It's no secret that chocolate is a favorite among just about everyone imaginable. But the real kicker is that cocoa is now being said to be incredibly beneficial to one's health if used properly. This new look at a stress-relieving creature comfort is now the perfect excuse to indulge in a little guilty cocoa enjoyment.
There has been a recent craze with antioxidants, which are found in green tea, wine, and other different types of healthy drinks and foods. Researchers were surprised to find that even a cup of hot cocoa has been proven to be filled with antioxidants that help the body's immune system and different functions. In addition, dark cocoa has been able to lower cholesterol and even has been linked to lower the risk of the cancer.
It's important to make the distinction between cocoa and chocolate. In the example of hot cocoa, the hot cocoa is actually made of cocoa powder while the hot chocolate is made up of chocolate bars that carry much more saturated fat. This means that the average candy bar won't likely help out too much, but a piece of dark cocoa chocolate will do wonders.
Of course, we are all aware of the stress reduction that normal chocolate takes part in. The same is true for dark chocolate made from cocoa, which in itself is a great medicine since it can help boost the immune system. Stress has also been linked to many different types of illnesses, so it's nice to have a little reduction every now and then to keep life in check and under control.
The shopping trip to the grocery store in search of the right type of chocolate will require two bits of knowledge. First, saturated fat levels should be as low as possible, and next that sugar levels should follow suit. This is usually going to be a tell-tale sign, judging by the color of the chocolate. A darker chocolate usually indicates a cocoa powder base, which is healthier than the counterpart.
The real question becomes how much cocoa is the right amount per day. Luckily most types of chocolate sold will come with a nutrition facts label that can help out. On average, two ounces of dark chocolate or two teaspoons of cocoa powder for use in drinks is about average. But of course, it doesn't hurt to indulge every now and then.
In Conclusion
Most things in moderation are great for you- and cocoa is a very real example of this fact. To take advantage of the antioxidant benefits of cocoa, follow the shopping tips mentioned above to ensure the best benefit to cost ratio is obtained. - 16004
There has been a recent craze with antioxidants, which are found in green tea, wine, and other different types of healthy drinks and foods. Researchers were surprised to find that even a cup of hot cocoa has been proven to be filled with antioxidants that help the body's immune system and different functions. In addition, dark cocoa has been able to lower cholesterol and even has been linked to lower the risk of the cancer.
It's important to make the distinction between cocoa and chocolate. In the example of hot cocoa, the hot cocoa is actually made of cocoa powder while the hot chocolate is made up of chocolate bars that carry much more saturated fat. This means that the average candy bar won't likely help out too much, but a piece of dark cocoa chocolate will do wonders.
Of course, we are all aware of the stress reduction that normal chocolate takes part in. The same is true for dark chocolate made from cocoa, which in itself is a great medicine since it can help boost the immune system. Stress has also been linked to many different types of illnesses, so it's nice to have a little reduction every now and then to keep life in check and under control.
The shopping trip to the grocery store in search of the right type of chocolate will require two bits of knowledge. First, saturated fat levels should be as low as possible, and next that sugar levels should follow suit. This is usually going to be a tell-tale sign, judging by the color of the chocolate. A darker chocolate usually indicates a cocoa powder base, which is healthier than the counterpart.
The real question becomes how much cocoa is the right amount per day. Luckily most types of chocolate sold will come with a nutrition facts label that can help out. On average, two ounces of dark chocolate or two teaspoons of cocoa powder for use in drinks is about average. But of course, it doesn't hurt to indulge every now and then.
In Conclusion
Most things in moderation are great for you- and cocoa is a very real example of this fact. To take advantage of the antioxidant benefits of cocoa, follow the shopping tips mentioned above to ensure the best benefit to cost ratio is obtained. - 16004
