My Chocolate Fantasy

Heart disease is recognized worldwide as the leading cause of death. High cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, and damaging of blood vessels due to high blood pressure are all factors related to cardiovascular health.Medical experts and nutritionists recommend a heart healthy diet and plenty of exercise to combat heart disease. Research also suggests that antioxidants could play a vital role in helping to support cardiovascular health.Epigallocatechin gallate, ECGC in Green Tea, procyanidins & epicatechins in pure Cocoa and the powerful antioxidant resveratrol have been studied extensively for their antioxidant value, particularly for their benefit to heart health. Along with a heart healthy diet and exercise, research indicates these flavonoids, if included regularly in your diet, may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.Their potency is dependent on their antioxidant value. Antioxidant value is measured in ORAC (Total Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). Raw cocoa in its purest form has the highest ORAC value of 26,000 units and dark chocolate with an ORAC of 13,120. Green Tea is marked at 1,220 ORAC and red grapes which contain resveratrol have an ORAC of 750.Heart Healthy Antioxidants from Green Tea, Chocolate and ResveratrolEpidemiological studies show that these antioxidants help to improve heart health in a number of ways. They basically work in the same way to support cardio-protective health. 1,2AtherosclerosisStudies show that flavonoids can help to dilate the brachial artery by 3.9% after the first 30 minutes from the time of ingestion.3 It is believed that Resveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea, Chocolate and Resveratrol help to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which in turns helps to relax the blood vessels, increasing its dilation. This results in improved flow and circulation. Poor flow and circulation is the main reason for the progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the heart arteries.These particular antioxidants also help to protect the arteries by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which leads to plaque formation in the arteries. 4-7 Myocardial InfarctionECGC in Green Tea, Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are believed to help block a protein in the blood that is responsible for inflammatory damage to the heart after a myocardial infarction. These antioxidants help to reduce the death of heart muscle cells by reducing the damage to the cells caused by oxidation. In addition, green tea is also believed to accelerate the recovery of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction. 8-15Coronary Artery DiseaseStudies indicate that regularly including these antioxidants in your diet may offer cardio-protective results. ECGC in Green Tea, Epicatechin and Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are all believed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by supporting good blood flow and circulation in the heart, helping to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radical activity. 16-18, 20-22, 26Belinda Linden, head of medical information at the British Heart Foundation said: “Green tea has, in the past, been associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, with claims that its high antioxidant properties may cut the amount of cholesterol in the artery wall.”These antioxidants are also believed to have anti-thrombotic properties. This means it helps to reduce the clotting of blood, or thrombosis which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.19, 23-25Blood PressureReseveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea and Chocolate help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. According to the Internal Medicine Archives (July 2004), there is a 46% reduced risk of developing high blood pressure for people who drank ½ to 2 ½ cups of green tea a day for one year. The risk was 65% lower for people who drank more than 2 ½ cups a day. 27-30Lowering Bad CholesterolStudies show that these antioxidants increase the liver’s LDL receptors. These receptors bind LDL, the bad cholesterol, and expel it through the digestive system without synthesizing it. This helps to support the regulation of normal cholesterol levels. 31-34Chocolate TeaThe combination of Cocoa, Green Tea and Resveratrol produces a powerful drink that supports heart health. CocoPure contains all three ingredients with absolutely no fat, no milk or sugars. It has an ORAC value of 5,250 for every 7.4 grams.References:

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Well there are some but for the majority of us with a sweet tooth we just can’t resist that second, third (is there any need to go on?) bar of that lovely, creamy, succulent chocolate. The chances of feeling guilty after eating those lovely bars of chocolate are quite high.

We all know how difficult it is to find great quality chocolate that is not only low in fat and sugar, but low in carbs and made with natural sweetener. The chocolate also contains what is known as Inulin. Inulin is a dietary fiber that is a pre-biotic. This means it is good for your body on the inside and the outside. It helps digestion and promotes good health throughout.

So, just because you want a low carb, low calorie diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the good stuff. We make all of our chocolate with real cocoa butter and it is packed full with fiber-rich Inulin. Even if you are not on a diet, what better way is there to have a treat without having all the guilt that goes along with it?

I happened to find a place where none of the chocolate contains maltitol and is truly delicious and nutritious to boot. They use Erythritol and not maltitol, the chocolate will not cause you any stomach distress as it is easily digestible, sweet and so tasty.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is from naturally derived sources, it looks and tastes just like normal sugar, but it is much better for your overall health and weight. It is a sugar alcohol that is made from plants or starches. It can be found in grapes, in mushrooms, in cheese, wine, beer and many more sources. It doesn’t upset digestive systems and is gentle on your body. Erythritol contains almost zero sugar and helps assist a healthy and low calorie diet.

The place I’m talking about is cocoawishes. Their chocolate is so appetizing, just looking at the pictures will make your mouth water. They ensure you will be satisfied with our chocolate as it is made with love and care. You can have any of these melting in your mouth in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

So even if you love chocolate and can’t bear to give it up while you are on a diet or looking to eat healthier, theirs an answer to your problems. If you love chocolate the way they do, do check out their specials. Enjoy this amazing and succulent chocolate without any of the guilt or despair afterwards.

Life is too short to cut out what we love to eat, that is why one should go out and pamper yourself with a little indulgence of chocolate. You won’t have to sacrifice your health or your love of chocolate.

