10 Health Benefits Of Chocolate!
As Forrest Gump had said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”
Although this was meant to be some life-inspiring quote, how about we see it in a different Let’s take it to the literal and see the box of chocolates as a box of chocolates, and by the time we get one and eat one, we reap the health benefits of it. However, this time let’s limit it to ten, even though we could easily list more than that.
1.) Mood Booster – Time and again has it been proven that chocolates never fail in the attempt to make you the happy person that you’re meant to be. Ignoring all chemical explanation, it boils down to indulging your sweet tooth once in a while and that could be one satisfying treat. Don’t even try to deny it.
2.) Strong Heart – This doesn’t mean that chocolates could prevent you from experiencing love pains. No, it doesn’t work that way. However, chocolates could easily be your comfort during that time, or what’s better is that it can make your heart stronger to withstand that kind of pain. Of course its way of doing this is a little different, like lowering blood pressure, producing antioxidants to increase the flexibility of your veins and arteries.
But still, a strong heart is a healthier heart and a healthier heart means a longer life.
3.) Better Circulation – Chocolates take their job seriously. With cocoa’s undeniable property towards anticlotting and blood thinning, blood flow takes on a new level of meaning. After all, a better blood flow results to good circulation in your body.
4.) Clearer Vision – As a result of the aforementioned benefit from eating chocolates, in turn we get clearer vision. This is probably because the retina also garners better circulation of blood. Does it get any better than that?
5.) Weight Loss – Well, I’m sure this is a big shocker to you all since chocolates is sweet and sweets do have a very notorious reputation for people on a diet. Not to burst your bubble but dark chocolates in particular, as proven of the researchers from the University of Copenhagen, found these to be more fulfilling resulting to a sense of satiety.
6.) Prevents Diabetes – Contrary to popular beliefs, chocolate is not the main reason for having diabetes. In fact, chocolates, in a way, help prevents the disease from occurring. This is because when you indulge chocolates for quite some time, your body increases insulin activity. And for those not medically adept, insulin helps keeps your blood sugar level from getting too high or too low.
Apparently, chocolates have been saving our lives from the very beginning.
7.) Stress Reliever – In line with being a mood booster, chocolates can indeed be a stress reliever. As researched by Swiss scientists, anxious individuals who have been eating dark chocolates for the past days showed a significant decrease on their stress hormone levels.
-So maybe, just maybe, the ice cream that we’re so willing to pull out the fridge in the middle of the night after a stressful day has finally found its competition.
8.) Skin Protection – Chocolates help protect your skin from the radiating sun. Of course not in a way how sunblock works but according to researchers dark chocolates contains antioxidants called flavonoids.
-However, despite this information, don’t replace sunblock. But you could always carry a bag of chocolates with you for safety measures.
9.) Brain Booster – Chocolates contain flavanols. This particular chemical produced by the brain helps make an individual more awake and alert. If you’re still dissatisfied, researchers from both the University of Oxford and Norway found individuals who consumed chocolates in a long term scored higher in designated cognitive tests.
10.) Stifle Coughs – Weird but true enough, chocolates do help silence that pest of a cough. Apparently, chocolates contain theobromine that helps relax bronchi muscles in the lungs, giving you that relief albeit a short one.
Now that we’ve finished picking our ten chocolates, which one was your most favorite? I, for one, definitely like all of the benefits chocolate has been subtly giving us all these years.
Well, care to have some chocolate afterwards?
We learned about this neat piece of information here: 10 Health Benefits Of Chocolate
Top Ten Scientific Reasons Why Chocolate Is The World’s Most Perfect Food!
Top Ten Scientific Reasons Why Chocolate Is The World’s Most Perfect Food
For everyone who has a sweet tooth, Chocolate is indeed the secretly-declared Most Perfect Food in the world. No questions asked. It is their haven of comfort for when they are sad or a simple reminder of the love they have.
But then again, for those who aren’t sweets-lovers of any kind, you might as well get ready for a whole hour of ranting.
Of course there are several reasons why an individual comes to dislike chocolate. Apparently, it isn’t just because of their taste bud’s preferences, but rather it has something to do with genetics, culture, and even past experiences or trauma. I don’t hold it against them. It is what it is and if I could then I would definitely make them love chocolate for the sweetness that it is.
As a person who has devoted a long time love affair for chocolates, it may seem biased to everyone that I declare chocolate in this post as the world’s most perfect food. But I come prepared and base that affinity on scientific terms.
