What Does a Person Really Want for Valentine’s Day? — Chocolate

Thursday, February 14th, 2008

Love notes and roses are romantic on Valentine’s Day, but nothing matches the gift of chocolate for that special loved one. Studies have shown that chocolate, particularly dark chocolate is great for your physical well-being and it also has many psychological benefits as well. Chocolate is a wonderful thing, and many people agree, considering it as an $11 billion a year industry in the US alone.

valentine-chocolateDark chocolate is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. In fact cocoa has about twice the antioxidants of red wine in up to three times the amount found in green tea. These antioxidants have been shown to help prevent heart disease and cancer. The flavonoids in rich dark chocolate also promote blood flow, which could lead to a little romance.

Chocolate has great psychological benefits as well. It is said that chocolate stimulates serotonin, a chemical in the brain that controls your moods. What a wonderful tasting instant mood enhancer. When was the last time you saw anybody in a bad mood while eating chocolate.

Chocolate has also been used as an aphrodisiac. Flavonoid rich dark chocolate promotes blood flow which can stimulate a little romance. Throughout history chocolate has been used specifically for this purpose. Casanova, whose name is synonymous with the art of seduction, apparently used chocolate as a pre-seduction brew. The ancient Aztecs harvested chocolate for their king Montezuma. He drank dark chocolate throughout the day to heighten his libido.

If you have a love note, roses, lingerie or something else special for your loved one on Valentine’s Day that’s great. But don’t forget that big heart-shaped box of chocolate.

theacorn.com

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Another Benefit Is Seen in Buying Organic Produce

Friday, August 3rd, 2007

organic nutritionIs organic food really more nutritious? Many people choose organic fruits and vegetables to avoid pesticides and other chemicals. Now there is another reason to buy organic. A new study found that organically grown tomatoes have a higher level of flavonoids. These flavonoids help protect against cardiovascular disease.

So what are the possible explanations of organic foods having more flavonoids? Organic farms have more fertile soil. They gradually improve the soil by letting organic matter accumulate with compost and manure. The study also said that flavonoids are produced by plants to ward off pests. So with the increased pressure on organic pants to ward off pests the result is more flavonoids.

Nutrition and your health must be the first priority in ones life. Organic food not only tastes better, but it is truly better for your health. This is another reason to go organic and love it.

New York Times

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