The real gift in a box of (certain kinds of) chocolate is improved health. Give yourself a present and watch this.
Related Videos: Is Coffee Good For You? | HealthiNation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzzhMeLPMtE
The Benefits of Vitamin D | HealthiNation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtja6qnh7jc
What has been used for centuries to cure everything from upset stomachs and raging fevers to sagging libidos? The answer is probably not what you think; it is chocolate. Or rather, chocolate's main ingredient called cocoa.
Going back in time, the ancient Aztecs ground cocoa seeds with seasonings to make a bitter, spicy drink they thought promoted good health. Long before that, there was evidence that a similar concoction was consumed for its power to nourish and strengthen, and as an aphrodisiac. By the time this creation was brought from the Americas to Europe about 500 years ago, it was a mixture of cocoa, flour and spices. It quickly became a foundation for prescriptions used in hospitals.
It is important to note that "chocolate" and "cocoa" are not the same thing. "Cocoa" is the non-fat component of finely ground cocoa beans. It is used in chocolate making, or as powder for cooking and drinks. "Chocolate" refers to the combination of cocoa, butter, sugar and other ingredients that are made into a solid food product.
Aside from an energy jolt from the sugar and caffeine, is there an advantage to consuming chocolate? You may be thrilled to know that a number of recent studies say "yes," especially if you eat dark chocolate.
Chocolate's essential health benefits probably come from the strong antioxidants in cocoa called flavonoids. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is a cornerstone of overall health since inflammation has been linked to a number of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. A small amount of dark chocolate can also lower blood pressure, and keeping blood pressure levels low is important for cardiovascular health.
Flavonoids are the nutritional powerhouse of cocoa, and it is the cocoa that gives chocolate its healthy antioxidants. Another interesting fact is that cocoa also gives chocolate it's brown color. That is why eating dark chocolate is a healthier choice than eating milk chocolate. Of note, white chocolate is made from the fatty part of the bean that contains no cocoa at all. So white chocolate has no brown color, and therefore no antioxidants.
Here is what I tell my patients about consuming chocolate; choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent or higher. Limit yourself to no more than 3 ounces (85 grams) of dark chocolate a day, which is the amount shown in studies to be helpful. Because this amount may contain up to 450 calories, you may want to cut calories in other areas or step up your exercise to compensate.
If you are looking to increase your intake of flavonoids as part of an overall healthful, balanced diet other good sources include tea, grapes, wine, and various fruits (especially apples and certain berries).
Sources
Benton D, Donohoe RT. The effects of nutrients on mood. Public Health Nutrition 1999;2:3A:403-409.
Bruinsma K, Taren DL. Chocolate: food or drug? Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999;99:10:1249-56.
Cooper KA, Donovan JL, Waterhouse AL, Williamson G. Cocoa and Health: A decade of research. British Journal of Nutrition 2008; 99:1:1-11. Epub 2007 Aug 1.
Parker G, Parker I, Brotchie H. Mood state effects of chocolate. Journal of Affective Disorders 2006;92:49-59.
Rogers, PJ, Smit HJ. Food craving and food "addiction": a critical review of the evidence from a biopsychosocial perspective. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 2000;66:3-4.
High Protein - 10 grams Per Single Serving BagLow Carb - 9g Net Carbs*High Fiber - 5 GramsLower Fat - 4 grams Per Single Serving BagGluten FreeEach Bag is a Generous Single Serving (No Portioning ...
Turbo Hypnosis for RAPID WEIGHT LOSS
Lose weight quickly and easily by inundating your subconscious mind with messages designed to transform your attitudes, perceptions and expectations.
Video Length: 15:01
Uploaded By: Clarity Café
View Count: 1,266,746
How to Exercise At Home [Home Workouts]
Staying healthy at home isn't always easy. Watch this video to learn how to do exercise at home the right way, with tips from our physiotherapists. Learn what to ...
Video Length: 06:53
Uploaded By: Babylon Health
View Count: 17,671
Healthy Grilled Choco-Peanut Butter Sandwich (DELICIOUS RECIPE!)
View all recipes here: leanbodylifestyle.blogspot.com Facebook: on.fb.me Twitter: bit.ly This recipe has: 293 calories 11g fat 29g carbs 23g protein You will need: 1/2 scoop chocolate whey 1 tbsp. PB2 (www.bellplantation.com 2 tbsp. unsweetened ...
Video Length: 03:48
Uploaded By: leanbodylifestyle
View Count: 179,514