Chocolate healthier than fruit juices

Chocolate is healthier than many fruit juices and is a `superfood` in its own right, says a new study conducted by a US-based chocolate company.

Superfoods are high in anti-oxidants and compounds that help prevent damage to healthy cells.

Researchers from the Hershey Centre for Health & Nutrition in the US found that powdered dark chocolate had more anti-oxidants and polyphenols, believed to protect us from cancer and cardiac conditions, the Chemistry Central Journal reports.

They compared single servings of dark chocolate, cocoa, and hot chocolate mix with fruit juices including acai berries, cranberries and pomegranates, according to a Hershey statement.

The research showed that both dark chocolate and cocoa had more antioxidant activity and more flavonols than fruit. Debra Millar, who led the study, said chocolate should be labelled a "superfruit".

ANI

Source

---

Crock-Pot SCCPVL600R 6-Quart Manual Cook & Carry Oval Portable Slow Cooker, Red
Law of Resonance
Older eyes on Lasik
Bittersweet story of chocolate

This Valentine's Day, say it with chocolate

by Rachel Brougham

Is chocolate really good for your heart? Studies show a little, in moderation, may be beneficial.
The cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. Flavonoids can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. And when we eat them, studies have shown people can benefit from the antioxidant power found in flavonoids.

Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes, such as breathing, and from environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke. If your body does not have enough antioxidants to combat the amount of oxidation that occurs, it can become damaged by free radicals.

But not all forms of chocolate contain high levels of flavonoids. When cocoa is processed, it goes through several steps, and the more it is processed, the more flavonoids are lost.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many chocolate manufacturers are looking for ways to keep the flavonoids in their processed chocolates.


The best choices are dark chocolate over milk chocolate, and cocoa powder that has not undergone Dutch processing (cocoa that is treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity).

While flavonoids are good for the body, chocolate can be very high in fat. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic note that if you're going to eat chocolate, avoid extra ingredients that add lots of extra fat and calories. And there is no research that indicates just how much chocolate you need to reap any cardiovascular benefits it may offer.

Bottom line -- one-ounce of chocolate a few times a week of the flavonoid-rich varieties won't hurt.

A sweet gift

According to the Chocolate Manufacturers Association, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

And women aren't the only ones on the receiving ends of the chocolate gifts -- a survey by the association also showed that 50 percent of women will likely give a gift of chocolate to a guy this holiday.

If you do find yourself with a box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, experts say there are ways to tell whether the piece is caramel, peanut butter or toffee without taking a bite.

Each manufacturer usually has its own code -- a telltale sign of what is found in the middle.

Many manufacturers use swirls on top of the chocolates to signal caramels. Other signs include large bumpy surfaces that signal nuts, coconut often looks like small, bumpy surfaces. Hard caramels are typically square or rectangular and soft caramels are typically flat and round. And chocolates that are wrapped often have liquid or softer centers.

5-minute cake ... oh yeah

You can have cake and eat it too -- in just five minutes.
Those looking to enjoy a rich, warm, chocolate cake this Valentine's Day can do so in just minutes.
All you need to make this chocolate cake is some pantry staples, a coffee mug and a microwave.
This recipe makes one large individual size serving cake, which can easily be topped with the decorations of your choice.

Quick Chocolate Cake

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
splash of vanilla
powdered sugar, strawberries, optional

Directions

Add dry ingredients to a coffee mug coated with cooking spray. Mix well, then add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and vanilla, and mix again.

Place mug in the microwave and cook at full power for two minutes. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but should not overflow.

Allow to cool, then transfer to a plate if desired and sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with strawberries, if using.

Source

---

The New Clickbank Code

Give the gift of good health

Can Chocolate Help Prevent Sunburns?

The heat is intense here in Arizona, and while there's no substitute for sunscreen, there are foods that can help boost your skin's natural sun protection factor.

Previous research has shown dark chocolate is good for your heart, and now a new study shows it also increases your skin's natural SPF.

In the study, volunteers ate an ounce of dark chocolate every day for 12 weeks, and at the end of the study, it took twice as much sun exposure for the volunteers to burn in the sun.

Researchers think flavonoids in the chocolate are responsible, because they help boost circulation to the skin and guard against UV damage.

A few things to keep in mind if you're looking to boost your SPF with chocolate -- look for at least 70 percent cacao content in a bar that's cold-processed, because heat can destroy the flavonoids, and moderation is key. Just an ounce did the trick in the study.

Other foods that boost your natural SPF include cantaloupes, guavas and berries, which are all rich in lycopene, a plant chemical that helps protect against the sun's UVB rays.
Tomatoes are another great source of lycopene, especially when cooked.

Nutritionists also recommend eating salmon because it's full of omega-3, which can help protect skin cells against the damage that causes aging and cancer.