1.) Happy Chemicals towards a Happier You
Unbeknownst to many, Chocolates triggers chemicals in our brain that somehow makes us into a better us. Tryptophan for that matter is a chemical in our brain that produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter. In short, passing off all medical explanations, this serotonin produce feelings of utter delight.
On the other hand, Chocolate also triggers a chemical called Phenylethylamine. Closely related to serotonin, this deals with the feelings of attractions.
Furthermore, similar to these two chemicals is another chemical produced by the brain that temporarily blocks out pain and depression. This is called Anandamide.
With these three chemicals at work, it is no wonder why Valentine’s Day is the most chocolate covered day of the year.
2.) Anti-Heartaches
Literally, chocolates are one of the reasons why you’ll never get heartaches. Not in the love department maybe but as to heart diseases. Yes, they prevent heart diseases through chemicals called flavonoids that help avoid clotting.
3.) Smarter for a better future
It may not seem like it but Chocolates can indeed make someone smarter. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, individuals who ate chocolates before the designated experiment had better cognitive performance that those who didn’t.
Also, apparently there is a close relation between the amount of chocolate eaten per person and the number of Nobel Prize winners. Go figure!
4.) Toughest of its kind
It melts into your mouth, yes. With that information in mind, you may wonder how on earth does it pass as a structurally sound foundation. Well, it is. Mind blowing, yes, but as a proof there is already a world’s tallest chocolate tower found in New York City— 20 feet tall and made up of 2285 pounds of chocolate.
But a word from the wise, don’t build your house or any infrastructure entirely of chocolates. If the heat doesn’t get it first, then the ants will. I don’t know if you can survive the hordes of bites that will come after.
5.) Energy Booster
Researchers from all over the world has proven again and again that Chocolate is one heck of an energy source. Eat one and you’ll most definitely be up and kicking. This is probably because it does contain sugar and caffeine.
6.) Prevention is better than cure
Contrary to popular beliefs, chocolates do help prevent you from particular dangers in your body. First, it prevents liver damage. In layman’s terms, dark chocolate most especially, improves blood flow in the liver.
On the other hand, it also contains magnesium that is known to ease the effects of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) to a minimum. Somehow, we all know how PMS affects men and women alike. Not on the same page, but most of the times almost the same suffering. Well, you get the idea.
7.) Rejuvenation
Eating chocolate a day can help polish your arteries, believe it or not. Apparently, dark chocolates make these arteries more flexible and reduce the white blood cells adhesiveness towards its wall linings. This would prevent clogging up.
Another thing is that it helps protect your skin. This is probably because there is a compound in cocoa that can help protect your skin from the heat of the sun. This is already proven and tested in a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. So, aside from bringing your sunblock with you, also carry a handful of dark chocolates just in case.
8.) Pregnancy Warning System
Just as the heading suggest, chocolates can also be every pregnant woman’s subtle warning system. Why is this? Well, apparently, it goes to say that if a pregnant woman craves chocolate during her pregnancy, this may indicate that she has mild anemia.
9.) Antioxidants are the bomb
Chocolates contain antioxidants that have the ability to stop free radical mediated oxidation. This helps decrease an individual’s chance of getting other diseases by simply interfering on the preventable cause of the disease. So go get that chocolate and relieve your system of dirty particles.
10.) Body Builders
Aside from the aforementioned benefits we can reap from chocolates, it can also help us lower blood pressure. Apparently, cocoa contains flavanols, which in turn helps produce nitrous oxide in the blood making the blood vessels open up more. Furthermore, chocolates also boost the good cholesterols in our body.
Does it get any better than that? Chocolates definitely live up to their sweet-filled name. Go and eat them. Now.
We learned about this neat piece of information here: Top Ten Scientific Reasons Why Chocolate Is The World’s Most Perfect Food
Bananas Are The World’s Most Perfect Food
What comes first to your mind when you hear the word “potassium”? It’s definitely a banana! Bananas contain potassium which helps control normal blood pressure, provide important minerals necessary for muscular function and digestion and helps balance the effects of sodium on our body. Potassium also help prevent the formation of kidney stones and stroke. Since bananas are a good source of potassium, it lessens the risk of muscle cramps, and so it is advisable to eat a banana prior to an exercise and physical training.
Aside from potassium for which bananas are commonly known, they also provide unlimited source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Some of the nutrients that we get by consuming a single piece of banana are the following:
●Vitamins A that helps protect eyesight, Manganese which helps maintain healthy bones and protect cells from oxidative damage.
● Vitamin C which helps develop and maintain skin, bones, teeth and blood vessels.
●Vitamin B6 which help regulate blood glucose levels.
●Bananas have a fiber called resistant starch which improves digestive function because it help keep bowel movements regular and reduces fat accumulation.
