My Chocolate Fantasy

Can dark chocolates lower blood pressure and provide certain health benefits? There are various studies that have been completed to prove that this is the case. However, before an individual goes out and begins binge eating chocolate there is certain information a person needs to know. The only type of chocolate that has been proven to assist a person in improved health is dark chocolate.
Other forms of this candy have been tested, like milk chocolate and white chocolate. These do not show any signs of improvement for the well-being of an individual. Also, it is unhealthy to consume anything in large amounts. Other types of ailments may not be suitable to eat or drink dark chocolate. Diabetics may not want to risk the effects with their illness to the health benefits of this type of candy. Nevertheless, if an individual can eat sugar in moderation, this is an excellent tool for particular health matters.
Expert studies have done extensive research on dark chocolate and the effects it has on an individual’s body. In recent years, many doctors and scientists have calculated the consequences of eating more dark chocolate. They have found amazing results concerning this type of candy. These professionals used individuals for their findings with dark chocolate against the milk and white chocolates. They asked people in the test groups to do various things. One of the studies placed individuals on a strict diet of dark chocolate and foods that do not have the same elements for one week. Another test was preformed on certain individuals eating dark chocolate against white and milk chocolates. The people were not allowed to consume the dark with milk of any form. The results were outstanding.
The health benefits that the experts found were amazing. The individuals that ate the dark chocolates lowered their blood pressure by 5 to 10 points. Antioxidants are another advantage of consuming darker chocolates. This is what controls and prevents heart disease and assists in the blood flow. With the extra blood flow, this will assist a person towards better circulation in their legs and other arteries. This will keep the blood moving freely and less likely to clog.
Dark chocolates may also prevent cancers and strokes as well. The experts agree that other minor ailments may be treated with this substance too. A small amount of this candy a day may in fact keep the doctor away.
As with anything a person consumes, moderation is the key. Even when products are healthy for an individual, overdoing it will be harmful in the end. If an individual eats a small amount of dark chocolate a day, chances are they will see a slight improvement in their health. They will also have a less of a risk for any type of heart disease. There are various proven facts that only dark chocolate can cure certain styles of illnesses a person may face. It is vital to understand, the darker the chocolate the better. Milk and white chocolate are confirmed ineffective in better health and well-being.

According to researchers, at least half a slab a week of dark chocolate (70% to 85% cocoa content) has a protective effect against inflammation and heart disease.

The findings come from one of the largest epidemiological studies ever conducted in Europe. The study focused on the complex mechanism of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease) ranging from myocardial infarction to stroke.

The study found that people having moderate amounts of dark chocolate regularly had significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein in their blood, which indicates that their inflammatory state was considerably reduced.

Those who ate dark chocolate regularly had a 17% average reduction in C-reactive protein – enough to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by one-third in women and one-fourth in men.

The findings apply to dark chocolate only. Milk chocolate does not have the same affect, since milk interferes with the absorption of polyphenols.

Sources:
- Science Daily September 23, 2008
- The Journal of Nutrition October 2008, 138:1939-1845

The scientific name of the cocoa tree is ‘Theobroma Cacao’, which means ‘Food of the Gods’. Chocolate, providing it’s a milk-free and sugar-low variety, contains a substance called Theobromine, which the body converts into Serotonin and Endorphins, the first having a calming effect, the second and uplifting effect and boosts the immune system. Cocoa contains the chemical PEA (Phenylethylamine), which occurs naturally in the brain and is released at times of emotional excitement – it gives us the ‘high’ feeling. Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate increase alertness and sharpen the memory.

Theobromine is a vagus nerve suppressor, which is responsible for coughing. Theobromine is three times more effective to cure persistent cough than codeine, a powerful chemical cough cure. Another study showed that blood vessels dilate better when eating good quality chocolate, helping to improve the circulation.

A good quality chocolate should have no milk content and be sugar low. The cocoa content should be at least 70%. These top quality chocolates are usually marked ‘70%’ or ‘Intense 70%’ or ‘72%’.

Chocolate prevents cardiovascular disease

The chemicals known as flavanols, which are found in chocolate as well as in fruits and vegetables, can reverse smoking-related damage to blood vessels by boosting the levels of nitric oxide in the blood. This raises the possibility of a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease. Those who drank cocoa containing as much as 185mgs of flavanols experienced significant increases in circulating nitric oxide and flow-mediated dilation – a definite improvement in function. Moreover, the benefits disappeared when patients were given a drug that interferes with nitric oxide signaling.

Improved Blood Vessel Response

Researchers compared the effect of flavanols on a dozen smokers participating in a double-blind study. Half were given a cocoa drink rich in flavanols, and the rest had a drink that tasted the same but had far fewer flavanols.

The study, however, was designed specifically to identify the active ingredients, so the cocoa drink used was specially processed to retain much higher levels of flavanols than are typically found in commercially-available cocoa drinks.