FOX 10’s Kristin Anderson has the story.

Source

---

Can Michigan win the battle against obesity?
Super Fast SEO Results Review
Mens Beaded Necklaces
Submariner Two Tone
Is Obesity a Lifestyle or Disease?

Granola Bars With Chocolate

Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN

Published: May 30, 2011 

 Most granola bars are too sweet for my taste, so I wasn’t much of a fan until I made these. They’re inspired by a recipe from Kim Boyce’s "Good to the Grain," but I’ve cut down on the honey and added chocolate. 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter or canola oil, plus additional for the pan and for your hands
2 cups mixed flaked grain cereal or rolled oats
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/3 cup honey or agave syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Generously butter or oil a 9-by-9-inch metal or glass baking pan.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a wide saucepan. Add the flaked grains or oats. Stir over medium heat until the grains are lightly toasted, taking care not to let them burn. Stir until they are beginning to smell toasty and have slightly darkened, six to seven minutes. Remove from the heat, and transfer to a bowl. Add the flaxseed meal, the cinnamon and the salt. Wipe the pan clean.
3. Combine the honey, vanilla and brown sugar in the pan in which you toasted the oats. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil five minutes. Pour over the oat mixture, and stir until it is evenly distributed over the mixture. Allow to cool for five minutes, then stir in the chocolate pieces.
4. Scrape into the pan, and spread evenly. Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Do not allow to brown or the bars will be hard instead of chewy. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool. Cut into 16 to 20 pieces, and store in an airtight container.
Yield: Fifteen to 20 pieces.
Advance preparation: The bars will keep for a few weeks in an airtight container.
Nutritional information per serving (15 pieces): 131 calories; 3 grams saturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 milligrams cholesterol; 19 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 23 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 2 grams protein
Nutritional information per serving (20 pieces): 98 calories; 2 grams saturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 17 milligrams sodium; 2 grams protein
Martha Rose Shulman is the author of "The Very Best of Recipes for Health."

 Source

---

Electric Guitars
Dog Bed
Ferrero Rocher

Global Facebook approach may cost Ferrero Rocher potential consumer advocates

Ferrero Rocher use one global page to engage with all Facebook users, regardless of language. Although this does not seem to damage consumer sentiment, fans who speak English demonstrate a much greater propensity to recommend the brand. This suggests that, although an international approach might be easier, it may cause a brand to lose out on potential advocates.

Ferrero Rocher’s global Facebook page has attracted a very large number of fans, with almost 9,000,000 ‘likes’. Although the brand post to their page relatively infrequently, their large fanbase ensures each update receives a large volume of consumer comments. Many consumers post in English, but many others respond to the brand in non-English languages including Italian, French and Portuguese.

WaveMetrix analysis shows that Ferrero Rocher’s one-size-fits-all Facebook page does not actively disadvantage the brand - but is not necessarily the most successful approach. Although sentiment from consumers is strongly positive regardless of language, those responding in English show a significantly higher propensity to recommend Ferrero Rocher to others. This corroborates evidence from Clarins and Ben & Jerry’s that localised social media can drive more beneficial buzz.

Consumers engaging in all languages are positive towards Ferrero Rocher:

• English consumers respond primarily to the brand’s photo posts associating Ferrero Rocher with special occasions: They comment on images about Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, saying they “love” Ferrero Rocher and that it is “delicious” and “their favourite”

• Non-English consumers engage most when Ferrero Rocher posts in Italian: Consumers speaking a range of languages react to the brand’s suggestion to try the chocolates with ice cream. However, many others comment on English-language updates from the brand, praising Ferrero Rocher as “delectable”, “rich” and “priceless”

Although similarly positive, English-speaking consumers are more inclined to recommend than those who engage in non-English languages:

 

• When Ferrero Rocher shares the same post in English and in Italian, 35% of consumers responding in English recommend the brand: However, recommendations are lower from those speaking different languages, with only 13% saying Ferrero Rocher “is the best” and asking others to “try them”

• The discrepancy on Ferrero Rocher's page is not typical - language does not tend to affect consumers' propensity to recommend: This suggests that Ferrero Rocher’s decision to use one global Facebook page may mean the brand loses out on unprompted consumer advocacy. The idea that localised social media can drive more beneficial buzz is supported by other recent Wave: cases studies – for instance, on Clarins and Ben & Jerry’s

Source

---

Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Price
Suunto Core All Black
USB Microphone

Antioxidants Found in Chocolate

For the past decades, many proven scientific studies have shown that chocolate antioxidants are beneficial to our health and body. It has been known for a fact that the antioxidants present in chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, are potent source of antioxidants that destroys free radicals in our system. Chocolate antioxidants are primarily responsible for fighting these highly unstable and destructive molecules thereby maintaining a balance in our system to prevent occurrence of deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension, to name a few. Generally, chocolate antioxidants are rich in flavorous that arrest oxidation processes in our system and therefore preventing damage in our body.

