Chocolate Soothes the Troubled Soul

Have you ever had the following experience?
You get upsetting news, or have a disappointing relation with someone, and all of a sudden your body is screaming - I want some chocolate! Give me chocolate! No, wait - I need some chocolate!

Well, if you can relate to that incident, chances are you are a woman, first of all. And, if you are a woman, the odds are very good that you know what I'm talking about.

It seems that chocolate is good for more than just a tasty, sugary treat or to bring out the flavors of different wines and berries. Chocolate is also the food world's equivalent of Xanax.

Here's the thing I don't understand, though. Most ladies, when they hear the siren song of chocolate calling their names in times of trouble, try to resist the urge. I don't get that at all!

In my opinion, our bodies know what is best for us in times of crisis. This is why, when we need sleep, we absolutely can't keep our eyes open one more minute. If we need food or water, we become so thirsty or hungry it's intolerable. It's also why we can't hold our breath for more than a minute - two at the absolute outside, and with training. It's because our body knows what we need and compels us to give it to ourselves.

So that's why I say, if we feel the need for chocolate, why not just give in and have a piece of chocolate? It may not be great for the thighs - but it's amazing for the soul!

The 7 Most Common Varieties of Chocolate - From Bitter to Sweet

As all chocolate aficionados know, you capture the greatest nutritional benefits when eating raw, organic chocolate as opposed to processed varieties. Once cacao beans are roasted, they lose the majority of their nutritional value. So, get pleasure from these chocolates as you would any highly-caloric sweet treat, and get your vitamins and minerals elsewhere.

Chocolate varieties

1. Bitter chocolate or as known as unsweetened chocolate has a small amount of cocoa butter and free of sugar. It is best for baking. Despite not having sweetener, many people find the naturally bitter taste of unsweetened chocolate quite satisfying.

2. Bittersweet chocolate or as known as chocolate contains sugar, more cocoa butter than bitter chocolate, and about 50% chocolate liquor, which is made from processed cacao beans.

3. Cocoa powder - This is actually the pulverized remains of cocoa butter and is regularly used in baking.

4. Couverture - A rich creamy chocolate containing a high level of cocoa butter, making it particularly creamy. It's typically used in candy making and cake decorating.

5. Dutch process cocoa powder - A cocoa powder processed with alkali, it has a delicate flavor and is used in cakes and pastries. This alkalization process makes it neutral, so recipes using Dutch Process cocoa powder call for an acidic ingredient such as baking powder.

6. Milk chocolate - This popular chocolate contains powdered or condensed milk. Only a small quantity of cocoa is necessary to make it milk chocolate. It is the most-consumed variety of chocolate due to its presence in some desserts and candy bars.

7. White chocolate - Containing the highest quantity of sugar of all chocolate varieties, white chocolate is also made from milk fats and solids. It is not considered to be actual chocolate and with little to no cocoa solids, doesn't offer vitamins or minerals.

If you're looking for nutrients, eat chocolate that is processed as little as possible. Also make sure that the cacao beans are organic. Non-organic cacao may include pesticides and other fillers. Raw, organic cacao beans are really rich in magnesium, sulfur and other important minerals that are integral to the body's function.

A Healthy 5 Minutes Chocolate Fudge Recipe

This healthy 5 minutes chocolate fudge recipe has been created by a Certified Nutrition Specialist, Brendan Harris, who try the best effort to make tasty foods that you probably would not think were actually good for you. The problem with a lot of desserts that are deemed to be "healthy" is that they simply improve the flavor by taking away fat and adding sugar or using artificial sweeteners. In fact, nothing healthy about that!

Here is a chocolate- peanut- butter fudge recipe that is very simple and easy to make. It fact, it will take just 5 minutes to bake! Plus, it contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Instead, it relies on healthy fat sources. If you don't like peanut butter, you can just leave it out and use chocolate.

Ingredients:

3-4 oz extra dark chocolate bar - try for one with at least 70% cocoa content
5 tbsp of any organic nut butter
¾ cup of organic coconut milk
2 tbsp oat bran
½ cup raw pecans, almonds, or walnuts
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
a little stevia to lightly sweeten (stevia is a natural sweetener that has no calories)

Instructions:

Combine the coconut milk, nut butter, and chocolate bar in a saucepan over the lowest heat possible. Stir all the contents together, and then add other ingredients in.
Next, spread your mixture onto some waxed paper in a baking dish and place it in the refrigerator. You now have fudge that is much more nutritional than any other type you will get!

Enjoy!

Fun Chocolate Health Facts

How would you like to eat one of the most yummy confectionery creations ever made in order to help you maintain your health?

It is true, over the last few decades, chocolate has gained quite a bit of popularity as a treat with health inducing benefits. Fortunately, this has also been backed up with many scientific studies that have documented the benefits that chocolate can bring to your overall health.

The following fun chocolate facts will show how eating a small amount of chocolate every day can improve your overall health, though, please remember that you should always get the opinion of your health care provider before implementing any type of diet change on your own. Once you have discussed your diet with your doctor -- and most likely confirmed the fun chocolate facts surrounding the health benefits that chocolate can provide -- then feel free to indulge, within reason, each time you need the boost that chocolate can bring.

For example, chocolate actually contains antibacterial components that can really help put a stop to cavities and tooth decay rather than promoting it. Though, it is important to bring up that fact is in regards to ordinary chocolate and not the chocolate that has been mass produced by companies into the various candies in which they add incredible amounts of additional sugars to the product.

Chocolate is not as caffeinated as most people think it is, for instance, an ounce of chocolate in fact has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee! In addition, one of the most fun chocolate facts, as it relates to your health, is that chocolate has an important number of antioxidants which will help your body release the toxins caused by the free radicals that build up over the course of time.

