Health Resources
Chocolate Health
Besides satisfying cravings and tasting delicious, chocolate has some surprising health benefits. The secret lies in the very foundation of real chocolate – the cocoa bean.
Antioxidants in Chocolate
 Cocoa plants grow in warm, tropical climates. As a result, the hearty cocoa bean (also called cacao) developed the ability to protect itself from the harsh environment by producing natural chemicals called antioxidants. When we eat chocolate, which is made from the cocoa bean, our body gets the benefits of those natural antioxidants called flavanoids. Flavanoids have been shown to protect the body from the damage that causes heart disease, cancer, many illnesses, and even general aging. (For more information on antioxidants see “ORAC Tell Us What is Heart Smart”)
Chocolate, So Good and So Good for You!
While chocolate is still considered a treat that should be eaten in moderation, there have been many research studies pointing to the positive benefits of cocoa and cocoa products:
- A study in Spain reported that cocoa contained more than 600 chemicals that may help fight cancer and heart disease and could also help strengthen the immune system, fight rheumatism, and alleviate stress.
- The flavanoids in chocolate help reduce the incidence of blood clotting, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
- Subjects who drank a cocoa rich drink showed signs of smoother more glowing skin
- Research indicates that cocoa is more effective at lowering blood pressure than tea (another great source of antioxidants)
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Chocolate's Feel Good Effects
For many people the love of chocolate is more than just an appreciation for its sweet taste. Researchers have actually determined that there are chemicals in chocolate that can elevate mood. One chemical, phenylethylamine (PEA) is even linked to the feeling of falling in love. Could it be true that we really do LOVE chocolate? Many women would agree, especially when experiencing PMS.
(SOURCE)
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Chocolate Facts
- The average American consumes roughly 11.5 pounds of chocolate annually
- The medicinal use of chocolate, both as a primary remedy and as a vehicle to deliver other medicines, originated in the New World and diffused to Europe in the mid 1500s
- The main ingredients in chocolate are; chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk (only in milk chocolate).
- % Cacao is a term often used on chocolate products that indicates the percentage of ingredients that come from the cocoa bean (i.e. chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder)
- Chocolate is vegetarian-friendly and dark chocolates are often vegan-friendly
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Chocolate Resources/Articles
Chocolate USA - great resource on chocolate production along with information on the latest health findings provided by the Chocolate Council of the National Confectioners Association
Chocolate conundrum: Is it good to indulge? MSN.com article By Karen Collins, R.D.
Chocolate: Food of the gods an article from the Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor
Dark
Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate - from WebMD.com
Chocolate Shown to Combat Aging - from Consumer Health Journal
For Love and Chocolate by Elizabeth Somer, M.A.,R.D.
Chocolate Hot Links from chocolate.org
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Chocolate Quotes
I never met a chocolate I didn't like.
— Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate
now and then doesn't hurt!
— Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M.
Schulz)
Make a list of important things to do today. At the
top of your list, put "eat chocolate." Now,
you'll get at least one thing done today.
— Believed to be from Gina Hayes
I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging
process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the
chance?
— Unknown
Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t
need
an appointment....
— Anonymous
There’s more to life than chocolate, but not
right now....
— Anonymous
After about 20 years of marriage, I’m finally
starting to scratch the surface of what women want.
And I think the answer lies somewhere between conversation
and chocolate.
— Mel Gibson
Chocolate is the greatest gift to women ever created,
next to the likes of Paul Newman and Gene Kelly. It’s
something that should be had on a daily basis.
— Sandra Bullock
I probably have some sort of chocolate five times
a week. There's definitely a change it does to the chemistry
of the body. It's my favorite feeling. I live for it.
— John Travolta
Fact: Fourteen out of every ten people like chocolate.
— Anonymous
I could give up chocolate but I'm no quitter.
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Adora Calcium combines the health benefits of chocolate with the calcium and vitamin D your body needs.
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