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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.

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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.

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.

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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/

With a lot of talk about health and chocolate it is important to realize that there is a big difference between all types of chocolate and the health benefits they provide. One of the main health benefits that has been found in healthy dark chocolate is the flavonoids and they are more highly concentrated in dark chocolate because it has a higher cocoa percentage.

It is the cocoa which comes from a plant, which provides all of the health benefits. It is not only full of flavanoids but also minerals and other elements beneficial to health. Also white chocolate and milk chocolate contain more fat, refined sugar and fillers, which are not healthy.

Products which are coated with chocolate should also be eaten with caution because the amount of chocolate may be small and therefore the health benefits minimal. The product which is coated in the chocolate may be unhealthy and outweigh any health benefits provided by the chocolate. It is a balancing act, like any sort of healthy eating to make sure that you have the chocolate as part of a healthy balanced diet and have the dark chocolate if you want to ensure you are getting the maximum health benefits.

There is also a difference between different types of dark chocolate and this can effect the health benefits. Some have been processed a lot and have a lot of added sugar and so they are not so healthy as the ones which are less processed and have lower sugar levels. Some have a higher cocoa percentage than others as well. Check the labels of the chocolate to find out the ingredients and calculate which you think will be the best for you.

It is best to look out for the ones which have low sugar and high cocoa and as few other additives as possible. There are some bars which contain raw unprocessed cocoa and these are likely to be the best healthy dark chocolate.

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If someone were to tell you to eat more chocolate as part of a healthy diet, you may look at them like they sprouted a second head. Actually, they are right and wrong. Dark chocolate provides many healthy benefits, whereas milk chocolate and white chocolate do not. So, the statement should really be to eat more dark chocolate. The benefits of the healthy chocolate are that it helps fight off bad things in the body.

Dark chocolate offers many good healthy benefits. It has been shown to lower high blood pressure. That's not to say you should eat as much as you can get your hands on, but it is a good treat to have daily to increase the antioxidant levels in your body. The antioxidants destroy the free radicals that get in the body through poor diets and the environment which can lead to heart disease. Studies have been done to compare and contrast dark chocolate, white chocolate and milk chocolate. Dark chocolate, the healthy chocolate, was better for the body hands down over the others.

Although you cannot live on this kind of chocolate alone, making it a part of your daily diet is not a bad idea. Be sure that you balance it out with other healthy foods as well. Vegetables, lean meats and fruits are also important to take in regularly. Replace your sweets intake with the dark chocolate and include with your regular diet to be healthy.

If you hear your friend stating that she needs chocolate to reduce her stress, or to make her feel better after a bad day, then she is expressing the need for seratonin and phenylethylamine, which are mood boosters found in chocolate. Eating chocolate releases those into the body and gives a feel good experience

Not only will it help with heart and blood pressure, it reduces the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and can help increase blood flow to the brain. It is actually a good snack for diabetics. However, checking with the doctor before indulging would be wise. Even though it has good ingredients, it also contains sugar and fat as well. The flavonoids are the good part of the dark chocolate that outweighs the fattening characteristics. Keep the amounts of healthy chocolate reasonable, but know that when you choose that as a snack, you are doing something good for your body as well as your taste buds.

Rick Varner has dealt with low back pain and high blood pressure for years. He investigates and writes about healthy alternatives to drugs and chemicals. For more information about healthy dark chocolate, visit his website at [http://www.cocoarick.com]

People who are overweight at any point in their lives greatly increase their chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and numerous other health issues. Once you have decided it's time to take action and pursue a healthier lifestyle, you may be wondering what types of supplements and tools can help you along your path.

It is well known that whole food supplements can improve nutrient and vitamin absorption and levels within our bodies. Raw, whole foods are chock full of antioxidants; the best known way to ward off disease and sickness. The benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss utilize this fact.

