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People tend to talk about chocolate and its nutritional facets and in the end, people tend to conclude that because of its many ingredients that are not considered healthy, chocolate then is also not nutritious. However, this popular notion may not be entirely true.

Chocolate, according to some, contains certain nutrients. These nutrients are good for the body provided that they are eaten in small amounts only. After all, anything taken excessively is not always ideal. Excessive amounts of chocolate in your system can be harmful to your health and can even cause the build up of cholesterol and fats and this, as we all know, cause weight gain. Bear in mind, that if you must eat large amounts of chocolate, you have to “balance it out” with other food.

Chocolate contains stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that is commonly found in cocoa butter. Of course, saturated fat is not healthy. However, compared to other types of fat, stearic acid does not increase your blood cholesterol as rapidly. In fact, stearic acid may even help your heart.

The protein in chocolate is another reason as to why this sweet stuff can be healthy for a person. Generally, chocolate bars contain three to four grams of protein and we know that protein is helpful to the human body.

The antioxidants found in chocolates (flavanoids) are also found to prevent cancer as well as thwart age-related diseases. Flavanoids can also accordingly lower blood cholesterol levels and help keep the blood levels at normal rates.

Did you know chocolates also have copper, calcium and magnesium? Most, if not all, people probably do not know that chocolate has these ingredients!

One has to familiarize him or herself with the various types of chocolates, to know what’s good and what’s not. Compared to other types of chocolate that have too much saturated fat, dark chocolate is popularly known to contain the “ideal ingredients”.

Given these facts, people’s outlook on chocolates has changed. Instead of labeling it as purely junk food, chocolate may now be considered as health food. This is because of the ingredients of chocolate that actually carry good results for the human body. These ingredients can help with heart problems, blood pressure and other health-related concerns.

Hence, to partake of chocolates is not bad after all! Health junkies need not stay away from them and people with that sweet tooth need not give them up. Chocolates can be healthy. Just remember to eat them in moderation.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: antioxidants, blood pressure, cholesterol, cocoa butter, dark chocolate, flavanoids, magnesium, Nutrition & Health

Chocolate is not just a tasty treat. Chocolate is actually healthy for you in small quantities. Researchers have spent many years studying this delicious food (what a fun thing to research!) These researchers have found that dark chocolate, which is bitterer in taste than milk chocolate or other forms of chocolate, has a number of benefits to health. Dark chocolate, red wine and green tea have all been shown to share many of the same health benefits.

Antioxidants are to be found in dark chocolate, and one of the benefits of antioxidants is their cancer-fighting properties. Other health benefits that have been connected to dark chocolate include

• a tremendous improvement in the work of the arteries and blood vessels; the lowering if high blood pressure,
  a lower incidence of deaths related to heart disease;
• improved efficiency of the endothelial cells;
• better digestive process and increased stimulation of the kidneys.

Flavonoids found in chocolate have been found to help people who suffer from anemia, a poor appetite and kidney stones. Dark chocolate is instrumental in fighting bad cholesterol in the blood vessels and it lowers blood pressure and greatly improves the circulation of blood from the heart to the brain and then back again.

Dark chocolate is believed to set off a biochemical effect in the brain that helps to clot the blood much in the same way as aspirin does if a person suspects that they are suffering a heart attack.

Dark chocolate contains the minerals copper and magnesium. These minerals are necessary for a normal functioning heartbeat and for stable blood pressure.

There are potential downsides: be aware that chocolate is fattening, and it contains caffeine so never overdo a good thing!

Not just any dark chocolate will do. In order to get the dark chocolate, experts say that the very best source is the dried extract of roasted cocoa beans. If you cannot consume chocolate this way or if it is not for you then the second best option is to eat a small chocolate bar that is approximately 1.6 ounces. This is just enough chocolate to keep the heart as healthy as possible and to keep the blood vessels opened wide, allowing blood to freely circulate.

There are many dark chocolate bars on the market but one of the best in terms of high cocoa content is the Dove Dark chocolate bar. Even eating a few tiny pieces, such as three or four squares broken off from a chocolate bar can be of tremendous benefit to the heart.

Keep in mind that eating any type of chocolate is not enough to keep the heart “heart healthy.” What you need to eat specifically is dark chocolate as dark chocolate has the most cocoa in it and the most flavonoids.

Before it was discovered that cocoa contained healthy substances called flavonoids, chocolate manufacturers used to destroy this entire important ingredient in the processing. Now that the health benefits are known, they work hard to maintain an estimated 95 percent of it after processing.

Why just dark chocolate? Because milk chocolate, white chocolate, and other forms of chocolate do not have the same level of flavonoids. If you find dark chocolate too bitter then consider buying a dark chocolate bar that contains almonds or raisins or both to add a little more variety to the flavor.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: almonds, antioxidants, caffeine, cholesterol, cocoa beans, dark chocolate, flavonoids, Food Cures, green tea, magnesium, red wine

Are you one of those people who impatiently wait for spring to arrive? Does the gloom of winter months and cloudy days depress you and sap your energy? Many Americans suffer from a condition aptly named Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are many ways of fighting SAD and they all can be effective in treating depression and stress at any time of the year. Here are a few tips to make your day a little brighter, happier, and healthier.

1. Spend 15 minutes longer in the shower and use an expensive soap or body wash. Or, take a relaxing, soothing bubble bath with mood lighting and a soothing scent in your bath. Vanilla and lavender scents are excellent for easing tension and relieving depression.
2. Sing! Yes sing, with the radio, your iPod, or your favorite record, tape or CD. Sing at the top of your lungs with gusto and enjoyment! Sing for at least five minutes and don’t worry about the neighbors. If you sound great, you will entertain them and make them smile, if you are terrible or just think you are, you could give them a good laugh, which can help ease their stress and depression.
3. If you are a grandparent, take one of your grandchildren for a walk. Let them spend the night, or just let them sit on your lap and listen to them talk. Warm hugs, happy chatter, and the warmth of a child in your lap will cheer up nearly everyone. If they are small, look into their eyes and feel the miracle of life. If they are older, let them help you make cookies or bake a cake.
4. Sleep in! If you are not working, sleep in instead of setting the alarm. If you are still working, choose one of the weekend days and turn the alarm clock off and enjoy a little extra time in bed. It sometimes feels good to ignore habits and allow yourself an indulgence.
5. Speaking of indulgence, eat a little dark chocolate. New research has proven dark chocolate is actually good for us. Break off a piece and allow it to dissolve slowly in your mouth. Enjoy the flavor, experience the feel and taste of it on your tongue. Allow yourself to be in the moment! Remind yourself that a small amount of dark chocolate is now considered good for you!
6. Watch a comedy, or play your favorite movie. Be sure to choose a happy one, a movie that will make you smile or laugh out loud will do wonders for stress and depression. Watch reruns of I Love Lucy, Full House, or Three’s Company, they will take you back to a happier time and lift depression.
7. Make yourself a cup of tea with lots of lemon. Sit in your favorite chair and enjoy the warmth of a sunny spot in your home. Smell the wonderful aroma of the lemon and tea, tasted it, sip it slowly and savor the taste of it on your tongue.
8. Send flowers to a special friend or to yourself! The flowers will remind you of spring, new growth and remind you winter and depression will both pass with time.

Have fun, indulge yourself, and laugh. All of these suggestions will help you age healthier and keep your body young.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Depression.

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Tags: dark chocolate, Depression, sleep, stress