This was one of the first scientific discoveries that chocolate was actually very helpful to your health. In small amounts daily, you can actually help to keep the health of your body and in the process you will get to indulge in that luscious, culinary confection: sweet, sweet chocolate. Too, considering the health benefits that have by now been discovered with regards to chocolate, there are some studies happening right now that are testing any other benefits chocolate can offer.

Dark Chocolate Can Benefit Health with Moderate Amounts

In today modern society, chocolate is one of the favorite snack foods for many people around the world, but they also always relate unhealthy like sugar diabetes and fat to chocolate. According to expert’s latest demonstration, moderate amounts of dark chocolate dose good for our health. Maybe, many people doubt about this opinion, they cannot believe that chocolate, very high in fat and calories, is good to their health. If you want the chocolate is conductive to good health, you must meet the following conditions: one is to eat a little; the other one is to choose the chocolate that the content of cocoa beans is excess 60%.

Let's look at the chocolate nutrients: Several types of plant chemical components including carotenoids, such as beta carotene, lycopene and polyphenols, isoflavones and flavonoids. Research shows that cocoa and deep dark chocolate contains special rich flavonoids and its healthy nutrition food.

In fact, a lot of people overvalue the calories of chocolate. 40 grams of milk chocolate approximately contains 210 calories quantity of heat, even it can be weight control diet. Survey shows indicates that overweight people don't eat too much sugar food. In fact, it's more important to control total calorie intake and physical activity of energy expenditure. For case in point, overweight children usually are less active than those normal weight children. So, even if their calories intake is reasonable, they're still overweight.

With the growing concern of heart health, it seems that fat particularly saturated fats food should be avoided. But, latest research specified that not all the saturated fat have the same effect. Chocolate is the cocoa butter, and cocoa the natural fat which is consist of saturated fatty acids, single unsaturated fatty acids and other small amounts of fatty acids (less than 5%). Research also shows that cocoa butter contains high content of saturated fat, not like other saturated fats that can increase blood cholesterol. This is because chocolate contains saturated fatty acids containing a lot of stearic acid and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid can mildly reduce cholesterol concentration, and the saturated fatty acid has no effect on chocolate blood cholesterol levels. In addition, Single unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid can bring down the concentration of cholesterol.

A study found that after eating chocolate, blood needed to lengthen oxidation, and the blood of the total antioxidant capacity also increased. The chocolate mono-unsaturated fats have the antioxidant oleic and linolenic acids. Research results show that chocolate can help maintain cardiovascular health. Consequently, to eat moderate amounts chocolate is not harmful, instead, will contribute to the overall health.

My final conclusion is that chocolate can become part of healthier dietary but also should ensure the meal is diverse. Any food, as long as moderate, can be in a healthy diet. So, stop too much worrying, just enjoy the relish and fun of chocolate.

Xocai Dark Chocolate - Is it Really Healthy Chocolate?

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.

Brian McCoy is a top internet marketer and works with industry leading marketers from around the world. To learn more, Click Here to get his 7 Figures Formula Newsletter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_McCoy

Health Food Hoaxes - Is Chocolate Really Good For You?

Is Chocolate really good for you? I think this is one of the biggest health food hoaxes out there. First of all we shouldn't confuse chocolate with cocoa. Pure cocoa is what's good for you, not chocolate. Chocolate is a sweet, tasty concoction that is made from the cocoa bean.

The amount of cocoa in a chocolate candy bar is very scant, which if you look at the list of ingredients in a popular candy bar the first ingredient is usually sugar and then wheat flour and then hydrogenated oil! Cocoa powder comes in somewhere between sixth and tenth place in the ingredients list.

Hydrogenated oil is in almost all popular candy bars. Hydrogenated oil is refined (cooked) oil and it cakes up in your veins and causes high cholesterol, high blood pressure and disease. It is one of the worse foods you can eat. It is found in many of your processed snack foods.

Since the amount of cocoa in a candy bar is so scant you would have to eat quite a lot of chocolate candy bars to receive any antioxidant effect from the cocoa. But by then imagine what all of those other ingredients are doing to your body? When the ingredients sugar, cocoa butter, hydrogenated oil, and milk are added with cocoa it is then called chocolate.

Eating a chocolate candy bar now and again certainly won't hurt you if you already eat a healthy daily diet. But I wouldn't start gorging out on candy bars every day just because there are rumors circulating that chocolate is good for you.

If you have a craving for chocolate it is always best for your health to eat the chocolate bars that have the most percentage of cocoa in them. You can now find them in most grocery stores. The nutritional value of pure organic cocoa shows to have high levels of antioxidants, which are the flavonoids found in the nonfat portions of the cocoa bean.

This is interesting since the ingredient that does come in first before cocoa is cocoa butter, which comes from the fatty part of the cocoa bean. So there is more cocoa butter from the fatty part of the bean in a chocolate bar than cocoa found in the non-fat portion of the cocoa bean. Interesting indeed.

Pure cocoa powder that comes from the cocoa plant carries a generous amount of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese. But chocolate candy bars have only scant amounts of these minerals because chocolate is only a concoction made from small amounts of cocoa.

It would be far better for your health to drink a cup of hot cocoa, sweetened with a little raw honey, than to eat a candy bar. Bottom line: Don't fall for the "chocolate is good for you" advertisements. Buy some cocoa powder where the ingredient lists only "cocoa powder" and have a cup of hot cocoa with raw honey.