Smokers chosen to test cardiovascular benefits

Smokers were chosen for the study because their blood vessels tend to respond poorly to changes in blood flow, possibly related to impairments in how nitric oxide sends signals to the inner lining (the endothelium) of blood vessels, which is in turn a warning sign for cardiovascular disease. The study was not designed to find out whether flavonols could specifically protect smokers, but rather to investigate the effects of cardiovascular disease in general.

‘Journal of the American College of Cardiology – October 4, 2005; 46(7): 1276-1283’

I love chocolate! But unitl recently I did not know that not all chocolates are created equal. Dark chocolates contains cocoa phenols which have shown to lower blood pressure. Not to mention it is rich in anti-oxidants which help fight free radicals, destructive molecules which contribute to heart disease and other ailments.  

Now milk chocolate and white chocolate on the other hand contains very little or no health benefits whatsoever. It’s delicious and palatable, I know but it is believed that the milk interferes with the delivery of any health benefits that dark chocolate possesses. Oh, and you may want to forget about washing down that healthy dark chocolate you ate with a glass of milk, also.

But how do you get past that bitter taste that dark chocolate has? If you’re like me and have a sweet tooth it is tough to enjoy a piece of dark chocolate. So let’s get creative. One way I found to enjoy dark chocolate is in a recipe called Warm and Soft Chocolate.

It is a recipe for a chocolate cup cake where inside contains a warm molten dark chocolate that oozes out when you cut into it. It is amazing! It makes the dark chocolate more palatable.

Here is the recipe for the Warm and Soft Chocolate:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup                       unsalted butter, plus more to butter the molds

4 ounces                     bittersweet chocolate, preferably Valrhona

2                                 eggs

2                                 egg yolks

1/4 cup                       sugar

2 teaspoons                flour, plus more for dusting

Method:

1. In the top of a double boiler set over simmering water, heat the butter and chocolate together until the chocolate is almost completely melted. While that’s heating, beat together the eggs, yolks, and sugar with a whisk or electric beater until light and thick.

2. Beat together the melted chocolate and butter; it should be quite warm. Pour in the egg mixture, then quickly beat in the flour, just until combined.

3. Butter and lightly flour four 4-ounce molds, custard cups, or ramekins. Tap out the excess flour, then butter and flour them again. Divide the batter among the molds. (At this point you can refrigerate the desserts until you are ready to eat, for up to several hours; bring them back to room temperature before baking.)

4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the molds on a tray for 6 to 7 minutes; the center will still be quite soft, but the sides will be set.

5. Invert each mold onto a plate and let sit for about 10 seconds. Unmold by lifting up one corner of the mold; the cake will fall out onto the plate. Serve immediately.

This is one of my favorite recipe and I hope it becomes one of yours too.  

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.

For several years, it was commonly felt that chocolate eating was bad for health. Dieticians strongly advised their patients to get rid of their fetish for chocolates to prevent tooth decay and other health problems. In addition, it has been found that eating chocolates increases the calorie count considerably. In spite of this, people all over the world have found it extremely hard to resist their favorite chocolate bar. This is particularly true for the depressed people who find it easier to deviate attention from their sorrows by eating chocolates. After many years of research, it was felt that there was a huge market for healthier chocolates that could not only satisfy the craving for chocolates but also negate the guilt that people mostly experienced after having their favorite chocolate. This led to the popularity of dark chocolates that are now preferred throughout the world.

Dark chocolates are prepared using raw cacao. This ensures that these chocolates have a higher anti oxidant value. A lot of time and preparation goes into producing these chocolates. The entire manufacturing process is closely monitored and reviewed to produce the best kind of dark chocolate available in the market. It is largely because of this that nutritionists throughout the world are also positive about the health benefits of consuming this type of chocolates. Dieticians also feel that the anti oxidant content of these chocolates is at par with the value provided by fresh fruits and leafy vegetables.

Most dieticians are seen advising their patients to include the this chocolate in their diet after completing a meal. For example, they are told to have a piece of dark chocolate after finishing their lunch or dinner. This is because these chocolates are a healthier option when compared to the puddings or pies served after dinner. If you have a fondness for dairy chocolates you must try out the dark chocolates which will help you to satisfy your urge in a healthier manner.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues. You can check out his new website at Outdoor Folding Chairs which helps people find the Best Folding Chairs available and information they are looking relating to this subject.

