"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Chocolate - another good choice. . .


Why Your Heart Loves Hershey’s by Real Age

"Something about eating chocolate . . . it has such an instant feel-good effect. And it turns out there’s a reason to feel good.

Research suggests that special antioxidants in cocoa may play a role in keeping blood pressure low.

How Low Can You Go?

At least, that is the theory coming from a study of a salt-lovin’ population in Panama. High blood pressure is virtually unheard of among the Kuna Indians. And they drink an extraordinary amount of cocoa made from lightly-processed beans. They also enjoy lots of fish and fruit -- two additional heart-healthy foods. Here’s another tasty treat that may help with hypertension.

Sweet Truths About Chocolate
Cocoa flavonoids help to widen and relax blood vessels and may activate an enzyme that helps lower blood pressure, too. But remember to be calorie wise: A little bit of chocolate goes a long way. And dark chocolate is best. Just in case you need a few more reasons to eat chocolate, here’s more good stuff:

■Chocolate can smooth your skin. Find out how a daily dose of cocoa can make skin better hydrated and less sun sensitive.
■Chocolate makes you happy. It’s not just your imagination. Find out what makes chocolate a good-mood food.

For a decadent treat, try this European-style recipe from EatingWell: Thick & Rich Hot Cocoa.

RealAge Benefit: Getting 31 milligrams of flavonoids -- like the type found in cocoa beans -- a day can make your RealAge 3.2 years younger."

References Published on 04/02/2009.

http://www.realage.com//ct/eat-smart/food-and-nutrition/tip/8435

Thought I'd share this - as I happily found this interesting.

My two favorite things chocolate and coffee - hmmmmmmmmmmmm . . .

Remember what Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get."
That says it all!

Love,
Chatty

3 comments:

ClassyChassy said...

Sometimes you get the yummy GOOD centers, and sometimes a center that is not quite 'tasty' as what you had hoped!

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

I love chocolate; in the Middle Ages after the discovery of the "New World" hot chocolate was a drink given to invalids to strengthen them...oooo I feel weak, where's my cup of cocoa!!!

^..^Corgidogmama said...

A good old Heath bar, or a Skor bar would be my ultimate favs.
McD's has some good hot chocolate now, with whip cream and syrup on top.
Good post! Bet, you're craving a little chocolate this week, aren't ya?