Get Healthy and Stay Healthy! http://www.heavenministries.com/Health.htm
I love sugar but sugar hates me! That's why I wrote the book Sugar Overload Syndrome. This book provides simple, proven techniques incorporating a whole foods diet, cleansing, sprouting, juicing, exercise and herbs to treat illness. Includes wholesome recipes, two free cleanses and age reducing and skin enhancing chapters. http://www.lulu.com/AngieLewis/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Lewis

Dark Chocolate - A Healthy Snack Option

Chocolate....12 billion people eat chocolate every day. It is considered a treat, a dessert, even a guilty pleasure. But is it really that bad for you? The evidence is coming in daily that disputes that thought. Many studies are finding that dark chocolate can actually be very good for you. That's right, eating the right kind of dark chocolate can have many beneficial effects on your body. The reason for this is because dark chocolate contains a high amount of antioxidants in it. Here are just a few of the health benefits:

- Helps in lowering your blood pressure
- Protects the body from the effects of free radicals
- Contains serotonin which acts as an antidepressant
- Helps in lowering your cholesterol by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol

There are a few things to keep in mind though when selecting a "healthy" chocolate. Chocolate that is highly processed and alkalinized may contain:

- High amounts of sugar
- High amounts of fat and fillers
- Low amounts of antioxidants

Therefore, knowing what is in the dark chocolate you are eating, and how it is processed is a must, if you want to eat it for the health benefits. It has been shown that heating the chocolate during the processing actually destroys the antioxidants. Hence, you will want to eat chocolate that is cold-pressed when processed. This type of chocolate will retain the highest amounts of antioxidants and be the most beneficial to your body. One such chocolate is Xocai, manufactured by MXI Corp. They disclose that they use a cold-pressed, non-alkalinized process in creating their chocolate. They have also stated that this chocolate is low in fat and made with a complex sugar, rather than highly processed and refined white sugar. Another important thing to consider.

All in all, it is clear that dark chocolate does have health benefits that make it a worthy dessert. Moderation is also the key. Just as in anything you eat, too much of it can outweigh the health benefits so use your best judgment.

To learn about other benefits from the New Healthy Chocolate, visit John's Xocai website or blog.

Author: John Lovell is an avid sportsman and advocate for healthy living.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Lovell

Chocolate Pie Recipe for Diabetes

CHOCOLATE PIE

1 cup Equal Sugar-Lite 1/2 cup baking cocoa
5 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp butter
1 baked 9-inch pie shell
Whipped cream for garnish, if desired

Mix together Equal, cocoa and cornstarch. Set aside. Pour milk into a medium-sized heavy saucepan and heat until warm. Remove 1/2 cup milk and add the yolks; beat until smooth. Add mixture back into milk and stir constantly. Stir in cocoa mixture and continue stirring. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla and margarine. Stir until mixed well. Pour into pie shell. Before serving, top with whipped cream.

What are Chocolate Health Benefits?

Grab a bite of chocolate. Chocolate makes you feel good and beats anything else when it comes to giving you a natural high.

Why does chocolate make you feel good?
Aside from the distinct smell and addicting taste of chocolate, it produces serotonin that gives you that euphoric feeling.

Is chocolate good for you?
Several studies have discovered that chocolate has more than 300 substances that may have many health benefits. Eating chocolates has been shown to even lower bad cholesterol and contribute to a longer life.

Food of the Gods

Chocolate makes you feel good not only due to the sugar rush it gives you but also because of the many helpful elements in this food of the gods. Chocolate is made from the tropical cacao tree seeds of Theobroma, a Greek word that means "food of the gods." It was also regarded as a light aphrodisiac and was linked to Xochiquetzal, the Aztec goddess of fertility. Chocolate gives you a feel good aside from the feelings of ecstasy thanks to the chemical tryptophan. Tryptophan is the same chemical that is found in turkey. In addition, it also has phenyllethylamine, which is considered to be the chocolate amphetamine because it gives you a giddy feeling if taken in large doses. Chocolate also stimulates endorphins that give you a warm inner glow like after a good run.

Better Than a Kiss

How does it work? Why does chocolate make you feel good? As mentioned, chocolates induce different chemical reactions in the brain that gives you a relaxing,"feel good" and giddy sensation all over. In addition, studies have shown that the melting sensation of chocolate in your mouth increases activities in the brain and heart rate. It's been said that this feeling is stronger than passionate kissing and the sensation lasts four times longer.

Lower Cholesterol, Natural Appetite Suppressant, & More

With all of these feel good sensations, is chocolate good for you? Yes, it is. Chocolate has health benefits that eating them has now been associated to long life. It was found that many supercentenarians (those that lived beyond 100 years old) were fond of eating a lot of chocolates during their lifetime. Oleic acid which is found in the cocoa butter in chocolate raises good cholesterol while the chemical called flavinoids also found in chocolate help blood from clotting.

These help in the overall promotion of good health especially for the heart. Other health benefits acquired from eating chocolates include increase in antioxidant levels in the blood. Drinking hot chocolate before eating a meal, for example, can decrease your appetite. Furthermore, it slows down the decline in brain function, soothes the throat, and as a result, prevents fits of coughing. New studies now show that chocolate might even prevent cancer.

Chocolates makes you feel good starting from its smell right down to the lasting sensation after it has melted in your mouth. The chemical build up of chocolates not only gives you a certain high but also a way to promote good health. So the next time you feel the need to indulge in a chocolate taste treat - give in!

Enjoyzzz

Healthy Chocolate - Truth Or Myth?

Are you a fan of chocolates? And I don't mean just regular Hershey's or Nestlé chocolates. I'm talking about mouthwatering chocolates such as those that you can only find in France or Switzerland. I know I am, and I sure wouldn't mind enjoying a piece of luscious European-style chocolate right about now. But as good as some of these chocolates may taste, are they actually beneficial to your health? From scientific research and just plain observation of how chocolates are typically produced, I know that these types of chocolates can hurt your health more than not. On the other hand, I know of one chocolate that actually is good for your health and is healthy to eat on a regular basis. Can you believe that? A sweet that you can actually eat on a regular basis? If you haven't heard of it, it is the world-renowned Xocai Chocolate.

