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Has redemption finally come for Chocoholics ?
Chocolate.Could any one ingredient be more glorius ? Doubtful. Chocolate inspires nearly everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest grandfather.Here's what you need to know to get the most from your chocolate experience. After hundreds of scientific studies, there is no evidence that chocolate is an immediate cause for obesity. The total number of calories consumed, the digestion of those calories and the balance consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and fats play the predominant role in the prevention of obesity.
At last comes news to sweeten the sorrow. As it turns out, chocolate may be good for you. A slew of recent studies have shown that this gastronomical delight, long disdained for its fat and sugar, is packed with antioxidants, molecules that seem to protect against heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants move through the body soaking up free radicals--substances that, when left unchecked, can damage cells, leading to disease. It has long been known that people who eat antioxidant-rich diets have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Until recently, though, the bulk of antioxidants were thought to come from traditional good-for-you foods like fruits and vegetables. Then tea and red wine were unearthed as potent sources of antioxidants. Now it's chocolate's turn for the limelight.
Nutritious or Not ?
Depending on the type of recipe chocolates contain Vitamins like Vitamin A, B complex, D & E. Cocoa and chocolate contain a host of minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, Phosphorous, Zinc, Manganese. Chocolate contain more than 300 known chemicals and chemical substances which may explain some of the pleasurable sensations. Chocolate and cocoa contain valuable nutrients and in moderation form part of a balanced diet.
Chocolate – Good for the Blood ?
Antioxidants in chocolate can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, according to experts.
Chocolate – Naughty or Nice?
Chocolate contain many substances that can actually improve your mental well being. Chocolate contains endorphins which has a ‘feel good’ effect on the brain.
Chocolate – Au Lait ?
As long as you don’t eat chocolate covered sweets or candies containing a lot of Sugar, chocolate contains substances that actually reduce the kinds of bacteria causing tooth decay.
Storage
Store chocolate in a cool, dry place in its original wrapping or wrapped in foil. Avoid storing chocolate in the refrigerator. Milk and white chocolates will keep this way for about a year. The darker varieties will keep for several years.
Chocolate Tasting
If you are a confirmed chocoholic or a serious bystander, learning about chocolate can best be done by tasting. There are three elements that come together in a fine chocolate : How quickly chocolate melts in the mouth, the smoothness of the chocolate across the tongue and the intensity of the flavour. You will be evaluating all these elements in your tasting.
Top Antioxidant Foods
ORAC* Units per 100 grams
Dark Chocolate 13,120
Milk Chocolate 6,740
Prunes 5,770
Raisins 2,830
Blueberries 2,400
Blackberries 2,036
Kale 1,770
Strawberries 1,540
Spinach 1,260
Raspberries 1,220
Brussel Sprouts 980
Plums 949
Alfalfa Sprouts 930
Broccoli Florets 890
Oranges 750
Red Grapes 739
Red Bell Pepper 710
Cherries 670
Onion 450
Corn 400
Eggplant 390
*ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a measure of the ability of the foods to subdue harmful oxygen free radicals that can damage our bodies.
Source: Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Journal of the American Chemical Society
