Read 53 times since Tuesday, August 02, 2011
The cocoa bean comes from the cacao tree, which is grown in deep tropics of South America. These amazing trees are responsible for providing us with the sweet candy we have all come to love.
Recent studies have shown that the chocolate has some astounding health benefits; it has actually been found to be the single most exciting health food. When it comes to impact and facility to brain functions it is second only to fresh wild salmon.
This does not mean you should go out and start loading up on candy bars. The fact of the matter is these treats are not good for you; the amount of coco-bean (the part will all the nutrients) is so minimal and processed that there is not a lot of nutrients left.
Common candy bars are usually packed with unhealthy substances like sugars, milk fats, and artificial flavorings all of which impact your body and health in a negative way. However, making at home treats can be a delicious and fun way to get the benefits of the coco bean without all the negative commercial additives.
70 percent dark chocolate or higher percentages will start working wonders for your brain and health. You can also try getting straight coco powder: the unprocessed kind that way you will be retaining all of those delicious nutrients.
Dark chocolate or more specifically the cocoa bean contains epicatechin: a flavonoid that is linked to cardiovascular health and good cholesterol. Implementing this into your diet via healthy wholegrain cakes and low fat cookies can be a great way to lower your bad cholesterol.
The cocoa bean also contains a high content of healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid, it plays huge role in brain development and preservation.
Omega-3 is not made in the body like other fatty acids; therefore we must get it through the foods we eat. Getting dark chocolates in our diets could actually make you smarter, while preventing diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive enhancement is only one of the functions this little bean will do, it has also been shown to greatly affect mood. Cocoa, when ingested, releases a chemical called serotonin in our brain; this makes us feel good and happy.
Serotonin is responsible for the regulation of mood, appetite and sleep. Getting the proper amount of serotonin is essential for your wellbeing.
Dark chocolates and Cocoa is also backed with anti-oxidants. These will decrease your levels of inflammation, thus keeping you healthier.
The cocoa bean is considered a "super food" because of its vast array of health benefits. Eating a dark chocolate bar once a week may be bitter, but it provides your body with many elements essential for wellbeing. Destry Masterson is a health and nutrition expert. She publishes articles for http://www.dailybread.com and recommends them for food storage.
Contact Info:
Destry Masterson - MyOnlineArticleWriting@gmail.com - Twitter: @DestryMasterson
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