Chocolate is always seen as a luxury food and therefore something rather naughty or even unhealthy - but is that a fair assessment? Along with so many other things in our diets, the supposed negative or positive aspects of eating chocolate are the subject of much controversy. Each time a new report is published it throws the conclusions of the previous one into disarray. This is true for many other foods as well as our beloved chocolate! Perhaps the true answer is not so much in chocolate itself but in the way, and the amount, that we eat. The chemical constituents of chocolate include a flavinoid and as flavinoids are known to benefit the circulation there can be no argument about that aspect of the benefits of eating chocolate. Chocolate also contains anti-oxidants which help remove other harmful constituents from the blood such as free radicals- again that is not in dispute.
This is the point at which opinions begin to differ, as the argument for chocolate in terms of flavinoids and anti-oxidants is negated for many people by the presence of the sugar and fat in chocolate. The potentially harmful effects of these are seen as outweighing the benefits of the others, particularly as flavinoids are available in other food and drink such as vegetables, fruit and tea. As with many things, common sense has to play a part. All things are harmful when taken in excess, even foods which are generally believed to be beneficial to our health. Moderation is the key in every aspect of life and eating chocolate is no exception.
Where sugars are concerned, from a health point of view complex sugars are deemed to be better as they take a longer time to break down within the body. However simple sugars are also carbohydrates and will furnish energy on demand, enabling our bodies to function efficiently. Fats in small quantities perform necessary functions within the body, helping to modulate some hormones within the brain and as a carbohydrate it also provides energy quickly when required. However it must be said that one of the fats found in chocolate is stearic acid, which is a saturated fat and thus can lead to an increase in cholesterols. Again, moderation is the key. There are many chemical compounds in chocolate that are far more beneficial and should be taken into account when worrying about any possible negative effects of the fats and sugars. For example caffeine - though harmful if taken to excess, is thought to be a positive influence on health if taken in small amounts. The quantity of caffeine in chocolate is less than that in coffee so having a cup of hot chocolate is less of an issue than having an equivalent cup of coffee - though I have to confess to a personal weakness for a dash of coffee in my hot chocolate or even a dash of chocolate in my coffee!
There is no doubt that chocolate has a 'feel good' factor, and is much loved by many women when PMT strikes. In fact there are times when it isn't safe for any male to enter our house unless they carry a bar of chocolate in front of them like a shield! Tryptophan, one of the compounds that develops into Serotonin, is found in chocolate. Serotonin is a chemical within the brain that helps us to handle the effects of stress and combat depression so there is another benefit there. Serotonin is created within the brain when we are sleeping so if you are short of sleep chocolate can be of great help in keeping you on an even keel. Research has also indicated that chocolate causes the release of endorphins within the brain which give you a 'high' in the shape of a feeling of well being and relaxation. Combined with the mild stimulant effect of Theobromine, chocolate can produce a feeling of alertness and generates a much more positive outlook that some of the other stimulants we occasionally take on board like alcohol.
Better quality, high cocoa solid content chocolate, the so called gourmet chocolate, has far less fat and sugar, and provided that, like all good things, we take it in moderation there is little harm done. In short, chocolate makes us feel good and that has to be beneficial to our sense of health and well being.
Today pet owners are savvy about the dangerous ingredients found in store brand dog food. The question is how to find a healthy dog food diet for your pet. The answer lies in the labeling. If you know what to look for you're ahead of the game. If you don't know which ingredients are harmful to your dog then please read on. Here's how to find the healthy dog food diet you've been looking for.
1. First, stop buying the least expensive dog food in the store. Cheap foods use cheap ingredients. The inexpensive dog foods on the market use a lot of fillers and low quality ingredients. A healthy dog food diet will be a bit more expensive than store brand food but worth it.
2. Feeding your dog should begin with meat. Dogs naturally like various types of meat, including chicken, turkey, beef or fish. Furthermore, they also need other healthy ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. Whichever brand you decide upon make sure it contains no artificial flavoring or coloring. It's not good for humans and it's not good for dogs. Also, stay away from food made with grain, such as wheat, corn or oats. If eaten consistently, some dogs become itchy and can develop infections. Finally, make sure the label includes a small amount of fat and some omega-3.
3. When reading the label check the list of ingredients by starting at the top. The first thing on the list is basically the largest component of the food. If it starts out with grains like corn, soy or wheat then move on as these ingredients can lead to health problems.
4. Foods that are filled with corn, soy, or wheat are cheap sources of plant protein. Dogs have difficulty digesting these fillers. They've also been linked to a number of health problems, like colitis and urinary tract infections. Choose a nutritious dog food that includes grain that starts further down the list and uses ingredients like brown rice, barley, oats, potatoes or other easy to digest choices.
5. There are several excellent brands of healthy dog food diet on the market. Ask your veterinarian which natural dog food he would recommend and why. Make sure his answer includes the above-mentioned ingredients.
6. By giving your dog a healthy dog food diet can also mean fewer visits to the vet and fewer medications.
When you understand the benefits of a healthy dog food diet you'll also know that you're prolonging your dog's life. You're also reducing the chances of disease, such as diabetes and cancer. It feels good to know that you're giving your dog the happy and healthy life he deserves. The bottom line is that the benefits of natural dog food definitely outweigh commercial dog food.
Both Cherrie Carew & Angel Ireland 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.
Cherrie Carew has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink. Cherrie Carew has a passion - Chocolate. It is a passion made for sharing and is a box of chocolate lore, recipes, news and more that you won't b. Cherrie Carew's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Angel Ireland has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink, Music and Quit Smoking. If you're a pet lover and want only the best for your dog, please .. Angel Ireland's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.