Do you know the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Many people think they are the same but they are nutritionally on opposite ends of the spectrum. Hot chocolate is a sugar and fat filled mix that is mostly artificial chemicals and fillers with a chocolate taste.
Because chocolate is high in refined sugar and fat it is nutritionally void. However hot cocoa is the opposite. Nutritionally, hot cocoa is very beneficial. It is full of antioxidants and had been proven to be an extremely healthy food. Hot cocoa is naturally low in calories. You can make your own healthy hot beverage by adding cocoa powder and a small amount of sugar to milk, soy or even hot water.
Drinking hot cocoa has been around for centuries. Modern archaeologists have found evidence of cocoa beans in Olmec tombs as far back as 1500 BC. These ancient rulers drank a bitter mixture of hot water, cocoa powder and spices. The Mayans also fell in love with cocoa beans and developed a drink they named chocolatl.
These cacao beans were so valuable that they could be used as money. The rulers of the Mayan kingdom shared their love of cocoa with the Spanish who them brought it to Europe. It was in Europe that sugar was added and it became the drink we know as hot cocoa.
Cocoa became the Drink of the Gods
We think of hot cocoa as a desert drink but the original drink was a hot and spicy brew containing water, wine and peppers. The Mayan aristocracy had many variations of this beverage which they considered magic. After bringing the cocoa beans back to Europe sugar and milk were added to make a sweet after dinner beverage. Soon the general population could not get enough. Confectioners experimented with the cocoa powder and began making chocolate.
Nowadays people are discovering the powerful nutritional benefits of the cocoa bean. Recent research has found that the flavonoids in chocolate are more powerful than vitamins such as ascorbic acid in protecting circulating lipids from oxidation.
Researchers have discovered that people who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times each month live almost a year longer than people who eat too much or folks that steer clear of junk altogether. (This happy information is from a study done at the Harvard School of Public Health)
Are you Drinking Real Cocoa or just a sugar flavored brown drink?
Don’t settle for fake hot chocolate when you can have real delicious and nutritious hot cocoa. Hot cocoa not only tastes better is is so much better for you. The best way to make sure you are getting the real deal is to start with quality cocoa powder. The best cocoa powder is dark brown and will taste bitter by itself.
You can make your won hot beverage by mixing this powder with hot water or just like when you were a kid: real milk. Milk substitutes like: soy milk, coconut milk or rice milk are great for those who are lactose intolerant or who just want to try something different. You can sweeten your drink by adding sugar, honey or agave nectar.
Cocoa contains several bioactive compounds that promote alertness, lessen pain and promote a natural feeling of well-being. For example, one such element, Tryptophan, reduces anxiety by producing serotonin. The compounds in cocoa also produce endorphins which lessen sensitivity to pain.
Scientists have labeled Cocoa “the new vitamin.” Health experts are discovering that some of the chemicals in cocoa powder can have a positive effect on the heart and blood circulation.
Harvard researcher, Dr Vinson and his colleagues discovered that the flavonoids in chocolate are even more powerful than vitamins used for anti oxidation. Studies in Atherosclerosis show that the oxidation of lipoproteins is one of the ways that plaque clogs artery walls.
Food scientists from Cornell University state that they have discovered that cocoa has almost twice the antioxidants of red wine and nearly three times the antioxidents of green tea.
Drinking hot cocoa provides more antioxidants than simply eating chocolate candy. The heat releases more of the antioxidants. Some research indicates that ingesting dairy along with cocoa inhibits the absorption of the nutrients. You can get the most nutritional value by combining cocoa powder with a milk substitute like: coconut milk, soy milk, rice milk or even water.
Don’t let the picture on the packet food you. Check the ingredients! The primary ingredient in most commercial hot chocolate mixes is sugar. The rest is fat, fillers and artificial flavors. Why settle for a facsimile when you can have the real deal? Real hot cocoa is not only better nutritionally it tastes better too!
The hot creamy cocoa you loved as a kid is now a health food. A guilt free pleasure that’s good for you too. You can enjoy a rich cup of hot cocoa every day – just tell your friend it’s a nutritional supplement.

It’s that time of year when giving and indulging in the sweetness of sweets (especially with your sweetie) is seen as perfectly acceptable.
But, new research shows that there are more reasons than ever to NOT avoid or deny your chocolate cravings all year long.
According to some studies done in Italy, dark chocolate has many of the same benefits as vitamin C helping the body use insulin more effectively and lower blood pressure.
The research examined two out of three chocolate varieties, dark chocolate and white chocolate. Dark chocolate is made up of cocoa solids and sugar but no milk solids (prevalent in milk chocolate) and white chocolate, although referred to as chocolate had no cocoa solids, but instead is made of cocoa butter (the fat in chocolate), mil solids and sugar.
According to the study, participants who enjoyed 100 grams of dark chocolate daily for 15 days had reduced blood pressure and become more sensitive to insulin than they were prior to the “experiment”.
Researchers believe that the benefits of dark chocolate are because of the flavonoids it contains, which are associated with the ability to lower the risk of heart disease and some cancers. However, white chocolate exhibited no effect on patients since it is free of cocoa solids, where the flavonoids are found.
So what does this mean for you and me? Is it time to replace the celery and carrot platters with chocolate samplers and related goodies? Is it time to switch from “an apple a day” to “a chocolate bar a day”? The answer to this is probably a big “no”. Nonetheless, knowing this little tidbit and what other discoveries it may lead to in the future sure won’t inhibit a healthy person from treating themselves to the oh-so-desirable rich goodness of a nice piece of dark chocolate on occasion.

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.

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.

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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.