Due to the intricate process of making cold pressed cacao, whole nutrient levels are maintained in this whole food supplement. When compared to highly processed foods, the nutritional quality is superseded by nutrient levels in these products.

Benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss include ease in use. Remember when mom wouldn't let you eat dessert before your dinner? Chocolate lovers rejoice! Many users of unprocessed healthy chocolate simply eat the delicious food prior to any meal. The nutrients found in the chocolate will "wake up" your digestive system and ready it for the work to come.

We are aware that in order to lose weight you need to feed your body the right foods, but also want to increase our basal metabolic rate. Our metabolism levels will determine how quickly we burn and utilize the nutrients we ingest. Anything that is not used will be turned into extra body fat.

The tannins and theo-bromine contained in this whole food increase the benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss journeys. These ingredients may help to metabolize your meals more efficiently, thus converting less food into extra fat.

The efficiency levels of your digestive system are the first way to increase metabolic rates. When your intestines are working at full steam, so are the other cells throughout your body - in order to use the resulting nutrients quickly enough to keep up with your digestion. This increase in work throughout your body burns more calories at a higher rate, even while you are sitting dormant.

Increasing your metabolism also allows you to eat normally and not feel deprived. Other benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss include the effect it has on your psyche. If you are a chocolate lover, you will never need to feel guilty about having a piece of your favorite sweet thing.

Preventing the feeling of being deprived will help you avoid overeating and consuming unhealthy sweet alternatives. Utilizing the benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, will help you reach your goals sooner than you thought possible. Dark healthy chocolate for weight loss has just one of the many health benefits and perhaps some that we aren't aware of at this time. The brand and reputation continues to grow with the scientific researches done nowadays. Helping friends and family better their health and improve their way of life can be achieved by eating dark healthy chocolate.

To learn more about Dark Healthy Chocolate for Weight Loss, visit Richard's Healthy Chocolate [http://benefitsofxocai.com] blog. Author: Richard is passionate about sharing health and wellness with others. He also devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and works with them to ensure their success.

When most of us think of chocolate we know that while it may be fun to eat, that it can also make us fatter than we are today. Chocolate is not considered a food that you should eat while you're dieting as it's usually rich in sugar and calories.

Surprisingly, though, dark chocolate is a different story. Most people don't know about the many health benefits of dark chocolate and they should because it can prove to be a blessed addition to any weight loss process. Yes, I said weight loss.

Not every product which has "Dark Chocolate" printed on the cover really deserves that name. As most chocolates are filled with added sugar, you want to make sure that what you're eating will have a high dose of cocoa which is what makes dark chocolate healthy. A good rule of thumb would be to eat anything with 70% cocoa content or more. I usually go for 85% but most people find that to be too bitter. 70% should be enough and will still contain a lot of sweetness.

We all know how hard it is to stick to a diet plan and be deprived of anything sweet. This is where darker chocolate can actually help you lose weight. Being as healthy as it is, which we will get into in a moment, and rather low in sugar, it can help you satisfy your sweet tooth without filling you with empty calories and sugar. This can help you stick to your diet plan for longer and lose more weight in the long run.

But this isn't the end of the benefits of dark chocolate. It gets much better than this. You see, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants which help your body destroy free radicals.

Free radicals are nasty little molecules which circle around in your body and attack your cells from within. They're destructive, potentially hazardous, and accelerate the aging process. Antioxidants are your best allies in the fight against these free radicals and dark chocolate if full of them.

The problem with milk chocolate is that it seems that milk interrupts how the body digests antioxidants, so you're not only getting tons of sugar but not enjoying the benefits either.

In addition, dark chocolate has been shown to act as an effective stress reducer. It basically helps you alleviate tension and induces a feeling of well-being. Naturally, this is something which can also lead to a sort of addiction, but as long as you eat it in moderation, the stress reduction effect can prove to be very beneficial.

Most people don't know, but stress can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. This means that dark chocolate can actually help you lose belly fat. Surprising, right?

