 |
||||
You Food: Dark Chocolate One sweet cholesterol fighter aims to bring its antioxidants to the sweet-toothed set and beyond. 
Bio Chocolate comes from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree, native to Central and South America. The Aztecs, who levied their taxes in cacao beans, used the beans to brew a hot-cocoa-like beverage believed to have restorative properties. Chocolate as its known today is a result of adding cocoa butter to the roasted and ground beans, which allows it to set in a bar form. Health Benefits Dark chocolate contains procyanidins and epicatechins, flavonoids that are part of the polyphenol antioxidant group. A mouthful, we know. But know that a mouthful of dark chocolate can help ward off free radicals that may cause cancer or cardiovascular disease. Studies also suggest that dark chocolate may decrease the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase blood flow and reduce the risk of clots. And it may come as no surprise that chocolate boosts endorphins – logical explanation for the large number of proclaimed “chocoholics.” It’s a false belief that chocolate causes obesity. While it can be high in calories, it’s only a part of the total amount of food eaten, which along with exercise and genetics helps gauge whether a person will gain weight or not. Also, it helps to remember that most “chocolate” bars come full of caramel, nuts and other ingredients, which heavily skew the fat and caloric content. How to Shop Look for chocolate that is 70 percent cocoa or more – the darker the better. Flavonoids contribute to chocolate’s pigment, so the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidant power it has. Also, be sure it is made with cocoa butter and not fats like palm or coconut oil. Eat Ideas If you need to have chocolate every day, go ahead. And don’t worry about spending a few dollars on a fancy bar, either. Just allow yourself one square off the bar per day – this helps you satisfy your craving in a controlled manner. Afraid of going overboard? Eat a piece of fruit before you bite into your chocolate to help quell your sweet tooth. Melt some chocolate in a double boiler for an indulgent alternative to sugar- or cream-based fruit dip. Beyond Food The Spa at the Hershey Hotel in chocolate capital Hershey, Pa., offers the ultimate sweet treatment: chocolate fondue wraps, whipped cocoa baths, chocolate hydrotherapy, cocoa massage, cocoa butter scrub – you get the drift. If there’s a beauty product out there, you can find it in a chocolate variety. From moisturizers to body scrubs, bath bars and even fragrances, chocolate beauty products definitely are in demand. Recipe There’s nothing like a hot bowl of chili on a cold day, and a little bit of chocolate makes it all the more sweeter. It may sound odd, but give this recipe a whirl the next time you’re in the kitchen and you’ll learn again why chocolate is one of life’s sweet little treasures. Chili con Chocolate 4 slices bacon, diced 2 tbsp. oil 1 c. chopped onion 1 lb. ground beef 28 oz. can tomatoes 1 - 3 tbsp. chili powder 1 tbsp. ground unsweetened chocolate 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. cumin 1/4 tsp. pepper 16 oz. can kidney beans 1/2 c. chopped green pepper In a heavy saucepan, sauté bacon; stir in oil and onion. Add meat and cook until brown. Add tomatoes, chili powder, ground chocolate, garlic salt, cumin, and pepper; heat to boiling. Add kidney beans and green pepper. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Courtesy www.cooks.com |
||||
|
||||
