionery or summer coating with very low nutritional value. Lindt Chocolates has a white variety, the same as Ghirardelli chocolate, but labeled as baking chocolate. White chocolate is a great covering for desserts, cakes, dark chocolate candy, and more.
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