(NaturalNews) More and more health reasons for eating dark chocolate keep coming in. Many will be pointed out here, then explained further in the sources indicated by numbers in parenthesis. But first, understand that organic dark chocolate brought into the market place under fair trade agreements is best.

Some of the major cheap chocolate producers use child slaves in Africa to pick cacao. The more dark the chocolate with less sugar, milk, and other ingredients, the closer it is to cacao. A range of at least 70% to 90% cacao in dark chocolate is both tasty and healthy.

Milk chocolate contains milk, which negates the health benefits, and sugar, which feeds cancer cells. Avoid it.

According to Dr. Debra Miller's statement in Chemistry Central Journal , "Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit' providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition." (1)

Interestingly, one doesn't have to gorge lots of chocolate every day to get the health benefits. A little treat, like a square or two daily will support good health.

A study of almost 20,000 participants in Germany concluded that those who ate 7.5 grams of dark chocolate a day received most of the heart protection benefits of chocolate. Organic dark chocolate bars are usually 100 grams. (1)

Benefits of dark chocolateCardiac and stroke protection : Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, which lowers risks of heart attacks and strokes. (1)

Reduces risk of colon cancer : Cocoa polyphenols from dark chocolate reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This was determined in a study by the Science and Technology Institute of Food and Nutrition in Spain, which was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition. (2)

Healthy fats :The fat in chocolate does little to raise cholesterol. It contains abundant oleic acid, the type of fatty acid found in olive oil, which helps prevent heart disease and promote antioxidant activity. (3)

Enhances glucose metabolism : Dark chocolate (70% plus) candy bars inhibit blood sugar issues to help prevent diabetes and obesity. How's that for a surprise! (3)

Improves mood : Studies have shown that dark chocolate contains serotonin and increases endorphin production. It's a natural anti-depressant. (4)

Improves brain function : Nottingham University professor Ian MacDonald used MRI analysis to determine improved brain activity with people who had just consumed cocoa drinks. (4) Hopefully they didn't have to undergo too many MRI scans that would fry their brains!

Eases PMS issues : Here's a hint for husbands and boyfriends to give dark chocolate to your wives and lady friends. (5)

There you have it: many reasons to enjoy organic dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao. There are brands with 80% to 90% as well. These aren't your kiddy chocolates with lots of sugar or milk or creamy nugget fillings, etc. They are semi-sweet at best.

The more bitter the better. It's not difficult to get used to if you really like chocolate. Enjoy chocolate with the knowledge that it's actually good for you.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com/031959_dark_chocolate_antioxidants.html

(2) http://www.naturalnews.com

(3) http://greenqueen.wordpress.com

(4) http://www.laurelonhealthfood.com

(5) http://www.ecomii.com
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035035_dark_chocolate_health_benefits_cacao.html#ixzz1n9EGO5jb

New study shows that Potato chips and French fries makes you fat! Well I guess that is not a surprise... but still a new study shows that it makes you fat. Is that really not obvious? Nevertheless shocking to know that we need a "study" "research" some "experts" to tell us what is not healthy and what is healthy for us to eat. Millions are being used in research of the obvious. Now we just need another new study stat tells us that eating in fast-food restaurants are not healthy. By the way I do not believe that potatoes itself are un-healhty, it's all the frying oil absorbed into the potato while cooking it that is dangerous and unhealthy, adding all the salt as well. I will mention three things that makes you fat. Nr one is: Fried food. It will not only make you fat, but it might also kill you! stay away as much a possible, you do not need to fry when you can grill. Grilled food taste better as well. Nr. Two: Chocolate (not dark chocolate) is full of fat. Small chocolate bars a few times a day can make you fat. So when you want to eat chocolate, get the dark one, full of healthy antioxidants, but still do not overeat. Nr. Three: Sugar sodas, like cola, Pepsi etc. This can cause some serious weight gain. And we do not recommend diet drinks either. Full of chemicals that we do not know the full effects off. Just drink real juice, plain clean water, tea, smoothies etc. Check our new articles about running to lose weight: Running Guide

Potent cacao flavanols from dark chocolate have proven effective in lowering the risk from heart disease and sudden heart attack in recent studies. Writing in the journal Physiology and Behavior, researchers demonstrate that antioxidants released by consumption of cocoa products can improve multiple aspects of eyesight and cognitive performance.
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