Facts About Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is made from cocoa, a powder extracted from cocoa beans that are grown in humid climates. Cocoa is a rich source of flavonoids, specifically epicatechins and procyanidins (try saying those names three times fast!). These flavonoids belong to a group called polyphenols and are potent antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. This protection can help prevent aging, various types of cancer and dangerous heart and cardiovascular diseases. Other sources of polyphenols include red wine, tea and berries—the news just gets better and better, right?

The Truth About Heart Health
Dark chocolate similarly has positive effects on our ticker. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can help increase the diameter of important arteries, thereby preventing dangerous arterial constriction. Similar studies have also found that dark chocolate increases vasomotility (the actual movement of blood) and prevents dangerous platelet clots.
In addition, consumption of dark chocolate can increase the total amount of HDL (“good cholesterol”) in your blood while simultaneously decreasing LDL (“bad cholesterol”).

Now, some of you may be thinking, “Doesn’t chocolate contain saturated fat?” You’re right—it does. While many types of saturated fat have been associated with poor cardiovascular health because they can elevate LDL and total cholesterol in the blood, one of the predominant types in chocolate (stearic acid) does not have these effects. While research into stearic acid is still being conducted, it is likely not one of the saturated fat “bad guys.” Stay tuned!

The Truth About Nutrients
Need more convincing? Dark chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium and copper, providing about 9 percent and 30 percent of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), respectively, in only a 100-calorie serving.

Magnesium is important for energy production and protein synthesis, and copper is needed for brain development and glucose metabolism. Therefore, foods that are good sources of both nutrients are valuable to our overall health. Dark chocolate is also a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber, so…eat up!


What About Milk Chocolate?
Milk chocolate does not have the same health perks as dark chocolate. The darker variety has two to three times the amount of cocoa as milk chocolate, and this bitter powder is the key to all the listed health benefits. Thus, go for darker varieties the majority of the time.

A Choco-LOT of Opportunities

Need a few fun ways to indulge on the dark side? Try these suggestions:
• Grab a bar of dark chocolate on your next shopping trip! Look for 70 percent or more cacao to reap more of the health benefits. Note: keep an eye on serving sizes; 1 ounce (about the size of a credit card) is an appropriate serving at approximately 150 calories.

• Instead of enjoying plain ol’ oatmeal, mix in some cocoa powder. About 1 to 2 teaspoons per ½ cup of oats is all you need.

• For your next family dinner or potluck, whip up my Dark Chocolate Fondue With Fresh Fruit. Because dark chocolate and berries are both great sources of polyphenols, you’ll be giving your body a double dose of antioxidant power!

Sources:
Corti, R., Flammer, A.J., Hollenberg, N.K. & Luscher, T.F. (2009). Cocoa and cardiovascular health. Circulation, 119, 1433 – 1441.
Flammer, A.J., Hermann, F., Sudano, I., Spieker, L., Hermann, M., Cooper, K.A., Serafini, M., Luscher, T.F., Ruschitzka, F., Noll, G. & Corti, R. (2007). Dark chocolate improves       coronary vasomotion and reduces platelet reactivity. Circulation, 116(21), 2376-2382.
Katz, D.L., Doughty, K. & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease.Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 15 (10), 2779 – 2811.

The Health and Benefits of Sugar Cane

Sugarcane is a form of grass that belongs to Poaceae family. It is native to the regions of the Old World, ranging from warm temperate ones to tropical ones. They are rich in sugar and today, are being grown in over 200 countries of the world. In 2005, Brazil was the largest producer of sugarcane. 

Hidden Benefits of Sugarcane

It might seem like an unlikely suggestion from your dentist, but the juice from sugarcane is actually looked upon as a good way to prevent tooth decay. Sugarcane has a slight rep for being overly sweet, but there is less sugar from the cane than in a can of soda. Mixed with flavors, such as lime or raspberry, a new following is achieved.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Sugarcanes  

• If you have been exposed to heat and physical activity for too long, drink sugarcane juice. It will help hydrate the body quickly.

• Sugarcane, being low on glycemic index, helps keep the body fit and healthy.

• Sugarcane juice is an excellent substitute for aerated drinks and cola.

• Sugarcane provides glucose to the body, which is stored as glycogen and burned by the muscles, whenever they require energy. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the best sources of energy.

• Traditionally, drinking sugar cane juice is good to ‘cool’ down the body especially during hot, humid weather like what we have here.

• As sugarcane consists of carbohydrates, in good quantities, it serves to refresh and energize the body. It supplies instant energy to working muscles and for this reason, it is also known to maximize performance in sports and endurance.

• Sugarcane juice has been found to be very beneficial for preventing as well as treating sore throat, cold and flu.

• Since sugarcane has no simple sugar, it can be enjoyed by diabetics without any fear. However, they intake should still be limited for people suffering from type-2 diabetes.

• Being alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps the body in fighting against cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer.

• Sugarcane is believed to strengthen stomach, kidneys, heart, eyes, brain, and sex organs.

• Sugarcane clears the urinary flow and also helps the kidney to perform its functions smoothly.

• Sugarcane juice has been found to be good for those who are suffering from febrile disorders.
Febrile disorders are responsible for causing fevers, which can result in a great amount of protein loss from the body. Liberal consumption of sugar cane juice provides the necessary protein and other food elements to the body.

• Sugarcane is beneficial for micturation, caused due to high acidity, along with genorrhoea, enlarged prostate, cyctitis and nepthritis. Mixing sugarcane juice with lime juice, ginger juice and coconut water will give better results.

• Sugarcane juice is said to speed up the recovery process after jaundice.

• Sugarcane is also good for digestion, as it can effectively work as a mild laxative because of its high potassium content.

• fresh raw sugar cane has less calories than refined sugar or syrup

• it is pretty good for digestion and can also work as a mild laxative due to its high potassium content.

• It is also high in magnesium, calcium and riboflavin (Vitamin B2).

• Best of all is that the fresh sugar cane juice is sweet to drink but it is not as bad / unhealthy as drinking syrup!