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Blog18: Bitter Sweet Treat: Dark Chocolates

CHOCOLATES...OMG!!
Whenever I think about chocolates my taste buds get active and my saliva starts rolling. I guess it’s the same with everyone of us. From the time we start understanding our taste buds, chocolate is the most common food we crave for and this craving continues even as we age.
People have different choices in chocolates such as milky, cadbury, liquor-filled chocolates, dark chocolate, candies, bars etc. But in all these Dark Chocolate is the most nutritious. In 100 grams bar, it contains 50-70% cocoa and 11 grams of fibre. It also has plenty of iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. However, one should consume it in moderation.
Dark chocolate no longer has to be the forbidden fruit! Next time you indulge yourself to a piece of creamy dark chocolate, don’t feel so guilty. Researchers have found that this bittersweet treat is a tool for good health!
 
 
The latest studies, find that dark chocolate may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, due to its rich concentration of flavonoids. These compounds are antioxidants, helping to rid our bodies of disease causing agents. The cocoa from the cacao bean, from which dark chocolate is made, contains these powerful substances. You might be surprised to hear that dark chocolate may contain more flavonoids than black tea, red wine, and even apples, in certain proportions!
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants. Dark chocolate has the type of fat in chocolate may actually increase the good HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and will not increase the bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood.
  
Dark Chocolate is known to be high in mood-boosting chemicals and help reduce the symptoms of depression. As we talk about the taste buds when the taste buds are stimulated with pleasurable flavors, there are endorphins released in the brain. These endorphins are the feel-good compounds of the body. Chocolate contains chemicals that cause the brain to release compounds that trigger the ‘feeling of love’.
Unfortunately, white chocolate and milk chocolate do not provide the same health benefits. In addition, recent research indicates that the consumption of milk with dark chocolate may interfere with the absorption of the antioxidants. So when enjoying this tasty treat, eat it with a glass of water and save the milk for your cereal. It's also important to consume it with moderation.
  
While heart healthy, dark chocolate is also calorie dense; therefore, limit your daily intake. Instead of eating the entire Dark Chocolate Bar, treat yourself to two squares for a day well done! This way, you still get the healthy benefits while keeping your waistline slim and savoring the chocolate all week long!

 
Thank You!!
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