As stated in the October 2005 Prevention Magazine, eating dark chocolates can provide many health benefits unbeknownst to many in the past. But don't take my word for it. Doctors are actually recommending this, however, they are not recommending you run out and just buy any plain old dark chocolate (i.e. - Dove chocolates). The reason is that these types of chocolates have been artificially processed, and contain undesirable fats, sugar, and preservatives. Instead, doctors are recommending dark chocolate that has been produced by natural means, such as Xocai Chocolate. Based on scientific and medical research, dark chocolates have the ability to lower blood pressure and even prevent heart disease. As a rather powerful antioxidant, a piece of dark chocolate a day has been found to eliminate harmful molecules (also known as free radicals) that, if left to thrive in the body, can lead to heart disease.

In addition, could hot cocoa be the next "wonder drug" for high blood pressure?

Harvard researchers praise stunningly simple discovery!

According to recent estimates, nearly 1-in-3 American adults have high blood pressure. But for the Kuna Indians living on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, hypertension doesn't even exist. In fact, after age 60, the average blood pressure for Kuna Indian islanders is a perfect 110/70.

Is it because they eat less salt? No. Kuna Indians eat as much, if not more salt, than people in the U.S.

Is it due to their genes? No. Kuna Indians who move away from the islands are just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as anyone else!

So what makes these folks practically "immune" to hypertension... and lets them enjoy much lower death rates from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and cancer? Harvard researches were stunned to discover it's because they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day. That's right, cocoa! Studies show the flavonols in cocoa stimulate your body's production of nitric oxide, thus boosting blood flow to your heart, brain and other organs. In fact, one study found cocoa thins your blood just as well as low-dose aspirin!

But that's not all. A Harvard Medical School professor claims cocoa can also treat blocked arteries, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, even impotence! Just be sure you eat the special type of cocoa found in Xocai Chocolate as it contains more than eight times as many heart-healthy flavonols as red wine!

• Say adios to beta-blockers and eat this yummy healthy chocolate instead! Acts as a natural calcium channel blocker to relax your arteries and improve blood flow.

• Cut your risk of high blood pressure by more than two-thirds simply by eating this great tasting healthy chocolate three times a day. Works no matter what your family history.

If you follow the health and wellness trends, then you may have come across ProductScan Online. Often quoted by big names such as the Wall Street Journal, and CNN, this trend tracking organization has predicted that the up-and-coming nutritional trend will be led by dark chocolates, and followed by Acai berries, omega fatty acids, and other antioxidants. Because Xocai Chocolate contain three out of four of these top health ingredients, it is no doubt that your blood pressure will be lower and your risk of heart disease will be greatly decreased just by eating these tasty and mouthwatering chocolates on a regular basis. Jampacked with antioxidants, without the fillers, undesirable fats, and preservatives, all of Xocai's products are produced with unprocessed cocoa powder, combined with Acai berries and blueberries. A rather tasty concoction, I must say.

So is it a myth or is it truth? From experience and from the signals that my taste buds and my heart are giving me, I know that it is the latter. Now, being able to enjoy some of the best tasting chocolates is just around the corner. Pick up a box today and try it for yourself; you won't be disappointed. And best of all, it is on your doctor's "Things to Eat To Stay Healthy" list. How much better can it get?

I am an Internet & network marketing business coach assisting beginners & leaders in creating positive cash flow. I know the importance of helping others get what they want. If you have desire...we will have you producing results (income) by ATTRACTING people into your business who want what you have to offer by assisting you through our powerful step-by-step video courses.

I will put you on the fast-track to get your business up and producing so you can attract prospects to you as a true solutions provider.

I work with both network marketing leaders who seek a crash course in this new attraction-based marketing model and with beginners who are just beginning their exciting internet business. You'll obtain the tools and know-how that get your business up and running fast while positioning you as the expert.

If you're not attracting more prospects than you can follow up with who want to partner with you, get plugged into one of my step-by-step video courses today.

Move into the NEW GENERATION now!

Learn more about Great tasting Healthy Chocolate

Contact me for a FREE coaching session at daryl@darylschlosser.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daryl_Schlosser

Chocolate is Good For Your Mental Well-Being

I have just read an interesting and rather exciting online article concerning chocolate and its benefits. Or to be more precise, I have just discovered one of the main disadvantages of NOT having chocolate in your diet!

If you would like me to send you the link for the full article in question for your further information please get in touch with me. Right now I would just like to share with you one of the most valid points from it, as it has solved something of a mystery for me, personally. I also feel that I can add my own real-life example as appropriate, down the page....

According to the Medical Research Council (situated in London, UK) Scientists at the University of Cambridge suggests that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a chemical messenger between nerve cells, plays a critical role in regulating emotions such as aggression during social decision-making. So what does all this mean?

First things first. What is serotonin (ser-o-TOE-nin)? According to the definition on The National Pain Foundation, it is: "A brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that helps to regulate your mood. A lack of it may lead to depression."

Where Can you Find Serotonin? Well the best known source of the "feel good" hormone is probably dark chocolate. Certainly when folks feel fed up, they are likely to reach for a chocolate bar - and the reason being that chocolate is known to raise the serotonin level. We accept that serotonin is known as the "feel good" hormone, and we agree that high levels of serotonin can make us feel happy; equally lack of it can make us feel sad. The essential amino acid necessary for the body to create serotonin can only be obtained through diet. Therefore, our serotonin levels naturally decline when we don't eat. This is probably why many of us "comfort eat" when necessary. It is our brain's invitation to produce more serotonin through diet, even though we do not realise it as such at the time.

This new research has additionally found that, rather than just make us feel low if we are lacking in serotonin, more importantly - but presumably if you are susceptible to this kind of reaction only, I wonder? - in certain cases a lack of serotonin will actually make people more aggressive. That's the bit above about "a critical role in regulating emotions such as aggression during social decision-making". Now does that help to explain it a little?

