Indulge your health with:A chocolate a day! ...Everyone knows the great feeling of sweet chocolate melting in your mouth. Chocolate melts as a result of its fusion point being slightly below the body's temperature and, due to the increase of serotonin in the brain, it produces a feeling of pleasure.
...Even though there are several studies on the benefits of chocolate, we still don't know all or everything about them. However, it is true that, since ancient times, chocolate has been considered as something precious. It is given and used for gifts and continues to be made after all these years.
...Researchers have found chocolate can protect against tooth decay. In a study at Tulane University, a cocoa extract was shown to have effects similar to those of fluoride and Japanese scientists found that chocolate is less harmful than many other sweet foods because the antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset its high sugar levels. Many dentists agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth longer and develop more decay. In addition, chocolate does not pose a choking risk. This is why dental health authorities advise giving kids chocolate on Halloween and other occasions. Results from other study on prevention of a constant cough showed that as chocolate melts in your mouth, your throat is moisturized and controls cough. Additionally, a medicinal ingredient, called teobromine, is three times more effective than codine, a substance used in medicine to control cough. Military chocolate has been a part of standard U.S. armed forces rations since 1937, and is issued to troops as part of basic field rations and sundry packs. Chocolate rations served two purposes: as a morale boost, and as a high-energy, pocket-sized emergency ration.
In addition to its ideal combination of carbohydrates and protein, flavored milk contains seven other essential nutrients that are important for an athlete’s health -- including bone-building calcium. No other sports drink contains the nutrient package found in flavored milk. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid recommendations, Americans of all fitness levels should include at least 3 servings of lowfat or fat free milk or milk products in their diet every day.
Recent research has suggested that cocoa or dark chocolate have beneficial health effects. Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, is a rich source of flavonoids and gallic acid, which possesses cardio protective characteristics. Cocoa also has an antioxidant action that protects against bad cholesterol. A decrease in blood pressure was noted as arterial dilation was improved. Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia found in a recent study that people with higher levels of “good cholesterol”, also known as HDL, may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. According to a report on the study by the Australia News Network, HDL is effectively raised by exercising, drinking red wine and consuming dark chocolate, among other foods. Those people with an increased level of HDL (high-density lipoproteins) were found to have a lower level of beta amyloid, the protein associated with Alzheimer’s. Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s patients suffer from a buildup of beta amyloid in the brain, which eventually leads to the death of the brain cells. The findings were presented at the World Congress of Neuroscience in Melbourne, Australia. Principal investigator Dr. Kristyn Bates said the relationship seemed clear: “What we found was that the more of the good cholesterol, the lower the levels of the protein were in the blood.” Doctor Baytes went on to explain, “People who had more muscle, higher HDL levels, lower body fat and greater bone density performed better on the cognitive tests which are specific for Alzheimer's disease. Separate research has shown similar results as well. Dr. Chang Y. Lee, Chairman of the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, said studies have found that the active ingredients in cocoa – polyphenols – appear to stop oxidation of beta-amyloid protein. It is the oxidation of the protein that leads to formation of plaque in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims.
When it comes to enjoying chocolate and its benefits,the key is in moderation as you indulge in a sweet moment. ...Nonetheless, all researchers also recommend people use moderation and not eat it in excess, since chocolate is good for you in moderate portions. It has been shown that it lowers the risks for heart attack, among other benefits. But when taken excessively, high sugar levels and calories added to chocolate in the preparation of desserts raise the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
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Salud + Health Info is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family’s physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Copyright © 2001-2012 Info Option Network |
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“Our study indicates that chocolate milk is a strong alternative to other commercial sports drinks in helping athletes recover from strenuous, energy-depleting exercise,” according to co-author Joel M. Stager, PhD, professor of kinesiology at Indiana University. “Chocolate milk contains an optimal carbohydrate to protein ratio, which is critical for helping refuel tired muscles after strenuous exercise and can enable athletes to exercise at a high intensity during subsequent workouts.”
