Chocolate is the "band-aid" of many situations, as it is proven to be a great stress reliever. But new studies are showing that the right type of chocolate can also provide a lot more health benefit than what you'd think. This does, however, require moderation and obtaining the right type of chocolate.
There has been a recent craze with antioxidants, which are found in green tea, wine, and other different types of healthy drinks and foods. Researchers were surprised to find that even a cup of hot cocoa has been proven to be filled with antioxidants that help the body's immune system and different functions. In addition, dark cocoa has been able to lower cholesterol and even has been linked to lower the risk of the cancer.
It's important to make the distinction between cocoa and chocolate. In the example of hot cocoa, the hot cocoa is actually made of cocoa powder while the hot chocolate is made up of chocolate bars that carry much more saturated fat. This means that the average candy bar won't likely help out too much, but a piece of dark cocoa chocolate will do wonders.
Of course, we are all aware of the stress reduction that normal chocolate takes part in. The same is true for dark chocolate made from cocoa, which in itself is a great medicine since it can help boost the immune system. Stress has also been linked to many different types of illnesses, so it's nice to have a little reduction every now and then to keep life in check and under control.
When looking for the right type of chocolate bar or confection to consume on a periodic basis, there are several things to keep in mind. The darker the chocolate, the better- this usually means more cocoa and less saturated fat. Sugar and fat are hindering regular chocolate from being the same hero as cocoa, so stay away from them where possible. Some also prefer to buy organic chocolate bars- which may be more expensive but free of any extra unnecessary products.
The real question becomes how much cocoa is the right amount per day. Luckily most types of chocolate sold will come with a nutrition facts label that can help out. On average, two ounces of dark chocolate or two teaspoons of cocoa powder for use in drinks is about average. But of course, it doesn't hurt to indulge every now and then.
In Conclusion
Most things in moderation are great for you- and cocoa is a very real example of this fact. To take advantage of the antioxidant benefits of cocoa, follow the shopping tips mentioned above to ensure the best benefit to cost ratio is obtained. - 14130
There has been a recent craze with antioxidants, which are found in green tea, wine, and other different types of healthy drinks and foods. Researchers were surprised to find that even a cup of hot cocoa has been proven to be filled with antioxidants that help the body's immune system and different functions. In addition, dark cocoa has been able to lower cholesterol and even has been linked to lower the risk of the cancer.
It's important to make the distinction between cocoa and chocolate. In the example of hot cocoa, the hot cocoa is actually made of cocoa powder while the hot chocolate is made up of chocolate bars that carry much more saturated fat. This means that the average candy bar won't likely help out too much, but a piece of dark cocoa chocolate will do wonders.
Of course, we are all aware of the stress reduction that normal chocolate takes part in. The same is true for dark chocolate made from cocoa, which in itself is a great medicine since it can help boost the immune system. Stress has also been linked to many different types of illnesses, so it's nice to have a little reduction every now and then to keep life in check and under control.
When looking for the right type of chocolate bar or confection to consume on a periodic basis, there are several things to keep in mind. The darker the chocolate, the better- this usually means more cocoa and less saturated fat. Sugar and fat are hindering regular chocolate from being the same hero as cocoa, so stay away from them where possible. Some also prefer to buy organic chocolate bars- which may be more expensive but free of any extra unnecessary products.
The real question becomes how much cocoa is the right amount per day. Luckily most types of chocolate sold will come with a nutrition facts label that can help out. On average, two ounces of dark chocolate or two teaspoons of cocoa powder for use in drinks is about average. But of course, it doesn't hurt to indulge every now and then.
In Conclusion
Most things in moderation are great for you- and cocoa is a very real example of this fact. To take advantage of the antioxidant benefits of cocoa, follow the shopping tips mentioned above to ensure the best benefit to cost ratio is obtained. - 14130
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