Why this was such a revelation to me, personally, is that my family had "accused" me of becoming not just moody but bordering on aggressive when I once gave up chocolate (not for health reasons I hasten to add, but for personal reasons of my own at that time); it was only ever going to be a temporary abstinence if you must know, because I am indeed a chocoholic and would find it difficult to give up chocolate completely...but that's not the point.

The point is, both my husband and my son independently asked me to start eating chocolate again. For health reasons they said. Theirs, not mine! When I asked them what they meant, they said that I had become "snappy" at the smallest of things, and the awful truth is, I cannot remember that at all.

I started eating chocolate again because they said it was too stressful if I didn't; and they both said I was a "happier" person afterward. Well that's OK because I felt perfectly happy and calm, but for a long time I thought they were just telling me this other stuff as a joke. I decided that they had made a pact to pretend I had acted more aggressively due to my lack of chocolate - but now I guess they were telling the truth!

So the moral of the story here is that Chocolate can have a very beneficial effect, and lack of it can actually be detrimental. But only if you are eating the right sort of chocolate, of course. Too much highly processed, fat and sugar laden chocolate may give you a "temporary high" but it is followed by a low which needs a "fix". It also has other health and weight issues to consider. I am happier now that I have found the perfect dark chocolate: xocai (pronounced show-sigh) which has no added fat or sugar and is actually a Healthy Chocolate ie. it is positively GOOD for you (and it's not just because it tastes nice).

If you want to find out more, or you would like to help regulate your moods naturally and with only good and healthy results, visit the site shown below:

http://www.ChocolateMadePerfect.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Steventon

Eating Healthy Chocolate For Inflammation?

The ancient Mayans were using dark chocolate thousands of years ago for its medicinal purposes. Recent research has confirmed its numerous healthful benefits. This often surprises people because it is usually associated with gaining weight and possible other ill effects.

There are two major differences in healthy and conventional chocolate. One, conventional products are heated, and processed. This not only strips its nutritional value, it adds a host of negative effects. Two, the unprocessed variety provides statistically significant health benefits not found in the other types. The key in providing a healthful benefit is to cold press the raw version without heating it.

A conventional chocolate bar, or candy, has been processed, heated, and stripped of its nutritional value. This does not even take into account all of the additional unhealthy ingredients. It's critical to eat the unprocessed variety to get its full health benefits.

The Anti-inflammatory Power of Polyphenols

Dark chocolate is loaded with polyphenols, which have been found to exert powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory behavior. Antioxidant quality is measured by its ORAC rating. ORAC stands for "Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity." Antioxidants and free radicals have been highly publicized in the media.

Free Radicals are scavenger molecules that are highly reactive. They circulate through the body attempting to become more stable. In the process, they wreak havoc on otherwise healthy cells. For this reason, excessive free radical damage has been linked to cancer, inflammation, and accelerated aging, among other disease processes.

The polyphenols in healthy dark chocolate neutralize free radicals through their antioxidant actions. Research has shown that these antioxidants reduce circulating inflammatory markers. Inflammatory markers are chemicals found in blood serum that are known to cause pain and inflammation.

Supercharged Antioxidants

Let's put the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory power of raw dark chocolate into perspective. The current food pyramid recommends at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The ORAC rating for 10 servings equals 5,000.

Based on this recommendation, a person would have to eat over one half gallon of raw leafy vegetables per day to get the recommended amount. One spoonful of raw dark cocoa powder is equal to 25,200 ORAC units. This is equivalent to over 50 servings of fruits and vegetables, or 2.5 gallons of raw leafy vegetables!

With this level of anti-inflammatory potency, it's no wonder that so many people are reporting such dramatic results after starting a regimen.

In summary, raw dark chocolate is an antioxidant/ anti-inflammatory superfood based on scientific research. Its extremely dense levels of antioxidants provide a strong anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, dark cocoa should be included as part of nutritious and healthful diet.

To learn more about how to implement a healthy chocolate regimen, Click Here to visit Dr. Roth's website.

Author: Dr. Randall Roth earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was also a personal trainer prior to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Roth is passionate about health and nutrition and sharing information with others. He currently lives in Plano, TX with his wife and three children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_Roth

Chocolate - The One & Healthful Way it Should Be - Pure, Raw and Organic

As an American favorite food, chocolate has been consumed, and quite voraciously so, for many years. The extremely sweet, rich and melted treat has been savored by those young, old and in between. Yet, the chocolate they've been eating for such a long time isn't really 'true' chocolate. What America loves, craves and knows as chocolate is that of the 'toyed' with variety, meaning that it is not pure and in it's raw form. The chocolate that is sold in grocery checkout lines and candy stores alike is all chock full of sugar and various other additives. But, true chocolate is actually rather bitter.

Chocolate In It's Raw & Organic Form

Specifically, raw chocolate comes from and is only applicable to cocoa seeds that have not been heated or processed to retain all of the nutrients found within them. Organic Chocolate is a bit different - here, chemicals are non-existent through the process of growing and producing the cacao plants. Wait, plants? As in chocolate plants? Well, not quite.

The treat we know so well simply doesn't grown on trees. Actually, scratch that because, it does, in a sense, but it's not known as chocolate right off the bat, at least. Chocolate has to come from something or somewhere, right?

It Comes From Plants, Not Chocolate Factories

Yes, it most certainly does and it's taken off a plant known as the cacao tree in the tiny form of a few cocoa seeds. These seeds are the true and raw forms of chocolate, as they are used to produce the swet treats we are so accustomed to presently.

Cocoa seeds in their own form are extremely similar to authentic dark chocolate. The taste of both is bitter and not at all overly sweet on the palate. It's a much less-refined and natural taste to experience. Yet, with this said, the same fact that you parents told you about when you were younger still stands true - the food that tastes a bit unpleasant or off to what you're used to is without a doubt extremely healthy for you.

