|
| Why We Love Chocolate |
This month we're focusing on one of today's hottest trends...chocolate. Not because it's tastefully decadent or visually stimulating, but because it's one of nature's superfoods. As high in antioxidants as green tea or red wine, chocolate is good for the body and soul. Educate yourself on the many positive pleasures of chocolate and learn why your next bite of chocolate will make you just as happy as it will healthy.
Why We Love Chocolate-
Health benefits that make you want to go for that extra bite!
-Get your A, B, C’s:
Chocolate contains nutrients such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and the vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. Besides your daily dose of vitamins, cocoa is also the highest natural source of magnesium. A diet high in magnesium protects against the symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and PMS. PMS symptoms are usually caused by a drop in progesterone levels, and this drop can be significantly lessened by boosting magnesium in your diet.
-Beauty and Bon Bon’s:
Chocolate contains the flavonoids procyanidins and epicatechins. Flavonoids are part of a group of antioxidants known as polyphenols, and are found naturally in foods such as red wine, tea and fruit. Antioxidants are believed to be a “fountain of youth” because of their ability to delay processes that age the body's cells and tissues. They attack the free radicals in your bloodstream, which damage cells. Be cautious when eating your chocolate cake though, and choose the coffee over milk. Milk attaches to antioxidants, inhibiting their absorption and reducing the beneficial “anti-aging” effects found in dark chocolate.
-A Handful Is Good For The Heart:
Chocolate also has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. It consists mainly of stearic acid, a neutral saturated fat that doesn't raise your bad cholesterol (LDL). Cocoa butter, found in chocolate, contains oleic, a mono-unsaturated fat like the kind found in olive oil, which may even raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Recent research also shows that the flavonoids in chocolate encourage the function of blood vessels. A Mayo Clinic report suggests that moderate amounts of dark chocolate may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots and platelet formation in the arteries that can lead to a stroke or heart attack (similar to effects of a low-dose aspirin regimen).
-Medical marvels:
Cacao contains a number of natural stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine. Though a piece of chocolate won’t help you shed winter weight, the mild stimulants found in a cup of hot chocolate can help suppress your appetite for a short period of time. And if you’re facing the flu season, add a bar of chocolate to your medicine cabinet. Research has found that theobromine is a third more effective in suppressing persistent coughs than codeine—all the perks without the drowsy side effects or unpleasant taste!
-Get Back That Lovin’ Feeling:
Even though chocolate is not clinically known as an aphrodisiac, it does contain small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine which is a mild mood enhancer. This “happy” chemical gives you the same feeling as being in love or experiencing joy, which is why most of us reach for a bite after a stressful day. Chocolate also boosts serotonin, our brain’s natural anti-depressant, as well as endorphins, the “high” you experience after a serious trip to the gym!
While research is still being done to unravel all of chocolate’s medical mysteries, it sure does help to get rid of that small cloud of guilt you feel when immersing yourself in your second decadent truffle or delightful piece of fudge that day!
After you've ordered your daily dose of chocolate, you should know the best way to store it. Chocolate Season chocolates should be stored in a cool, dry place, like an air-conditioned room. If you must refrigerate the chocolate, allow them to warm gradually before eating. Refrigeration can mask the chocolate's flavor and the texture will be less than perfect. Bringing the chocolate to room temperature after refrigeration can also affect the chocolate's outward appearance.
If you’ve been able to resist our confections for more than 10 minutes, then congratulations! Now you’re probably wondering how long you can savor them before you need to replenish your supply. Since we don't use any preservatives, our fresh, all-natural ganache tastes best within a week of its arrival. While the chocolate will still taste delicious after that first week, the many subtle flavor combinations will be gradually dampened over time. We suggest you purchase Chocolate Season chocolates in small quantities frequently, rather than large quantities rarely.
Start Shopping Now... |
|
|
|
 |
Omaha Chocolate, Nebraska Chocolate, Catering, Desserts, truffles, wedding caterer, omaha caterer, catering in Omaha |
| |
|
