Chocolate is one of those universal foods, found in most cultures around the world. If you are like me, you LOVE the flavor, texture, aroma and uplifting effects chocolate has on the senses. And, no doubt, if you are reading this article you have some interest in this amazing cacao bean. Chocolate is found in virtually every kind of dessert, candy and packaged food products. But there is nothing quite like making your very own chocolate at home from scratch. It can be a pleasant way to spend time with your kids, as you undertake the project together and share the delights of your creation at the end. Home-made chocolate doesn't quite compare to the store bought variety. You get to put in the most important ingredient of all, your love and care!
In addition, making your own chocolate is a way for you to control the ingredients that go into it. I personally prefer to use high quality organic cacao powder that retains more of the nutritional qualities that pure chocolate is known for. Yes, that's right chocolate is good for you! This is especially the case when you eat chocolate closer to its natural state with minimal processing. There are, of course, low quality chocolate bars and refined desserts that use chocolate as an ingredient, but these types of chocolaty foods cannot really be considered a health food by any stretch of the imagination. Just like any food high in nutrients and health benefits, minimal processing is required to reap the positive returns. When you eat high quality chocolate, but eat it in pastries and cakes you need to do so in moderation if you want to maintain a fit and physical active body.
Health Benefits of Chocolate:
~High in Antioxidants - It is one of the highest antioxidant sources of any foods known, helping to counter the effects of dangerous free radicals. They are one of the super foods used to promote a happy long life.
~Makes you feel good - releases certain neurotransmitters and phyto-chemicals that activate the emotion of "euphoria", which elevate the mood.
~Good for the Heart - It doesn't raise cholesterol, in fact is "opens the heart". Through its combination of anadamide, trypotophan, serotonin and phenylethylamine (PEA) compounds, chocolate gives one a feeling of "falling in love". In addition, it contains theobromine, which promotes the dilation of the blood and cardiovascular system.
~Energizes - Although cacao is not a high source of caffeine, it contains minor amounts comparable to decaf coffee. Raw chocolate is an excellent delivery vehicle for herbs and other nutrients when blended into a shake or drink.
~Contains high amounts of Magnesium - This alkaline mineral is commonly deficient in most people and could be part of the reason why PMS women crave chocolate!
~High in other nutrients - cacao itself contains a number of minerals including: Iron, Zinc, Vit C, Copper, Manganese, and Chromium. It is also high in fiber and Omega fatty acids.
When you eat high quality chocolate closer to its natural state, you will notice that you only need a small amount before you have had enough. This is because your body is nutritional satisfied and it fills you up so you don't need to worry about overindulging! The cause of most food related health concerns is usually due to over eating a particular food. So, yes, eat chocolate and come up with creative ways to use it in its most pure form, but, like any food, be careful not to overindulge especially when other decadent ingredients are involved.
Marissa Alderwood is a gourmet cook, author, yoga instructor, and internet entrepreneur. Come visit her latest website over at [http://www.wusthofknifesets.org] providing info, styles and sources for Wusthof knife sets [http://www.wusthofknifesets.org] because good cooks need good knives!