All The Healthful Perks With Chocolate That Is True

Chocolate that is either in it's pure or raw form is undoubtedly chock full of healthful promise. Despite the bitter and natural taste, within pure, true chocolate you can find a substantial amount of nutritious items such as a wide-range of minerals, antioxidants, and other many healthful things, which is why actual chocolate is one of the most healthful foods you can eat.

With the chocolate we're used to - that colorfully packaged stuff that can be found in candy shops and grocers alike - what's added in is nothing but poor, unhealthful and rather ill-needed items. Add in the typical amounts of dairy, sugar, and various amounts of chemicals to this treat and what happens is a natural blocking of all those good nutrient-rich and antioxidant qualities that raw, true chocolate possesses. The above additives are nothing but fillers thrown into a mixture with cocoa beans and they're nothing but unnecessary - all they do is make the chocolate you eat become unhealthy.

So, why not opt for some true chocolate that is not what you're accustomed to? It be odd, at first, but with time you'll get used to the taste and you might even see some improvements in your health as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E.S._Cromwell

The Real Reasons Women Love Chocolate

For most women, when they want to eat something to make them feel better, they choose chocolate. Women all over the world think of chocolate as their comfort food. Why do so many women consider it their favorite flavour?

First of all, the chemical phenylethylamine, in chocolate has a good reaction with the human brain. One interaction with the brains chemicals produces a mild antidepressant effect. Nothing major, just a mild feel good reaction. Anadamide is another chemical in chocolate that gives us feelings of calmness, well being and a ìrightness with the world. Neither of these chemicals causes a big change, but both are strong enough to be felt. Xocai chocolate also helps your brain release serotonin which gives you a feeling of pleasure.

Chocolates melting point is just above body temperature. So it melts in your mouth perfectly. This feeling is associated with sensual pleasure. A study found that the melting in your mouth effect results in an increase in the brain activity and an increase in heart rate. These increases are stronger than what a passionate kiss gives you. And they last up to four times longer.

Phenylethylamine has also been shown to bring on the same feelings of happiness and joy as being in love. Chocolate is obviously delicious and now there is an added benefit, Xocai produce fine dark healthy chocolate that is

Shortly before a womans menstrual cycle, blood glucose and serotonin levels drop. Eating Xocai chocolate raises those levels and helps adjust the hormone imbalance. The serotonin that chocolate encourages the brain produce also acts like a sedative.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antony_Gardner

For Weight Watchers - Eat Chocolate and Still Lose Weight

First off all, when we talk about eating chocolate, it is important that you don't think "Snickers" or "Hersheys". Processed chocolates can absolutely diminish any good out of the body and it is horrible for you. There are actually other naturally grown alternatives that are healthy for you and available in the market. You just have to make sure you search closely, read labels, etc.

Natural chocolate has extremely high anti-oxidant levels. Anti-oxidants are great for slowing the process of clogging arteries, and reducing cholesterol build up as well. Eating chocolate can, in fact, save your life!

There are tons of different chocolates out there, but one of the most popular ones is known as Xocai. There are also chocolate flavored protein shakes out there. Some would argue that it's not the same thing; however, if you go to a natural herb store, they probably have naturally flavored protein shakes in which you can support your weight-loss regiment with!

You also want to make sure that you research the benefits of eating dietary fibers and proteins to add to your weight loss. By doing this, you will ultimately add to your lifestyle and lose an incredible amount of weight.

The eating chocolate phase in your life can actually keep the blood pressure down, and your heart healthy. It can help you lose weight, and you'll wonder where all the energy came from!

Cocoa itself can help prevent the fat like substances and help the body produce nitric oxides as well. In the end chocolate makes people extremely happy. It has been rumored that chocolate has the ability to relax the mind on a small dose and reduce stress when it is eaten.

As said before, you don't want to sit on the couch and eat chocolate all day then expect to see fat-loss results. You should combine eating of natural healthy chocolate along with reduced calories, reduced carbs, increased healthy proteins, fibers, and great exercise such as anaerobic and cardio activities.

Chocolate has many benefits, and you should definitely jump on board the chocolate bandwagon!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Andrade

Health Benefits of Chocolate

There has been a lot of talk lately about the health benefits found in chocolate. New research is coming out talking about its positive effects regarding lowering blood pressure, regulating insulin levels in diabetics, helping pregnant women, dental health, cardiovascular, sleeplessness. The list goes on.

Before you go on a chocolate binge at your local grocery store, keep this in mind. All Chocolate is Not Created Equal!

Most candy bars and chocolate foods commonly found in grocery stores are not what you're looking for. These are typically high in refined (white) sugar, milk fats, and hydrogenated oils-ingredients that replace the truly healthful nutrients found in cocoa. It is basically Junk Food, and should be eaten in moderation.

Healthy Chocolate is totally different than store bought chocolate.

The true healthy chocolate products combine the antioxidant benefits of the finest, all-natural European cocoa powder and the Acai berry (Ah-Sigh-EE) from the Amazon Rain Forest. Healthy Chocolate is the perfect delivery system for the potent antioxidants in dark chocolate. The processed chocolate found in candy is laden with fat, wax, fillers, and sugar (not to mention that processing chocolate actually kills about 75% of its antioxidant capacity). Healthy chocolates contain completely natural, UNPROCESSED chocolate which retains 100% of its antioxidant and nutritional value!

With 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and over 7 times the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Acai berry (AH-sigh-EE) is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth.

Healthy Chocolate vs. "Candy" Chocolate

The following list compares the Healthy chocolate to commercially produced "candy" chocolate products

The top healthy chocolate uses non alkalized, cold processed, premium grade cacao vs Candy Chocolate which generally uses low grade,alkalized and lecithinized cacao.

