Chocolate Love

"Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive"

Joanne Harris, Chocolat

Remember that movie? Seems like aeon's ago that I saw that movie. The story of a young mother who comes to a repressed French village with her little girl and opens a small chocolate boutique. Her chocolate quickly begins to change the townspeople for the better. Chocolate ignited love, friendship and hope for them. I loved that movie!

It seems we've had a love affair with chocolate forever. It may just be that we are intuitively drawn to it because it's so healthy for us. 

❤

 It's unclear when exactly chocolate was born, but surely it was cherished from the start. At one time in history cacao beans were considered valuable enough to use as currency! The Mayans and Aztecs believed the cacao bean had magical, even divine properties. Chocolate also became a fashionable drink throughout Europe in the 17th century, and it was believed to have nutritious, medicinal and even aphrodisiac properties. So, I say no guilt needed here when we eat this prized food. Of course now after getting a bad rap for so long, research shows so many good benefits we get from eating chocolate. Dark chocolate contains healthful flavanoids similar to those found in tea, wine, fruits and vegetables. Wow, yes vegetables! Comparing chocolate to vegetables is nothing short of awesome.  Chocolate's positive influence on our health also includes its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This includes reducing blood pressure, improving insulin sensitivity, increasing  blood flow to the arteries and reducing risk of blood clots. Needless to say moderation is key, as it does still contain sugar and saturated fat. While dark chocolate has gotten most of the attention, new research shows that all varieties of chocolate made with cocoa powder (not white) are also heart healthy. You will however, get most benefit from dark chocolate with at least 60% or higher cacao.

Looks like the best of both worlds to me!

www.ladybelgiumchocolate

It goes without mentioning that we all have stress in our lives. Well, chocolate may be able to help with that too. Have you ever heard anyone say,  if they have some chocolate it helps them calm down? Here's some happy facts...oh surely  that luscious sweet taste gives you an immediate emotional boost but...chocolate contains lots of magnesium and magnesium is the most powerful relaxation mineral. So, you're not imagining  things! Also dark chocolate has been found to reduce stress hormone levels in the body. The science is there, so let's face it we were born to eat chocolate! It's even listed on the University of Michigan's integrative medicine's food pyramid for a wholesome healthy diet.  All you need is an ounce and a half a day to get all the health benefits of chocolate. If you eat good quality chocolate a little is all you need. (especially if you know you'll be eating it everyday). So, go ahead eat your chocolate slowly... and mindfully for full enjoyment :) and you'll be happier, healthier and more relaxed too!
                
                 Points of consideration

chocolate contains caffeine so those sensitive should be mindful of this

 chocolate contains oxalates so if you're prone to kidney stones be cautious

chocolate contains a natural chemical tyramine thought to trigger migraine headaches

It is important to note that diabetics be aware of the sugar content and choose darker varieties with less sugar if allowed on their diet

• www.webmd.com
• www.med.umich.edu
• www.smithsonianmag.com

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                                   chocolate avocado pudding

• 1 ripe avocado 

3 tbsp. cacao powder

1/4 c. milk (of your choice)

                                                    3 tbsp. sweetener such as maple syrup, honey or agave

1 tsp. vanilla extract

small pinch of Cayenne

• Mix all ingredients together in food processor or mixer until smooth,if needed  add more sweetener or milk for desired consistency and sweetness. Add some chocolate or peanut butter bits or top with your favorite berries, slivered almonds and or whipped cream.  
• (revision of a recipe given to me by my friend Kathy G.)

Avocados are another amazing heart healthy food full of monounsaturated fats. According to the American Heart Association these are the good fats that can help lower cholesterol. 

 Kids love chocolate too! Here's a photo of my son when he was around 8 years old. He was definitely enjoying some chocolate!

Hope this brightens your day a little and have a happy valentines day from our hearts to yours!

wellnessinspired

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