●It contains natural oils and enzymes which provides nutrient to our body.
Bananas are a healthy fruit with abundant source of nutrients, but their benefits don’t just stop in its nutritional value. If we take a look at it’s peel, we find that they also provide plenty of benefits like fertilization in some plants. They can also be used in compost because they add nutrients into the soil, and you can even eat the peel. Yes, it’s true. Just make sure you boil it for 10 minutes. Not surprisingly, it provides extra nutrients to body.
These are the reasons why bananas are considered the world’s most perfect food. Don’t ever miss the chance to grab at least one banana a day to keep you healthy inside and out.
These are the reasons why bananas are considered the most perfect food in the world. It is good for any age, from infant to elder.
10 reasons why avocado is the worlds most perfect food
Avocado is said to have originated in Mexico and the Northern Americas, albeit it is now commercially available almost on any part of the earth. This delicious fruit should be a regular on everyone’s fruit tray. There are numerous benefits you can get from an avocado, and we will list ten reasons why this is a perfect food.
1. Good fats – Avocados contain a lot of fats, that is no mistake. However it contains monounsaturated fat which means it’s a good fat to help lower you cholesterol. That being said, it should always be taken in moderation.
2. Contains Folate – Folate is important for cell repair, especially for pregnant moms.
3. Contains Phytochemicals – This again is good for expectant women, as they in effect natural chemicals that our body needs. Every fruit has different phytochemical properties, so eating different fruits will also provide you with different benefits.
4. Nutrient rich – Avocado is super nutrient rich, offering nearly twenty vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of Potassium, Vitamin B, C and E.
5. It is a Perfect First Food – Because babies needs lots of nutrients, which avocados contain, it is a perfect candidate for your baby’s first food. Also because of its soft texture you should not encounter any problem feeding this to your baby.
6. Protects against skin aging – We mentioned that this is good for babies, and mothers should be glad that this fruit also contains anti aging properties, along with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c. That is another reason to stock up on this fruit.
7. Has Anti-inflammatory properties – Inflammation is being tagged in Alzheimer’s disease, heart attack, diabetes and other nasty human illnesses.
8. Cancer Fighting Properties- Avocado, because of its richness in nutrients and its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s been found that it kills cancer cells according to research.
9. Can be an ingredient for almost any recipe – Not only is this fruit delicious, it can be an addition to almost recipe, and its yummy flavor adds a twist to your cuisine.
10. Perfect for diet – Because of the presence of good fats, its healthy and that pairing it with your favorite diet food, is perfect. Its mouth watering flavor and nutrient rich properties are all the reasons to have this in your diet food.
There are a myriad more benefits of this magnificent fruit, challenge yourself and find out more and discover that during the process, you will find yourself fit and happy.
We learned about this neat piece of information here: http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/avocados-worlds-most-perfect-food.html
What Makes Chocolate A Superfood?
The sweet, creamy, and melt in your mouth goodness of chocolate are the reasons why they are the favorite of many. Chocolates are examples of products produced from cocoa. Cocoa offers multiple benefits such as relief from stress, it’s a good way to fight off cancer, and it lowers your blood pressure as well. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants catechins and procyanidins. In addition to this, cocoa is also a good source of zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese and iron. Experts associated the many health benefits of cocoa to chocolates, especially the dark kind.
Chocolate is made up of 5 percent protein, 3 percent moisture and minerals, 30 percent fat, and 60 percent carbohydrate. It is made up of cocoa. In order to have one pound of chocolate, you will need four hundred pounds. It’s good to know that these cocoa beans primarily came from Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
These cocoa beans are processed to produce chocolate liquor, which is used to produce chocolates. In addition to this, chocolate liquor is combined with milk, sugar, and emulsifier, powdered cocoa and cocoa butter, which results to one chocolate bar.
One can reap many benefits in consuming chocolates. Cocoa beans, being one of the ingredients of chocolates ,contain flavonols. Experts say that flavonols, which are found in chocolates, can help maintain a good blood circulation, maintain a low blood pressure, and can give you excellent cardiovascular health.
Experts say that eating chocolates can benefit your health. However, keep in mind that the benefits that you get upon eating this product are not from the chocolates, but from the cocoa, which is one of the ingredients of chocolate. Always remember that there are other ingredients present in chocolate such as sugar and fat. These could be the reason why you are prone to diseases and weight gain if you eat too much of them. Although it gives healthy benefits; however, it is recommended to eat chocolate in a moderate level since anything more than that is unhealthy.