The top healthy chocolate contains no wax, fillers or added caffeine vs candy chocolate which contains various waxes, fillers and added caffeine.

The top healthy chocolate uses raw cane juice crystals, an unprocessed natural sweetener and crystalline fructose, a low glycemic (Gl 20), all natural sweetener, while still providing an exceptionally sweet taste. Contains natural cocoa butter vs candy chocolate which contains high amounts of refined sugar, the most detrimental ingredient in most chocolate candy. Substitutes milk solids and oils for cocoa butter.

The top healthy chocolate is exceptionally high in antioxidant content - in fact, possesses one of the highest ORAC scores of any product in the marketplace. vs candy chocolate where antioxidant content varies from product to product, but is typically low.

Below is a list of the Top Antioxidant Foods: ORAC Values of top antioxidant foods (per 100 grams) Unprocessed Cocoa powder 26,000, Acai Berry 18,500 Dark Chocolate 13,120, Prunes 5,770, Raisins 2,830, Blueberries 2,400, Blackberries 2,036, Strawberries 1,540, Spinach,Raw 1,260, Broccoli Florets 890, Red Grapes 739, Cherries 670. What is ORAC? ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. The USDA uses the ORAC scale to measure the antioxidant capacities of different foods.

What is the Acai Berry?

The Acai berry is relatively new to the North American USA market, but it has been consumed by millions in South America for hundreds of years, perhaps for thousands of years. The Acai berry tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit. The Acai berry is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. The Acai berry is considered nature's number one "superfood". The top healthy chocolate uses unprocessed cacao (cocoa) powder and the Acai Berry in all its products. Because the fermentation, drying, and roasting processes are closely monitored, healthy chocolate delivers the optimum amount of the antioxidants naturally found in the cacao (cocoa).

Do your research and look before you buy. Not all chocolate is healthy, but picking the right chocolate can be good for your health.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Taylor

Choosing the Right Kind of Chocolate is Crucial For Massive Health Benefits

Chocolate is the new 'Black': Its making waves in all the health circles, as its health benefits appeal to medical and health practitioners with diverse educations and specialties. Laboratory studies reveal its potent anti-oxidant actions, and 'chocolate parties' reveal a great many other positive effects. We've all seen the surveys where many women would prefer chocolate over sex (this does not seem to be the case in European countries, however); add to this the results of an Italian study mentioning that women who eat chocolate have more sex, and the subject gets a little spicy. Spicy enough even to consider adding a healthy dose of chocolate to your life? Need more reasons? Its natural minerals makes your bones more dense, it prevents heart disease, its thought to attract abundance, and its full of mood-boosting and intelligence-boosting neurotransmitter precursors. Healthy, wealthy, wise and happy. So it is as easy and eating all the Hershey's bars you can get a hold of? Well, not quite...

Raw, unroasted chocolate IS A MUST to really reap the health benefits. Little of this fact is given weight in the mass-media's portrayal of chocolate's health benefits. There's a big difference in the chemical composition of un-roasted, naturally-dried chocolate when compared to 99% of the chocolate products available today. Nearly every single bar or drink, even at the large-chain heath food markets, is made from chocolate that's been roasted at high temperatures. 'Organic' does not mean raw; chocolate powder is not raw unless it says its raw. High-end organic hot cocoa drinks are still roasted, and likely processed with alkali to make them dissolve more easily. Why the roasting and processing? Because we've become accustom to chocolate looking and tasting like it has since our childhoods. Working with raw chocolate (called Cacao - note this is different than Cocoa!), like so many things that are really good for you, is best prepared at home using carefully selected ingredients. It's easy to do, and we'll include some recipes at the end. But first back to the question of why raw is better.

First the question of Caffeine. Many folks are sensitive to caffeine's effect on their nervous system. It raises blood pressure, shortens tempers and keeps people awake. And we all know chocolate has caffeine in it, right? But what form is it in? Research done by homeopaths indicates a significant difference on the stimulating effects of chocolate depending on whether it's been heated or not. A drink made with roasted beans evoked excitement of the nervous system that did not occur with unroasted chocolate. Alteration of chemical structures through heat is common, and occurs in the case of chocolate. The roasting process involves heating the beans between 250 and 350 degrees F for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Anecdotal reports of individuals moving from coffee or yerba mate as their morning drink to a cup of hot chocolate report gentle stimulating effects without anxiety, as their other drinks had produced. Even very sensitive people who do not do well with any form of caffeine report positive results with raw chocolate; nothing at all like the effects produced by coffee or caffeinated teas.

Next the question of anti-oxidants. Chocolate has been discovered to have exceptionally high quantities of important polyphenols. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry was titled: "Cocoa Has More Phenolic Phytochemicals and Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Teas and Red Wine." It's hard to argue with that. Here again the question of raw arises: One report notes that while roasted chocolate is made up of 5% antioxidants, when raw it contains twice as much at 10%. Another important note is the addition of milk to make milk chocolate. Research has shown that the addition of milk actually cancels-out the positive effects of the natural antioxidants. And milk may be one of the reasons many people seem to be allergic to chocolate, as lactose intolerance is fairly common. Another myth is some individuals break out when ingesting high amounts; reports indicate that raw chocolate does not cause this response, and that it may be the refined fats and sugars present in most chocolate products producing this effect.

Finally, the question of mood-enhancing neurochemicals and precursors. Chocolate contains significant quantities of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan intake has recently been collated with neurogenesis, the development of new brain cells, and both long and short term memory. The presence of tryptophan is critical for the production of serotonin, a primary neurotransmitter associated with mood (Prozac works on the principal of enhancing the action of serotonin). Once in the body tryptophan reacts with vitamins B6 and B3 in the presence of magnesium (all present in raw chocolate) to produce serotonin. Enhanced serotonin function assists in diminishing anxiety and stress - ccording to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, serotonin is literally our "stress-defense shield." Tryptophan is heat sensitive and is often deficient in many cooked-food diets, even when animal protein intake is high. In addition to tryptophan (but not heat sensitive) chocolate also contains PEA, the 'love hormone' and Anandamide the 'bliss chemical'.

