CHOCOLATE WONDERS!!!!!

Chocolate …the word immediately allures my taste buds  n my mouth starts watering  so would be the case with  almost all chocolate lovers. Here is a small revelation of  few facts as to why chocolate lovers should not feel guilty for their addiction to ummmm…CHOCOLATE

 

• Chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation. These pleasurable experiences stimulate the body to produce a powerful antibody called secretory immuno globulin A, which strengthens the immune system.
• The Cocoa bean is said to  contain 50% fat.Since it is a plant poduct  cocoa butter and chocolate do not contain cholestrol and hence there is has an edge over animal fats.( Mind you…this doesn’t mean excess of it will be beneficial) 
• Cocoa beans are rich in antioxidants -contain polyphenols (similar to those found in wine)  which are health beneficial. These compounds are called flavonoids and include catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins. The flavinoids also reduce the blood’s ability to clot and thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks
• If you’re tired, simply reach for a chocolate. Chocolate contains a neurotransmitter, serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant which helps in relieving PMS Symptoms (works on me;)), while its other properties also have a stimulating effect. 
• Chocolate is not high in caffeine. Theobromine is a very mild stimulant with a mild diuretic action (increases the production of urine).
• Cocoa also contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium,zinc,copper and iron. and vitamins too.

Well all these properties hold true for unprocessed, unsweetened dark chocolate.What we get in the market is usually the sweetened variety or chocolate with other additives like milk fats and solids, emulsifiers, artificial flavours, caramel,nuts etc which leaves the original chocolate with only 15-20% of the cocoa solids. Nevertheless, even sweetened dark chocolate is better than its counterpart ( milk chocolates) .So it is better to consume dark chocolate with hot or cold milkJ and try out making chocolate at home that contain a higher % of dark chocolate!! Oh and for the Cadbury lovers, heres a piece of goodnews…the new “Cadbury lite”  with No added sugar has recently been launched to thrill your tastebuds!