Chocolate is a treat, a candy, an indulgence that for centuries has been enjoyed worldwide. Chocolate can quiet a crying child, impress a romantic interest, and add comfort to a relaxing moment ... but HEALTHY? Oh yea ... so it appears!
In recent years, research results have been released indicating that the antioxidant properties of red wine and green tea can have a positive effect upon the body's cardiovascular system.
A recent study conducted by scientists at Cornell University found that cocoa powder, the base from which chocolate is made, contains nearly TWICE the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea.
It is now known that raw cocoa, derived from the FRUIT of the Cacao tree, contains more than 300 chemically identifiable compounds, making it one of the most complex food sources on this planet. In addition, it has been established that raw cocoa has the highest antioxidant value of ALL natural foods in the world!
Fresh cocoa is super-rich in strong antioxidants called flavonoids (up to 10% concentration per mass of cocoa). These flavonoids help maintain healthy blood flow and blood pressure. They also help keep fatty substances in the blood from congealing together, thus decreasing the risk of oxidation and clogging of the arteries.
Flavonoids are also known to help keep the blood platelets from sticking together ... a condition that can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
The antioxidants found in dark chocolate help to neutralize naturally occurring 'free radical' molecules in the body. Free radicals, if left unchecked, can damage the core structure of healthy cells which leaves them susceptible to disease.
Free radicals can also alter the structure of the cell's DNA, which is the blueprint for a cell to reproduce and duplicate itself. Damaged DNA can lead to malignancy, tumors, and cancer.
Healthy dark chocolate as a nutritional supplement is not merely all about antioxidants.
Cocoa is a good source of the minerals sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese, plus some of the important B vitamins.
Of these minerals, magnesium is by far the most important. Proper magnesium levels in the body are essential for a healthy heart and ensure its strength and vigor.
Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and the heartbeat. It also decreases blood coagulation leading to lower blood pressure.
A deficiency in magnesium can have far reaching health consequences, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and PMT.
Just as with antioxidants, organic dark chocolate is the highest rated natural food for providing this heart healthy essential mineral.
Another mineral with a high concentration in cocoa is sulfur. Sulfur promotes healthy skin, helps build strong nails and healthy hair, helps detoxify the liver, and supports healthy functioning of the pancreas.
Organic dark chocolate also provides supplemental benefits for the brain.
Cocoa is a potent source for the amino acids which make the neurotransmitters known as serotonin and dopamine. These two agents help alleviate depression and stimulate feelings of well being.
Phenylethylanmine (PEA) controls our ability to focus attention and stay alert. It has also been clinically proven to help maintain focus and mental alertness, and may counter the onset of dementia.
Another healthy chemical compound found in healthy dark chocolate, 2% - 3% per mass, is 'theobromine.
This health promoting compound stimulates the central nervous system, relaxing smooth muscles and dilating blood vessels. It is also a known diuretic, and has been clinically used to remove excess body fluids, stimulate the heart, and reduce high blood pressure.
Chocolate has been known as the "comfort" or "happy" food, and rightfully so.
Anandamide, a neurotransmitter, is found in significant quantities in cocoa. Anandamide occurs naturally in the brain, and is released when we are feeling good. The introduction of more of this 'bliss chemical' helps contribute to our feeling of having a 'natural high'.
ABC news reported in 2005 that the average American consumes 11.5 pounds of chocolate per year. This amounts to a full 1% of the American diet. These numbers are really not surprising.
There is no question that humans have for centuries maintained a love affair with chocolate. Accepting organic, healthy dark chocolate as a heart and mind healthy food instead of simply a feel good snack certainly takes some getting used to.
Try to imagine a conversation at the dinner table like this ... "Billy, you're not leaving this table until you finish your dark chocolate"?
Although that conversation seems hard to imagine, providing yourself and your family with a consistent diet rich in healthy nutrients DOES NOT, and Healthy Dark Chocolate may clearly be indicated as a wise menu addition.
However, not all "Healthy Dark Chocolate" products are created equal. The challenge now lies in determining which of these delicious, satisfying, cocoa rich products provide the most health benefits for you and your family.
How To Make Dark Chocolate
Chocolates are often classified as a non-healthy food or normally called ?junk food?. But there are certain types of chocolate that is considered as a helpful ingredient to improve our health. Eating dark chocolate is highly recommended by food experts. Xocai dark chocolate is also referred to as the ?healthy chocolate?. The good benefits of Xocai dark chocolate to the body are proven by medical and scientific researches.
Xocai dark chocolate are cold processed which leaves a high level of cocoa content on the finished product. Cocoa, which contains elements that are beneficial to our health, is preserved on the chocolate. Commercial chocolate products are heat processed and replace most of lost cocoa with other substitutes such as sweeteners, milk solids and additives. The heating process in creating commercial chocolates also removes the natural effects of cocoa.
Xocai dark chocolate health advantages could be much more beneficial to the consumers. Cocoa is the key ingredient for the healthy nature of Xocai dark chocolate. Medical experts have proven that cocoa can reduce the body's blood pressure. Xocai dark chocolates are rich in cocoa polyphenols, which is the active ingredient that is responsible in reducing the blood pressure without affecting the body's weight.
Eating Xocai dark chocolate can improve the conditions of the heart. The contents of Xocai dark chocolate relax the arteries and may enhance its response with the heart. Xocai dark chocolates may help avoid heart diseases because of the presence of antioxidants. These antioxidants repel free radicals that may be harmful to the heart. This type of chocolates also reduces bad cholesterol present in our body. It may also benefit those who wish to reduce their weight for its high energy output and appetite reduction effects.
Xocai dark chocolate can also aid the body's digestion because of its high-fiber content. The Magnesium present in this chocolate reduces the risks of having high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes. Xocai dark chocolate increases the dopamine activity of the brain, thus it can be used to enhance one's mood.
The higher cocoa present in a Xocai dark chocolate means the more it could benefit one's health. If you mostly prefer to maximize the benefits of cocoa to your body, choose dark chocolates that have the maximum cocoa content. The nutritional value of Xocai dark chocolate is quite appealing to health-conscious people.
Dark chocolate, through the discovery of its advantages to our health and further studies of the medical advantages of dark chocolates increase each year. Chocolate manufacturers are currently seeking for improvements on how to enhance the quality of the dark chocolates. Xocai has balanced the nutrients and the sweetness of this type of chocolate may encourage the consumers to change their views on eating chocolates.
Both Timothy Prahl & Chocolate7 Lifestyle7 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Timothy Prahl has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chocolate and Health, Anti Oxidant and Network Marketing. The author's active lifestyle in Hawaii and his interest in the Internet led him to discover The Healthy Chocolate Revolution. For more information regarding Healthy Chocolate, download the author's FREE ebook, ". Timothy Prahl's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Chocolate7 Lifestyle7 has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chocolate and Health, Health and Fitness. Chocolate Lifestyle is author of this article on . Find more information about. Chocolate7 Lifestyle7's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
