Chocolate News

Is dark chocolate good for you?

EATNORTH.COM The easiest answer to our initial question is yes; dark chocolate does contain a multitude of nutrients such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, as well as an abundance of antioxidants called flavonoids. Dark chocolate also has far lower levels of sugar and fat than milk and white chocolate, but as a rule, the lower the percentage of cocoa solids, the higher the added sugar and fat content will be. Dark chocolate will typically contain between 50 and 90 per cent cocoa solids, whereas milk chocolate usually sits somewhere between 10 and 50 per cent. Some studies also suggest that eating cocoa flavonoids can reduce blood pressure and that there is a link between eating dark chocolate and a reduced risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate is relatively high in calories, but the heart-protective benefits appear to outweigh the risk. So as it turns out, a little bit of dark chocolate each day can, in fact, help to keep the doctor away.

How chocolate gets its flavour

THE ROYAL SOCIETY

The flavor of chocolate depends on a long process of fermentation and drying of the cocoa beans. Scientists are working on giving farmers the scientific tools to produce tastier beans. For a more detailed explanation, click HERE, to watch a video.

5 surprising health benefits of eating chocolate

DESERET.COM

Chocolate is known for being creamy, rich, decadent and — healthy? While this sweet treat is commonly viewed as a guilty pleasure, research shows chocolate actually offers multiple health benefits. Here are some of the things that chocolate can do for you and your body (click HERE).

The Making of Modern Chocolate

TABLETMAG.COM

It’s impossible to say exactly when, or by whom, the modern chocolate concoction was invented. The Spaniards were the first to mix chocolate with cinnamon, black pepper, and anise instead of the Mesoamericans’ original blend of chiles, vanilla, and achiote. The Swiss created the famous fondant and added dried milk. Belgians adapted the praline (a French confection of caramelized almonds), thus making the popular chocolate bonbons that became a sought-after staple for Valentine’s Day. The Dutch became the pioneers of cocoa powder. BUT WHOEVER CLAIMS THE ULTIMATE CREDIT, CHOCOLATE AS WE KNOW IT TODAY WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE JEWS (learn more HERE).

Consuming raw form of chocolate may help to relieve migraines

NEWS.MISSOURISTATE.EDU

Migraines account for 30 percent of the world’s headache disorders and are currently incurable, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Paul Durham, distinguished professor of biology at Missouri State University, has experienced a migraine himself. But his recent discovery could be the key to natural, sweet relief for some migraine patients (click HERE to learn more).