Another classic benefit that these antioxidants bring in our health is that it effectively strengthens our immune system thus enabling our body to defend itself from potentially harmful viral and bacterial infections. Our immune system is our defence system tasked to eliminate destructive molecules and other abnormalities found in our body to keep us to function normally everyday. It is also an established fact that chocolate antioxidants and any other form of antioxidants found in fruits, green tea and red wines for instance, slows down the aging process. Antioxidant is key to longevity as it allows you to stay longer and younger in the pink of health.

A study conducted by the National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome suggests a proper way of taking in chocolate antioxidants in order to maximize the absorption of antioxidants in our body. The result of the study indicates that eating chocolates, especially dark chocolates, should be eaten not in conjunction with any type of milk or its derivatives as the milk interferes with the body's absorption of chocolate

antioxidants. The subjects who ate pure dark chocolates have shown substantial drop in their blood pressure compared to those who mixed it with milk. Thus, if you are a chocolate lover it is time to change gear and switch to pure dark chocolate for optimum acquisition of chocolate antioxidants.

The best source of chocolate antioxidants comes from cocoa powder as it contains the highest amount of antioxidant capacity. The basic is rule is that the darker the chocolate, the more potent source of chocolate antioxidants it is. The suggested daily intake of dark chocolate based on the study made is 3.5 ounces to get the optimum chocolate antioxidants. Milk chocolates in particular have the least antioxidant properties and this claim was backed by the study mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Further, dark chocolates are known for having less sugar content and good source of cholesterol compared to milk chocolates. For the more health conscious individuals they always ensure that they have the regular source of rich antioxidant supplements. We should also be warned from eating excessive chocolates because they are rich in calories which may lead to obesity if consumption with gusto is not properly observed. To successfully attain a healthy, disease free body, the secret, however, is moderation and balance our diet by eating nutrition-rich vegetables, cereals and fruits.

John Ulonka can often be found sipping a hot cup of espresso at the local beanery. Besides savoring the latest blends, John has a site with reviews of straight blade razor, as well as a review of vintage straight razors.

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

Studies That Show The Benefits Of Dark Chocolate On Blood Pressure

Good news for dark chocolate lovers. Eating dark chocolate can now help lower blood pressure. A recent study was done by specialists in the US that says, dark chocolate will actually help in lowering your blood pressure. This could be just the boost you need help you in your battle with hypertension, and it's natural.

Flavinoids, or antioxidants, as many people know them, are the ingredient that is found in food that help lower blood pressure. Tea and red wine are a couple of foods that we already knew could help in lowering blood pressure due to these natural antioxidants. Know we can add dark chocolate to this list as well.

The study was conducted at a University in Italy that is known for its hypertension studies. Twenty people were involved in this study. All twenty people, ten female and ten male, suffer from hypertension, but had no other disease. The subjects were not on any medication or treatment plan for their high blood pressure, and none of them smoke. These people also had to avoid chocolate two weeks prior to the study so that accurate results and conclusions could be drawn from the study.

To start the study the participants were split up into two groups with five men and five women in each. The blood pressure of each subject was taken and recorded for comparison with the end results. For 15 days one group got a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar a day, and the other group got a 3.5 oz white chocolate bar a day. After the 15 days both groups went a week without chocolate, and then the groups switched which kind of candy bar they were getting. The only difference in the candy bars is that the white chocolate does not contain any flavinoids.

When the next 15 days were up the subjects' readings were taken again. The group that ate the white chocolate had no differences in their readings. There was a drop in pressure in the group that did have the dark chocolate. The group that ate the dark chocolate also experienced a 10% drop in their bad cholesterol levels, and a reduction in their insulin resistance.

If you do suffer from hypertension you should talk to your doctor and find the best treatment for you. Each person is different, and you may require other treatment. Diet and exercise are the best natural way to control this issue. Prescription medication is also needed in many cases. You should not stop your current treatment and try just eating dark chocolate every day, but you may want to think about adding it to your diet once a week. In addition to helping control hypertension, dark chocolate is good for your taste buds and your heart.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gourmet Chocolate at http://www.chocolategiftsonline.com 

raw chocolate bar recipe  health benefits of chocolate  cranberry juice and dark chocolate

Why women love chocolate

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Reasons Why Chocolate is Good for You

photo credit: Manassas Cakery

Chocolate - Good for You or Too Good?

