Is Chocolate Really Good For You?
Could it really be true? Can chocolate really be good for you? I was floored (and very happy) when I heard on the news recently that researchers have discovered that chocolate has some health benefits associated with it. Curiosity got the best of me and I went and did a little more research. Surprisingly, I found many articles on the web that agree with this discovery. Apparently it contains what are called flavonols, which are high in antioxidants. What is even better is that they can help lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol and potentially prevent blood clots. They can also give a mild energy boost, decrease anxiety, relieve pain, and make a person feel happier.
Now, personally, I would not recommend that you eat every candy bar and chocolate tidbit that you can find. Even if it does have some health benefits it is still high in fat content (of course there is always a downside). Also, different chocolates have different levels of flavonols. I know, it sounds strange to say that one is healthier than another however dark chocolate is healthier because it contains the highest levels of flavonols. The reason for this is because it does not go through as much processing as other chocolates. Just like vegetables, when you process it too much it loses its health benefits. When you boil or cook vegetables they lose some of their important vitamins and when you process chocolate it loses a lot of its beneficial properties.
We all know that chocolate probably is not the best snack for those of us that are watching our waistlines. However, for those of us that have an insatiable craving for it, this is really good news. Maybe now we can relax just a little bit while we enjoy it (in moderation of course). I know I will not feel quite as guilty now about sneaking a piece or two of dark chocolate every now and then.
Tina is a wife and a mother of two picky teenagers. She loves to cook, read, and write. She also loves to research all topics that have to do with food. This stems from a quest to make meals that everyone in her family will enjoy. This has resulted in some surprising finds as well as many many new recipes. She loves to share her findings by writing articles about them.
Chocolate Cake
Theres an old saying that says that you will not know whats heaven like until you have not tasted chocolate. For a chocolate lover like me, I couldnt ...
The Chocolate Diet
You've heard of the South Beach Diet, the Hollywood Diet, and of course, the Atkins Diet. Well, I'm starting my own new diet. It's called the Chocolat...
Party Chocolate Fountain
The number of chocolate fountains should not exceed the amount needed to feed your party guests' hunger for dessert. The selection of a chocolate foun...
The Gift of Chocolate
Sometimes we all get stumped for ideas for gift giving. You want your gift to be enjoyed by the recipient, but maybe you have used up your best gift i...
The Joy Of Gourmet Chocolate
Like a fine wine, gourmet chocolate is the thing to which our palates instantly respond ruining us forever for the average store-sold candy bar. Whil...
Delectable Chocolate Gifts
I believe there is a chocolate lover in all of us. It almost seems as if we are preprogrammed to love the sweet confection. Everyone has their own ch...
Classification of Chocolate A Sweet Gift for Any Time of the Year
Many different types of chocolate are available for consumption, but what is the real difference between them? Chocolates are classified by the perce...
Chocolate Fondue Is A Party Favorite
Chocolate fondue that was a rage in the 1970's is on a role again. Back then there was probably not even a single party that didn't have them - actual...
Sheer Pleasure - A Chocolate Fountain
A chocolate fountain is a fun and entertaining way to provide a cascading waterfall of chocolate for your guests or family. The fountain serves as a d...
Buy a Chocolate Fountain
Some people (with little vision or desire to entertain) would be forgiven for wondering why anyone would want to buy a chocolate fountain? It all dep...
How to Make a Rich Chocolate Cake
Old time bakers used to make a pudding for chocolate cakes. This pudding is different than the pudding in the mix chocolate cakes we are used to toda...
Delicious Shapes - Chocolate Molds
A chocolate mold is a cavity, usually made of plastic, used for forming chocolates in desired shapes. A chocolate mold can usually withstand up to 160...
Applying Chocolate Moderation Within Your Diet, Awww - Do I Really Have To
We don't think about chocolate moderation when we're feeling low, sad, angry, or just plain upset. I know that I certainly don't!Despite the fact that...
The Gift Of Chocolate Candy
When it comes to giving the perfect gift, nothing quite compares to chocolate candy; that sweet, creamy, ecstasy-producing concoction that comes in a ...
Dream In Chocolate: How Much People Love Natural Chocolate
Take away a womans chocolate and some say you take away her soul. People throughout the ages have loved healthy bites of divine chocolate.Queen Isabel...