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Posts Tagged ‘superfoods’

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

December 28, 2013

dark chocolate 4In study after study research is showing that dark chocolate has a whole host of health benefits. For example, you’ve undoubtedly  heard how dark chocolate can give you energy, and improve your mood.

Here are five health benefits of dark chocolate that just might surprise you.

Dark chocolate:

1. Makes you slim

Even though chocolate is loaded with calories, it contains ingredients that may favor weight loss rather than fat synthesis. Researchers have discovered that adults who consumed chocolate frequently had a lower BMI than those who didn’t. And, the number of calories decreases as the percentage of raw cacao in the dark chocolate increases.

2.  Makes you smarter

Dark chocolate is rich in chemical compounds called flavonoids, which has been found to boost brain activity. Cognitive skills are enhanced when flavonoids create new sets of neurons in the brain. These new neurons assist in the formation of new memories, as well as improving blood flow to the brain.

3. Prevents wrinkles

Topical creams, lotions, and even cosmetic treatments by physicians, can only go so far in making your skin appear younger.  For real sustainable results you need to look to your diet.

Free radicals in our environment are some of the most extreme reasons why wrinkles appear in the skin. To fight free radicals, your diet should contain many sources of antioxidants.

While fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants, dark chocolate has actually been found to contain higher percentages of antioxidants than even “superfoods” such as blueberries.

4. Slows down muscle aging

Recent studies are showing that the plant compound, epicatechin, found in dark chocolate, stimulates the same muscle response as does vigorous exercise.  A type of antioxidant compound, epicatechin can help slow down muscle aging as well as improve lean muscle mass.

5. Helps you live longer

There is antidotal evidence that dark chocolate can help you live longer. The oldest verified human being to have lived to 122 years old, Jeanne Calment, gave her daily consumption of dark chocolate credit for her longevitiy.

And now scientists are finding that the high percentage of antioxidants in raw cacao may very well be the key that does help you live longer.

This power-pack of antioxidants helps fight disease as well as cuts your risk for heart disease.

For the health benefits of chocolate be sure you eat dark chocolate which is listed as 70% or higher. The percentage indicates the amount of raw cacao in the product, which is what contains the compounds that give you these wonderful health benefits.

Photo Credit: livestrong.com

 

Healthy Eating – 8 Superfoods of Fall

December 21, 2013

fall-foods-superfruit-400x400As autumn brings a sharp chill to the air while the countryside warms with the golds and crimsons of coloring leaves, the joys of healthy eating combine with the peak of harvest.

Fall brings an abundance of superfoods into the grocery stores and farmers markets. Here are eight of the top superfoods of fall:

1. Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin—it contains hearty-healthy flavonoids.

Health benefits include:
• Full of antioxidants
• 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving

2. Pears

The sweet and juicy taste makes this fruit a crowd-pleaser. Cooking brings out their fabulous flavor, so try them baked or poached.

Health benefits include:
• Good source of vitamin C and copper
• 4 grams of fiber per serving

3. Cauliflower

The sweet, slightly nutty flavor of cauliflower is perfect for winter side dishes. It’s wonderful steamed, but it can also be blended to create a mashed potato-like texture or pureed into soup.

Health benefits include:
• Compounds that may help to prevent cancer
• Phytonutrients may lower cholesterol

4. Winter Squash

Unlike summer squash (such as zucchini), winter squash (butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, etc.) has a fine texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Because of its thick skin, it can be stored for months. It tastes best with other fall flavorings, like cinnamon and ginger.

Health benefits include:
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids
• Excellent source of vitamin A

5. Pumpkin

Technically a fruit, but also considered a type of winter squash, pumpkin can be used for much more than jack-o’-lanterns. Its sweet taste and moist texture make it ideal for pies, pudding, and especially hearty soup.

Health benefits include:
• Rich in potassium
• More than 20% of your DRI of fiber
• Good source of B vitamins

6. Sweet potatoes

These veggies are for much more than Thanksgiving casseroles. More nutritionally dense than their white-potato counterparts, try roasting them—they’ll taste delicious, and you may maintain more vitamins than boiling.

Health benefits include:
• Excellent source of vitamin A
• Good source of iron
• Anti-inflammatory benefits

7. Pomegranates

This fruit has gotten a lot of press as an antioxidant powerhouse. The juice provides a tangy base for marinades, and the seeds can be tossed into salads to amp up the flavor.

Health benefits include:
• A UCLA study showed pomegranate juice has higher antioxidant levels than red wine
• Good source of vitamin C and folate

8. Dates

This Middle Eastern favorite is a sweet fruit that is much more versatile than you might think. Besides chopping it up in desserts, try it braised in stews,  or stuffed with cream cheese or almonds.

Health benefits include:
• Low in fat
• Good source of fiber
• Good source of potassium

Bonus

9. Cacao

Cacao is a superfood for all seasons. In a two-part series beginning next month we’ll be looking at all the reasons raw cacao is so good for a healthy eating plan and a healthy lifestyle.

 

Source: health.com