Convinced? Ready for a little raw rain-forest power? First its critical to find a good source; make sure the chocolate you're buying is raw - it's most often labeled as 'Cacao', the name for the raw chocolate beans and the tree on which they grow. Cacao nibs are small pieces of unprocessed beans that can be eaten straight, or mixed with other healthy snacks like Gogi berries. But the best-loved raw chocolate preparation is the original drink of hot chocolate. Now it won't be hot enough for long enough to convert any chemicals or to cook your preparation, just to make it a warm comforting drink - and of course, heating the water isn't necessary at all (though in recipes calling for Coconut oil, it helps to blend the oil into the drink). So to make a cup, use powdered raw cacao (grinding the nibs or beans in a coffee grinder can work, though you'll find this challenging as the natural oils in the chocolate will heat up and liquefy before the grinding is complete, leaving little crunchy bits). Put one or two tablespoons powdered chocolate, 1 to 2 teaspoons raw dark agave nectar (a low-glycemic index natural sweetner) and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Coconut oil in a blender. Add 8 to 12 ounces almost-boiling water and blend for 10 seconds. That's it! You'll find your personal favorite formula after a few preparations - more or less chocolate, oil, sweetener or water.

There are many, many recipes available online and in books about raw chocolate. Some favorite additions to the drink are Maca (Peruvian Ginseng), essential oils like Vanilla, Peppermint or Orange (just one drop is often enough) or a little powdered cinnamon. Your own raw bars are very easy to make, really just by omitting the water and adjusting the oil and sweetener ratios to make a thick chocolate paste. Add some chopped nuts if you like, press into a casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator long enough to make it firm. Experiment; it's chocolate! You're supposed to have fun. And with raw chocolate, it might be the most fun you can have eating while positively benefiting your health.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_South

Is Dark Chocolate Good For Your Health?

As you hear the name "chocolate" your mouth starts to water! You are drawn to the awesome and stimulating taste of dark chocolate. At the same time you are worried about how eating too much could negatively effect you. But you must know, recent studies have proven that it is high in cocoa can provide potential health benefits. So go ahead and treat yourself to the great taste of chocoalte.

Scientists are starting to prove that some of the myths related to the dangerous effects of eating too much are not true. It is not true that eating too much will rot your healthy teeth. It also does not trigger migraine headaches and does not cause acne or makes it worse.

In fact, researches have proved that it has properties that work against sugar that tends to produce oral bacteria that can cause dental decay. Researchers have found that it is beneficial to you in aloft of ways. It releases endorphins in the brain that acts the same as a pain releiver. It will also will increase your appetite without gaining weight and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer!

Chocolate rich in cocoa solids are now regarded to have properties that are beneficial to health. Cocoa is an excellent source of Polyphenols. Polyphenols are very good antioxidants that destroy free radicals in the body. Free radicals are dangerous to the human body and can cause some serious diseases like cancer and heart diseases.

Dark chocolates that are rich in flavanol have a large amount of nitric oxide. Nitric oxides are very important to human health. They resist cardiovascular diseases and help in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Also flavonol rich chocolates act similar to low dose aspirin. They promote a healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack and blood's ability to clot in the arteries and veins.

It also contains essential trace elements and nutrients that are good for you. Chocolate is made from cocoa which is the richest source of magnesium. Magnesium is a necessity for you, as deficiency in magnesium may lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and also pre-menstrual tension. It is also rich in iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E.

Before you grab a chocolate bar, you must know what it is good for your health! When cocoa is processed into chocolate products, it undergoes several processes to reduce its pungent taste. The pungent taste is due to the presence of flavonols. The more it is processed ,more flavonols are lost. Dark chocolate is reported to have highest level of polyphenols. So it is better to choose dark chocolates over milk chocolates.

To learn more about the benefits of dark chocolate, visit the Xocai Healthy Chocolate website.

Steve Catlett is a top internet income earner that works with new marketers from around the world. He is successful in educating others to excel in the internet marketing world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Catlett

Chocolate and Health

Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa cholesterol battling antioxidants help fight of factors associated with heart attacks and stroke. Antioxidants that are found in chocolate are called flavonoids. Flavonoids have shown to slow the processing of bad LDL cholesterol into material that clogs arteries. Flavonoids have also shown to make blood platelets less likely to clump and cause clots. These types of antioxidants can also be found in grape juice and green tea.

Dark chocolate which is usually a bit more expensive and not quite as sweet, is the richest in flavonoids because of the way it is processed. It is a more concentrated chocolate than milk chocolate. It contains less sugars and fillers which gives it the stronger chocolate taste and a greater amount of flavonoids. Milk chocolate, which also has added butterfat, contains less flavonoids. Cocoa powder and chocolate syrups are processed in a method that removes most of the flavonoids.

Researches have also found that dark chocolate has helped in the fight against high blood pressure. The same antioxidants that fight heart attack and stroke have also helped people lower their blood pressure. The chocolate that was used had a high amount of unprocessed cocoa as the main ingredient.

The key to good health is a well balanced diet with plenty of exercise. Adding chocolate to your diet will only help in the aid of good health. Results may vary between people, but adding it to your diet can only benefit and help your bodies overall health.

To learn more about the benefits of dark chocolate, visit the Xocai Healthy Chocolate website.

Steve Catlett is a top internet income earner that works with new marketers from around the world. He is successful in educating others to excel in the internet marketing world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Catlett

h