There are significant health benefits to dark chocolate.  According to research studies, chocolate provides clues to fighting disease.  Your health and well-being can be enhanced while you savor and enjoy chocolate.   Below, you’ll see how research involving chocolate consumption can help conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure.Chocolate and CancerThe same antioxidants found in wine and green tea are found in raw cacao and dark chocolate.  Antioxidants protect cells from toxins, slow the growth of cancer cells, and help reduce cancer risks and heart disease.   The greater the amount of cacao contained in chocolate, the more antioxidants it has.  (Note: White chocolate does not contain antioxidants, so look for dark chocolate instead).Chocolate and CholesterolWhile many foods high in saturated fats are known to raise cholesterol levels, studies have shown that chocolate consumption does not.  This is due to the type of saturated fat  chocolate contains.   Less harmful saturated fat in one’s diet means plaque that can gather in the arteries.  In fact, studies have shown that dark chocolate may in fact boost good cholesterol. Chocolate and DepressionThe fat naturally found in chocolate helps provide a feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction, releasing mood-enhancing endorphins.  Chocolate also may help relieve symptoms of anxiety.  It  is thought to have an opiate effect  that may help improve mood.  A study conducted on patients who were depressed showed that the dark chocolate provided relief from their symptoms. Chocolate and CirculationSince the chemicals in dark chocolate help prevent the formation blood platelets, the chance of blood clots is minimized.  In addition, blood pressure may be lowered with a regular consumption of dark chocolate each day.   This is a result of the flavonoids present in cacao that help with circulation.  Keep in mind that flavonoids are lower in milk chocolate than dark chocolate.  How Much Chocolate Can You Have? Include 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day to your diet.  Select your chocolate carefully, ensuring that there are no refined sugars or hydrogenated oils, which have undesirable health effects.  Also, look for  a high percentage of cacao (70% or above).  Remember that chocolate does have calories, so make necessary modifications to your calorie intake.

That’s right, chocolate does not need to be the enemy. You can eat chocolate and lose weight — you just need to know how to do it right. Here’s how:First, always eat dark chocolate; and the darker the better. Good dark chocolate means that there is a high concentration of cacao, which has been known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and is full of antioxidants loaded flavanoids that will boost your immune system.Yes, dark chocolate has some health benefits, but that’s not to say that you should pig out on this creamy, decadent treat. You will not lose weight (note the “not” there) if you eat a diet excusively or dark chocolate, even 99% cacao chocolate.So how will dark chocolate help you lose weight? If you use chocolate as a sweet little reward for healthy eating and good exercise and eat it in moderation, then you will be able to healthfully satisfy that sweet tooth craving we all get without going overboard.Many people gain weight when they’re on a diet because after a good week of dieting, they reward themselves with a ton of junk and overeating over the weekend. All it takes is one day of being “off the wagon” to undo all the progress you’ve done til then. If you deprive yourself of anything sweet during a diet, then you’re bound to go overboard (and sometimes WAY overboard), ruin your diet, and gain weight.If, however,  throughout your diet you satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy sweet, like dark chocolate, then you’ll be less likely to splurge on something big later.So how do you know how to buy “healthy” dark chocolate? Standard chocolate (milk and dark) contains so much sugar and is so processed that most of the healthy flavanoids get lost. Look at the label and make sure that your chocolate is low in sugar and high in cacao.Dark Chocolate M&Ms, for example, contain only 40% cacao, which may sound like a lot, but something like Lindt Excellence hits 99%.Stick with true dark chocolate and only eat a little bit when a craving hits or to end a healthy meal on a sweet note. Consider dark chocolate your new natural weight loss pills and you’ll start losing weight and feeling great and, most importantly, you won’t be neglecting your sweet tooth!

Does your child just love vegetables?

Honestly?

Or do you find yourself looking for creative ways to hide vegetables in their meals, like pureeing and mixing spinach into brownies?

Did you know that if your child eats dark chocolate on a daily basis that they can actually experience many of the health benefits associated with eating 10 servings of vegetables?

That’s right!

Your children can eat dark chocolate any day of the week with their breakfast, lunch and dinner and feel great.

And you will feel great knowing that the dark chocolate is helping your child with these seven health benefits:

1. Improved Mood

2. Increased Energy

3. Consuming Multiple Nutrients and Minerals

4. Memory and Concentration

5. Replacing Bad Treats with Good Treats

6. Adding More Fiber to Their Diet

7. Promoting Good Dental Health

Who wouldn’t want their child to feel happier while also being able to focus on school and their studies more effectively?

While the health benefits outlined above may be found in some of the dark chocolate products available in the supermarket, the dark chocolate I am writing about is known as Healthy Chocolate.

Healthy Chocolate contains a premium blend of cacao, acai berry and blueberry. These ingredients deliver many of the nutrients that your child requires on a daily basis, including omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, flavanols, and other antioxidants.

Instead of supplementing your child’s diet with vitamin pills or pureed spinach, you can have fun adding dark chocolate to your child’s daily diet by replacing some of the chocolate that they already eat, with healthy chocolate.

Some yummy suggestions are:

 

Certainly dark chocolate may not be the miracle cure to all of our ailments. However it is definitely a tasty way to be proactive in regards to our health and our family’s health.

