Dark Chocolate

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Dark chocolate is a health tonic equal to red wine and green tea.

Polyphenol antioxidants (also found in olive oil) may reduce inflammation, the risk for coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. "Blood Pressure Is Reduced and Insulin Sensitivity Increased in Glucose-Intolerant, Hypertensive Subjects after 15 Days of Consuming High-Polyphenol Dark Chocolate" http://jn.nutrition.org/content/138/9/1671.short

Theobromine (also found in tea, colas, and acai berries) is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate. Theobromine may be thought of as a weak caffeine. (Bromine is toxic to animals especially dogs.) This natural form, theorbromine, has a draining effect that may be benefitial to treat cardiac failure, which leads to and is exacerbated by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. Phenethylamine stimulates the brain to release a beta endorphin peptide, causing its analgesic effects and perceived sense of well-being. It interacts with dopamine to create pleasure. Phenethylamine is sometimes called the "fall in love" chemical. It really might heighten romantic feelings. Serotonin, endorphins and phenylethylamine are all found in chocolate and can lift the mood.

Anandamide: (dictionary entry) "a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in raw chocolate. It attaches to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (as THC)." It helps in the fight against depression and creates a "feel good" demeanor.

Epicatechin may improve blood flow and has potential to improve cardiac health. Cocoa, the major ingredient of dark chocolate, contains relatively high amounts of epicatechin and has been found to have nearly twice the antioxidant content of red wine and up to three times that of green tea in vitro.

Flavonoids are antioxicants. They are part of the polyphenol group. Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate and gives chocolate its bitter, pungent flavor. In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research indicates that flavanols have other positive influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain and heart, making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, and lowering cholesterol. Much of chocolate's health benefits are lost if treated with an alkalizing agent to create Dutch chocolate.

The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. You may know that saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and the risk for heart disease. But, research shows that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate.

Watch out for those extra ingredients that can add lots of extra fat and calories! Cheap quality chocolates contain soy and wheat, causing allergies. Don't buy chocolate that are sweetened with corn syrup or artificial flavorings or preservatives. Chewy caramel-marshmallow-nut-covered dark chocolate is by no means a heart-healthy food option.

Good quality organic dark chocolate may be sweetened with evaporated cane sugar. Enjoy moderate portions of chocolate (e.g., one ounce) a few times per week, and don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries.

Free ebook on dark chocolate: http://www.dark-chocolate-antioxidant.com/health-benefits/whats-so-good-about-dark-chocolate-for-diabetics

Raw organic chocolate include:

1. Boosts brain levels of serotonin (prozac without side effects)

2. Caffeine, but milder than the caffeine in coffee

3. Contains tryptophan and anandamide.

4. Decreases menopause and PMS symptoms

5. Helps brain function.

6. Helps control appetite and supports weight loss

7. Improves mood by producing feelings of elation and exhilaration

8. Increases energy, alertness, creativity, and improves mood.

9. Lowers blood pressure

10.May improve cardiovascular health

11.Promotes healthy blood flow thereby reducing the risk of strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks

12.Reduces cholesterol by 5-10 percent

13.Reduces the ongoing cellular and arterial damage caused by oxidative reactions.

14.Rich in Flavonoids which has a cancer-fighting antioxidant result

15.The Antioxidants decrease damaging free radicals

16.The Theobromine in cocoa has been noted as calming the coughing reflex thereby helping to stop coughing.

17.The magnesium in chocolate helps your heart and brain functions.

18.Thins the blood and performs the same anti-clotting activity

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