Chocolate May Get a Little More Expensive

We have all heard of Global Warming. Some have said it is being exagerated. However, many experts, such as former Vice President Al Gore, feel it is an important issue to keep watch on.

It has recently been reported that in the future, the price of chocolate may be affected and rise due to the inclimate weather and dry spells affecting the cacoa bean crops in different parts of the world. Should that occur, don't switch to the cheaper brands just because of the price. The cheaper brands don't use the best ingredients and add a lot of fillers that are of inferior quality. That is definitely not a plus factor for your health.

The good, dark chocolate will still be your best buy for taste and health benefits (check some of my past blogs for suggestions as well as the link in the side bar). Just have smaller portions if cost is a factor. Continue to make exquisite, dark chocolate your "special" treat and ENJOY!!

Have a great day,
Donna

Recent Chocolate Study

There was a recent article on Health MSN, 6/29/2006, that made this comment, ""Take two bites of chocolate, a sip of burgundy, a fillet of fish, and call me in the morning.' Wouldn't that be a great prescription?"

That may not be far off. Studies suggest that some of the food on your plates and the drinks in your glasses may not just be life-sustaining, but life preserving, too, loaded with real power to heal."

Regarding Dark Chocolate, a US study published in July in Hypertension said: Volunteers who ate just under 4 ounces of dark chocolate per day saw their high blood pressure drop by 10 points over two weeks, along with improved insulin sensitivity.

Dark Chocolate has flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. This is only applicable to DARK chocolate, not milk chocolate, with a high cacao content of over 60%. Mind you there is still the content of fat and calories, so watch your caloric intake when eating your 4 ounces of dark chocolate per day.

*Other healthful foods or what are being referred to as "nutraceuticals" in the above article---
Red wine: with flavonoids and most importantly reservatrol and tannins
Curry: curcumin (tumeric)
Cranberry juice
Green Tea:key antioxidant-epigallocatechin gallate
Garlic
Fish: Omega 3's-good quality

Enjoy good quality, very dark chocolate along with other healthful foods in your diet and enjoy.

To good eating,
Donna