Sunday, June 20, 2010

Chocolate - Nature's Own Health Food Treat

Pure, fresh chocolate is one of the healthiest treats on earth! Not the highly processed, mass produced, cheap, sugary junk you find in most supermarkets.

Good, pure chocolate is chock full of flavonoids, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants on earth. And that's the key to their natural goodness. Take a look at these facts:

CHOCOLATE FACT #1: High in antioxidants. Ounce for ounce, chocolate is one of the richest food sources of these crucial substances. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals--rogue oxygen molecules that can accelerate aging and the problems that come with it.

CHOCOLATE FACT #2: Rich in valuable micronutrients. Chocolate supplies meaningful amounts of potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron.

CHOCOLATE FACT #3: As a safe, mild stimulant. Chocolate actually has relatively little caffeine, but many people notice a quick increase in alertness and improvement in mood that can last hours after eating.

CHOCOLATE FACT #4: Cholesterol neutral. Chocolate has been found to help promote healthy cholesterol levels. And, believe it or not, the fat found in chocolate is "cholesterol neutral," meaning that it doesn't have a negative effect on cholesterol levels.

CHOCOLATE FACT #5: Good for blood pressure! People who ate just over 3 ounces of premium quality dark chocolate each day for two straight weeks had an easier time maintaining healthy blood pressure, according to one study. And, according to a 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, chocolate helped promote healthy blood pressure levels in the subjects studied. Chocolate helps relax blood vessels so blood can flow through them easier.

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Organic Chocolate

Chocolate has always been associated with a variety of health problems. This is the reason why some people steer clear of this delicious treat. But now, there is good news for chocolate lovers. Chocolate, specifically organic chocolate, has been proved to offer many health benefits.

Organic chocolate is made from high-quality organic ingredients. It meets or exceeds all standards of qualification that classify it as an organic product. When a chocolate is labeled organic, it means that the product's cacao content was farmed in an environmentally suitable way. This ensures that there are no harmful pesticide residues.

One of the main reasons why you should eat organic chocolate instead of its non-organic counterpart is because you minimize the risk of ingesting pesticide residues. While non-organic chocolate itself is fine to eat, there can be pesticide residue present in the cocoa powder used, which can have harmful effects on the body. Unlike non-organic chocolate, organic chocolate is made from organic cocoa which is cultivated in small plots under a shade canopy, therefore minimizing the use of pesticides.

And since there is less risk for pesticide residue ingestion, organic chocolate has been proven helpful to the body. When eaten in moderation, it can contribute to heart health, suppress chronic cough, add much-needed magnesium to the diet and help control blood sugar. However, too much of something is not good for your health. You should avoid excessive intake of chocolate.

Recent studies have shown that chocolate itself is actually good for you. What makes eating it a health hazard is the kind of ingredients used to make it. This is why it is important that you choose organic over non-organic chocolates. Organic chocolate is a healthier and tastier option for your body. Now you need not worry too much about possible health risks when you indulge your sweet tooth.

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