Naturally, this article is not an invitation to stuff yourself silly with chocolate. You shouldn't overdo things. However, a small bar here and there can do little harm and much good.

To learn how to lose belly fat fast, go to How to Burn Belly Fat Fast.

To learn more about why chocolate is healthy go here: Healthy Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

John Davenport lost over 30 pounds in his twenties after being overweight most of his life. He now runs a weight loss forum and publishes a diet and fitness newsletter.

Everyone has been told at one time or another that they cannot have any more sweets or that they need to cut back on the chocolate. While it is true that nobody should make a diet out of bonbons and chocolate bars, chocolate is not as bad as some make it out to be. In fact, there are many health benefits to indulging in the occasional piece of dark chocolate.

A recent study shows that dark chocolate can be significant in helping to lower blood pressure. In this study, participants ate a 100-gram candy bar once a day for two weeks. As a result, their blood pressure dropped an average of five points for systolic blood pressure and two points for diastolic blood pressure.

Dark chocolate can also be beneficial because it is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease and other health issues. According to recent studies, milk can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants. This means that only dark chocolate has this benefit and that it should not be washed down with milk to get the full advantage.

Those who are planning on using the health benefits as an excuse to eat chocolate should keep a few things in mind. First, it is only dark chocolate that has these benefits, so eating milk or white chocolate will not produce the same results. In addition, doctors advise that someone who starts eating chocolate on a daily basis balance out the extra calories by eating less of other things in their diet.

Staying healthy has never tasted sweeter than when it is accomplished through eating dark chocolate. Low blood pressure and increased antioxidants are big steps on the way to helping anyone become healthier and more energetic. Be sure to speak with a doctor first, and then begin getting healthy with a tasty treat.

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You may have heard about Xocai Chocolate and are wondering what all the fuss is about. Before we take a look at the Xocai products, let us first take a look at dark chocolate itself.

Chocolate is everywhere in the news today. To prove my point, just do a Google search on "dark chocolate health" or "dark chocolate antioxidants" and you will see 1,000's of different websites talking about the benefits. For example, Time Magazine reported, "dark chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood." US News stated, "new evidence suggests that a moderate amount of dark chocolate, particularly cocoa, may be sweet for the cardiovascular system."

The problem with most chocolates are the refined sugars, milk, hydrogenated oils, and other filler ingredients that are added to make it not so healthy.

There is a company by the name of MXI (Marketing Xocolate International) Corp. that has developed a healthy line of chocolate products. Xocai contains no refined sugars, no added fats, milk, or other filler ingredients. Xocai is made of 100% unprocessed cocoa powder.

Xocai is considered the only true healthy chocolate because of its patented cold pressing process. What this means is it is the only chocolate of its kind to not be heat manufactured. All chocolates found in the stores are heat manufactured and because of this fact, 80% or better of the antioxidants found in store bought chocolates are destroyed. Xocai products are all cold pressed so they retain 100% of the nutrients and antioxidants and with a whole lot less sugar.

As stated earlier, the studies coming out on the positive benefits of healthy dark chocolate are pretty remarkable. These studies include declines in high blood pressure, appetite suppression, mood elevation, and decreases in inflammation. Although not intended to cure all of your ailments, most people would welcome some positive side effects while enjoying a product that they already love.

Thankfully, there is a movement in today's society back to natural health, medicine, and diet. When you can consume a chocolate that does not contain all of the unhealthy ingredients that are in 99% of chocolates sold today, you'd be crazy to not try it.

While I was not a huge dark chocolate fan to begin with period, once you make the switch to unprocessed, healthy chocolate you'll never want to go back to the unhealthy, processed chocolates. There really is no comparison in taste, quality, and health benefits.

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Author: Brian McCoy is passionate about sharing his love of health and wellness with others. He is also a six figure earner and one of the top income earners in the home business industry. Brian devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and mentors them to ensure their success.