| The health benefits of dark chocolate are derived | | | | dark chocolate were not only believed in but |
| from flavonoids which are responsible for its | | | | chocolate was considered the food of the gods. The |
| anti-oxidant action. Anti-oxidants rid the body of free | | | | Aztecs believed that the cocoa plant was a gift to |
| oxygen radicals floating around and burning up the | | | | mankind from their god Quetzalcoatl. The dark |
| body cells. These free radicals cause aging. It contains | | | | unsweetened chocolate beverage that both the |
| up to 8 times as much anti-oxidant than an equivalent | | | | Mayans and the Aztecs partook of was called |
| of strawberries. Besides the removal of anti-oxidants, | | | | xocoatl. They believed that the drink could bestow |
| flavonoids help regulate the blood pressure by the | | | | wisdom and power, that it was nourishing, |
| production of nitric oxide. Dark chocolate has also | | | | strengthening and had aphrodisiac qualities. |
| been observed to reduce the amount of LDL(bad) | | | | Since the Aztecs did not have sugar, other ways to |
| cholesterol in the body by 10%. | | | | enhance the flavor of xocoatl were used; spices, hot |
| Of the three types of fat in dark chocolate, two do | | | | chili peppers and corn meal were added for flavor. |
| not contribute to increasing the amount of dangerous | | | | To avail of the health benefits of dark chocolate, |
| cholesterol in your body, namely; oleic and stearic | | | | take it in moderation. Stuffing yourself with |
| acid. Daily consumption recommended is only 100 | | | | chocolates is not a healthy habit. In particular, |
| grams to get the health benefits of dark chocolate. | | | | sweetened chocolates produce a lot of calories that |
| If you eat more than that, you must pay back the | | | | can increase the fat retention in your body. The |
| excess energy by eating less off other foods. | | | | healthiest chocolates are those which contain plenty |
| In addition to the health benefits of dark chocolate | | | | of flavonoids. Commercially sold chocolate bars, |
| for the cardiovascular system, the hormones | | | | besides being sweetened, have varying contents of |
| endorphine, serotonin and theobromine, which are | | | | these substances. |
| derived from the chocolate, relieve depressed states, | | | | Preparing your own chocolate at home from |
| improve the congeniality and sexuality of persons. In | | | | unsweetened raw cocoa powder will be the best |
| this sense we can call chocolate a "social" food. | | | | way for you to take advantage of the health |
| Some research has even been conducted to study | | | | benefits of dark chocolate. Low-fat chocolate recipes |
| possible health benefits of dark chocolate of curing | | | | are available on the internet. Cook chocolate with just |
| malarial infections. The theory is based on the fact | | | | a touch of sweetness to combat its naturally bitter |
| that malarial mosquitoes feed on blood fats and | | | | taste. Additionally you can use dark brown sugar, |
| cholesterol. Chocolate, which adheres to cholesterol, | | | | molasses, to sweeten your chocolate dish. Brown |
| may weaken the parasite. | | | | sugars are known to be healthier to use than white |
| The cocoa plant is a heritage from the Aztecs. Even | | | | sugar. This way, you can maximize the health |
| during those ancient times, the health benefits of | | | | benefits of dark chocolate that you are going to get. |