The book explores the origins of chocolate and its place in culture and traditions all over the world, and its health benefits.

Research shows that eating chocolate and natural cocoa may improve vascular health, blood pressure, cognitive health, blood flow, and skin health. According to studies by the USDA, just two tablespoons of natural cocoa have more antioxidant power than 4 cups of green tea, one cup of blueberries or one and a half glasses of red wine.

Flavanols—the compounds in chocolate found in the cocoa bean—increase blood flow, providing a protective effect against inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease, helping to reduce blood pressure, and even making skin look more hydrated. There are also cognitive benefits to increased circulation.

Most of these health benefits have been blogged here at Eating Fabulous, with links to pertinent scientific studies supporting these claims. What has always been disputed, though, is the form and quantity of chocolate one must consume to reap its health benefits. Dark chocolate only? Alkali processed? How much per day? According to the authors of this book:

Eating chocolate products with just 60% cocoa is sufficient for enjoying a smooth, not too bitter taste while still getting health benefits. Buying such chocolate in portion-controlled formats, such as tasting squares, allows one to enjoy the health benefits without overindulging in calories.

Post from: Blisstree

Chocolate- A Healthy Passion

Chocolate is a power-food. Yes, it’s loaded in sugar and calories, but it’s has also been found be rich in antioxidants and increase “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent. Chocolate is good for the heart, and not just in the romantic sense.

Depressed? PMS blues? Pains? Some studies suggest that chocolate also lifts up your mood and makes you feel better. Some say it’s is simply an offshoot of the enrgy boost you get from an injection of sugar and fat, but some studies suggest that some of the fatty compounds found in chocolate might be triggering the brain’s production of natural opiates. That’s what accounts for the “high” or pleasure one associates with eating chocolate. Probably the potential addiction, as well.

If you want to attempt self-medication (or should I say self-justification?), get yourself the high-fat, real dark chocolate, which can contain two to three times as much of these compounds per ounce, compared to milk chocolate. Watch the scales, though.

Post from: Blisstree

Chocoholics, Rejoice!