My Life in WordsHi, I am Charlene Ryan, Fitness and nutrition geek.
I love to feel strong and eat healthy. My blog will reflect this as will as my relationship with God. |
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My Life in WordsHi, I am Charlene Ryan, Fitness and nutrition geek.
I love to feel strong and eat healthy. My blog will reflect this as will as my relationship with God. |
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Cocoa is one of those things that God gave us that tastes awesome and is good for us. I could keep it at that, but it's much more fun to learn just how good something is. Dark chocolate is a preventative due to its high antioxidant content. Cocoa and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidant flavonoids called flavanols, which include procyanidins, epicatechins, and catechins. Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate (so yes, excludes white and milk chocolate varieties) with its rich flavanol content has the ability to help keep our cardiovascular systems in good shape. From lowering cholesterol, improving glucose metabolism, lowering risk of heart disease, reducing LDL oxidation, lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, helping thin the blood, increasing nitric oxide production*, promoting more flexible arteries, and lowering C-reactive protein ( a biomarker of inflammation linked to heart disease) and a reduced risk of stroke to giving us an energy boost for that workout! A 40 gram serving of dark chocolate will have 41.2 milligrams of flavanols. This is good. And unsweetened chocolate has twice that amount! Not that you need ideas of how to get more chocolate into your diet, but here's a general list:
Spiced Cocoa Spices offer their own nutritional benefits too. Actually cocoa can be considered a spice too. Turmeric has been long known for its endless benefits and only recently has gained tons of popularity and is see in teas, supplements, facial treatments and more). With the multiple benefits of this delicious drink, you just have to try it! Check out the benefits of coconut oil, cardamom and cinnamon too! Yield: 1 good size mug-full
Sip slowly and enjoy! Great Brands of Chocolate:
Also, see my Dark Chocolate Board here: https://www.pinterest.com/fit2b/dark-chocolate/ NOTE: as another alternative for preparation: Blend the cocoa/hot water mixture with the remaining ingredients in a blender, then add back to a pan and heat it up. You will end up with a nice frothy smooth beverage. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve.
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View my Word Press BLOG:Fit, Healthy, Happy Home Charlene RyanPreventative Health Author and recipe developer. Archives
January 2018
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