We learned about this neat piece of information here: SuperfoodsRx
An incredibly detailed guide to dying hair red with henna
If you want to dye your hair red, then opting for henna is the most sensible course of action. In contrast to other products available on the market today, henna gives a result that is more permanent. However, the process does not come easy. Here are the following things you need to do when you want to dye your hair red successfully with henna.
You need to prepare 100-500 grams of henna, a medium-sized bowl, a spoon, plastic wrap, and lemon juice. Mix your henna and wait for twelve hours before you can use it. Put it in a dark area. However, you can use it for two hours if you will put in a warmer area. You should be cautious, though, to assure that it is not too hot.
Get your two bags of henna ready and pour it into the bowl. Add ¼ and ½ of a 16oz of lemon juice. You can substitute it with grape juice or orange juice if you have sensitive skin or add the juice with water. Then, you will just have to cover the bowl with plastic wrap and wait for twelve hours.
Now, here comes the process of applying henna onto your hair. Wear your gloves and start dividing your hair into sections. Unwrap your henna and add more lemon juice. Mix it until it will look like yogurt. Start applying your henna on the thick sections of your hair. Henna will make your hair tangled when you apply it on areas you are not yet ready to touch. Wrap your head with plastic wrap and start removing your gloves once you’re done. You can opt to leave the henna on your hair for three to four hours for best result.
In washing the henna out of your hair make sure to use gloves. It would be better if you will just put your head under the faucet when washing. After which, you need to shampoo your hair. You can also use lavender to rinse your hair once you are done washing it. This is if you do not want to smell like henna.
Henna is safe to use regardless of the type and texture of your hair. However, keep in mind that the result may vary from one person to another. Nonetheless, what your hair looks like before applying henna can be a factor on the shade of red that you may get. Overall, henna gives you a very permanent hair color. Why not try using other colors with henna such as organic indigo.
We learned about this neat piece of information here: Offbeat home and Life
Purify Pt 2
There are additional ways to help clean our your lungs quickly. Since they consist of the main parts of your circulatory system, getting them to work harder will clean them out more quickly.
One of these involves brisk walking. This will increase your heart rate which will in turn require your lungs to get more oxygen. This will naturally cleanse the lungs. Any sort of exercise that gets your body moving for a moderate amount of time will have the same effect. These include swimming, biking, hiking, and even gardening. Make sure to consult your doctor before you engage in any strenuous activities, though.
Another way to help purify your lungs quickly is with yoga. For this to have positive effects you will do deep breathing for 30 minutes. This will allow pure oxygen to get deep into your lungs, which is needed to get impurities out.
Following these methods will help to purify your lungs quickly, and thus make you feel stronger, more healthy, and energetic.
The Scientific 7-Minute Workout
The price for us having the curves and muscles in our body is equivalent to the effort given while doing the exercises you devote yourself into. It is hard and painful but when we see the end result, it is all worth it!
Have you felt the rush to workout in an instant because you realized your body is not what you want it to be? Have you ever thought about going to the gym on a weekly basis because most of the people there inspire you to do the same as they do but when it is time to go, you are really not in the mood to do so? We make plans and schedules and new year resolutions of shaping up our body yet, in the latter, nothing happens and no one really pushes us to do it. Since we are already worn out from work and also we have no time to do it at all. If you feel the same way as I did several times, then you might want to consider this Seven – Minute workout. It is just seven minutes, fast, hard core, and after seven short minutes, you are done for the day!
A few minutes of training at an intensity approaching your maximum capacity produces molecular changes within muscles comparable to those of several hours of running or bike riding. Here is a Seven Minute workout that is intense but will be beneficial to your health.
As per Chris Jordan, the director of exercise physiology at the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Fla., and co-author of the new article – high-intensity interval training provides “many of the fitness benefits of prolonged endurance training but in much less time.”
All you need to do is follow these 12 exercises deploying only body weight, a chair and a wall which fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort, it essentially combines a long run and a visit to the weight room into about seven minutes of steady discomfort — all of it based on science.
To start, follow the seven minute workout for each of the following: 1. Jumping Jacks, 2. Wall Sits 3. Push- ups 4. Abdominal Crunch, 5. Step- up onto chair, 6. Squat, 7. Triceps dip on chair, 8. Plank, 9. High knees running in place, 10. Lunge, 11. Push- ups and rotation, 12. side plank.
All you have to do is select any of the 12 exercises and focus on the body part you want to emphasize on. You will have less effort in thinking about it, yet will have more than what you can expect. And of course, do not forget to warm up your body before doing any form of exercises so you wont have too much pain. Good luck and invest on your body now!