For that reason, when it comes to your child’s health, be proactive and lead by example. Show your children how to choose food that is good for them, both in your home and at restaurants.

Have a simplified and fun discussion about the health benefits listed above and begin to help your children understand how their decisions about food and the habits they create now will affect their health as they grow older. It will be one of the most important talks you ever have.

 

Have you ever thought of re-inventing bathroom decor using dark/chocolate bathroom styles? Well! There are many who might think chocolate theme doesn’t fit in bathroom styling.But think again, really how tempting would chocolate colored walls look in your bathroom! Imagine walking into dark wood bathrooms with specialty or dim lighting and subtly decorated wall tiling. The entire aura magnified by the presence of dark/chocolate bathroom cabinets. This is the modern era and hence, to keep in-style with the essence of modernism, you can re-decorate your bathroom in such a way that it feels like a part of the entire home and also transforms into what we call the‘classic dark bathrooms.’ It doesn’t take much of an effort to convert your existing bathroom into something that is no less than a slice of paradise! You will have to start with the walls or the tiles and then go up all the way to the top or the ceiling. But the true mood of the bathroom decor can only be set if you add some dark colored steam showers, cabinets, and dark/chocolate bathroom vanities. If you use color contrasts like dark/chocolate bathroom layouts with light and misty colored floor tiles then your bathroom will transform into a place where you can get maximum relaxation. Bathrooms have, for a long time, served multiple purposes from being a place you can take a shower in to being a retreat for a tired mind and body. A beautifully decorated and color coordinated bathroom is an ideal island of peace and tranquility. And a dark or chocolate colored bathroom can be soothing and prove to be a paradigm in terms of décor. Studies have shown that dark/chocolate bathroom styles can uplift your spirit and make you feel much more at peace. Of course, if you do plan to carry out the changes in décor, it is not necessary that you have to have classic dark bathrooms where everything from vanities to the wood, tiles and even shower tubs have a dark tint on them. Look at it more from the point of view of it being a place of fun. Experiment with different colors but set the basic tones with dark/chocolate bathroom layouts. You can use everything from the dark and mysterious wooden tone to the revealing dark chocolate tones. In between, you can spray the walls or the doors with hues of chocolate such as cream or caramel. Using contrast well is the key; for example: if you are planning to use dark/chocolate bathroom cabinets then give the bathroom walls a misty, cloudy, light chocolate look so that everything just blends in. If you are planning to use wood bathrooms then a few small plants, a book rack, a white sand colored bathtub, and dark/chocolate bathroom vanities would give it just the right feel. On the other hand, you can install dark colored steam showers and paint your imagination on the wall tiles using hues and mix of dark and light colors to bring out the true essence of having something extraordinary!

Dark chocolate is the best form of chocolate that is beneficial for health. If we consider the positive effects of eating chocolate, nothing can beat dark chocolate. There are several reasons behind the global popularity of dark chocolate as nutrition supplement. Scientific research and health surveys clearly reflect the good effects of eating dark chocolate on human body.

Although there are numerous benefits (medically proved) of eating dark chocolates. It’s not possible to describe all of them here. However, some common and most important benefits of eating chocolates are described below.

Reduced Stress & Better Mood – Eating dark chocolate helps in releasing tension and improving our mood. Antioxidants present in dark chocolate keeps your body free of radicals/toxins, resulting in better feeling. Antioxidants also help in reducing stress and giving a better state of mind for our everyday working.

Instant Energy Source (Ideal for Kids) – Dark chocolates are calorie rich food therefore they are considered as an instant source of energy. Giving a fixed amount of dark chocolate to your kid’s everyday will provide them complete nutrition and help their body in proper growth.

Good for Circulatory/Cardiovascular System – Chocolates are also good for our circulatory system. By freeing up radicals from our blood stream, it helps in improving blood pressure. Cocoa chocolates are helpful for cardiovascular system. It helps in reducing cholesterol level in our body, thus keeping us away from heart related problems.

Best Nutrition Supplement for Cancer Patients – Dark chocolate having cocoa as most important ingredient are an ideal nutrition supplement for cancer patients undergoing treatment. These chocolates (also known as Xocai Chocolates) contain no refined sugars, no added fats, milk, or other filler ingredients. They are good in taste and Cancer patients undergoing treatment (they lose their taste) also like to have them. It helps them in providing required amount of energy to their body for faster healing. These chocolates help in creation of new cells instantly (which is crucial need of cancer patients).

Nowadays, it’s well known and scientifically proven fact that dark chocolates are good for health. Having right dose of dark chocolate on regular basis will keep us healthy, charged and energized always. Even, Time Magazine (one of the most reputed global magazines) reported once that eating dark chocolate help in moderating blood pressure and other ingredients present in dark chocolates help in elevating mood. That means, now everybody can enjoy dark chocolates without any health related worries.