Is chocolate an important thing to include in your diet? Most of us are very willing to make chocolate a regular feature in our diet. In fact, people have implied that chocolate may have health benefits as far bas as to the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, chocolate is considered such a staple in our diet that it's even included army food rations.

We may love chocolate, but is it really good for us? Many scientists and researchers have given their opinion, with mixed results. Of course, a certain degree of cynicism surrounds these studies since many of them are underwritten by the chocolate industry. But there are have been some interesting studies related to chocolate and its benefits.

Scientists at Japan's Osaka University conducted a study to see if chocolate is helpful in preventing tooth decay, and as a result, bad breath. Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, and the husks of the beans seem to contain an antibacterial agent that helps prevent plaque. Although the husks are usually thrown out in typical chocolate production, confectioners may add them back to try to make chocolate more dental-friendly. Of course, even if the bean husks are put back to the chocolate they won't stand a chance in cavity-fighting action against the decay caused by chocolate's high sugar content.

Another study, conducted by Professor Carl Keen, a Californian scientist, was performed to find the health benefits of chocolate. One theory is that chocolate may actually help fight heart disease. Chocolate contains a flavinoids, a chemical which works to thin the blood, ultimately helping to prevent blood clotting. You may have heard of similar food studies for instance, the one involving red wine, which is said to have the same affect. Again, Professor Kern's study was funded by the candy maker, Mars, so it lacks a certain credibility.

Harvard University conducted another study that found that if you eat chocolate three times a month your life expectancy will increase by at least a year. Unfortunately, the same study looked at the effect of over-indulgence, which tends to lower life expectancy. Chocolates high-fat content means that over indulgence can result in obesity, which in turn resulting in an increased potential of heart disease.

Does the type of chocolate provide for better overall health? According to Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, at the University of Cologne, Germany, he and his colleagues found that dark chocolate lower blood pressure (as opposed to white or milk chocolate). Unfortunately the benefits of dark chocolate don't apply to everyone. According to the researchers, eating dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, if you are of a certain age and likely suffer from mild high blood pressure. In a perfect world, chocolate would be a healthy choice along the lines of nutrients found in spinach, but unfortunately that's not the case. Chocolate may have some possible health benefits, but a chronic overindulgence will lead to far more serious health risks. Chocolate is one the pleasures of life that should be appreciated, not over-indulged.

About the Author:

Patie Ackery is "chocoholic" and thought that because of her affliction, she just has to write and article about her favorite subject. You can see her site at http://www.anychocolate.com/

Article Source : Ultimate Article Directory

The History and Attraction of Chocolate Truffles

photo credit: Migraine Chick

Chocolate has always been a grand gift to give someone. The chocolate manufacturing is a multi-billion dollar business. There are so many unusual types of chocolate and so many reasons to offer someone a chocolate gift that it is a business that just keeps getting larger every year.

There are quite a few different types of chocolate. There is dark chocolates, milk chocolate, fair chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate are just a a small amount of. Many people have a favorite chocolate. Each manufacturer of chocolate gifts has their own unique formula for the way they make chocolates and this makes each kind of chocolate taste a little diverse.

Chocolate Truffles are a great gift to give for just about any occurrence or no occasion at all. individuals love to obtain chocolate gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays or just because. extraordinary occasions or events are also great times to give the gift of chocolates. Baby showers, a move up at work, or just to tell a friend that you are thinking about them are great reasons to give chocolate gifts.

You can buy chocolate gifts just about anyplace including grocery stores, gas stations, malls or convenient stores. Stores that sell only chocolates have the largest variety to choose from and you might even find a particular store that carries the particular type of chocolate truffle that you like or you know your friend likes. This makes choosing chocolates present a little easier because there is such a huge variety and you might end up finding amazing new that you like.

Chocolate Truffles make great gifts for anyone at anytime. There are a variety of packages that chocolate gifts come in so you ought to be able to find one perfect for the event or friend you are trying to purchase something for. The present of chocolates is a gift that individuals love to obtain. Have fun searching for the perfect chocolate for your friend and don't forget to get a few for yourself!

For individuals of you who like chocolate truffles, there are several different kinds to choose from. You can purchase chocolate truffles in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or if you aren't positive which kind of truffle your cherished one or friend might like, you can always get a box of mixed chocolate truffles.

Buying a chocolate gift for someone is fun and you can get really inventive with the things that you select. You can get someone a box of milk chocolate truffles. You can obtain someone a heart filled with various filled chocolates and you can even get someone a good old plain chocolate bar.

People love to get chocolate gifts for just about any occasion or even if there isn't an occasion. Chocolates are a great treat to show someone that you are thinking about them. Go pick out your chocolate gifts now and show someone how special you fell they are.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Authors Details: Hugh Roberts comes with many gourmet food advice. For chocolate gift get free details on chocolate truffels