Good news all! So chocolate is officially a superfood. Chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, theobromine, and flavanols. Chocolate's health benefits have recently been linked to;
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reduced risk of heart failure
- Reducing the potential for insulin resistance, and therefore diabetes
- Sun protection
- Stress reduction
- Boosting blood flow to the brain - potentially increasing short term performance and alertness
- Relief from diarrhea
- Easing Cough symptoms
Various University studies have been done, particularly across Europe and the United States, in to the health benefits of chocolate, many with surprisingly positive results. However, you have to question who is funding much of this research? It wouldn't be large corporations such as chocolate manufacturers by any chance? One batch of research alone was from the Hershey Centre for Health and Nutrition. In no way biased then, right?
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Is Chocolate Good for You?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
The Wonderful World of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a truly decadent treat that has a nice little side benefit of making a positive impact on the health of those who indulge in it. Not to be confused with its close sibling milk chocolate, dark chocolate does not contain the milk solids that are mixed in with the lighter and sweeter version. However, even within the categories of chocolates, there are variations that offer their own unique tastes and properties. If you are a fan of dark chocolate, learn more about it what it is and where you can find it.
Dark chocolate has a rich dark brown color to it and is categorized by the amount of cocoa solids are in the chocolate. The range of the percentage of cocoa solids in a bar usually starts at 30 percent. It can be as high as over 80 percent. In the United States, it only has to be a 15 percent concentration in order to be classified as dark. The European standard is a bit higher, and the cocoa solids must be above 35 percent. People can tell the difference when they look at the color and from the way the chocolate tastes. The lower percentages are a little lighter and will have more of a sweet taste to them. As you go higher in the percentage range, the taste becomes more bittersweet and the color darker. Also, in the higher ranges, the chocolate is a lot more brittle to the touch.
Tips For Making Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate covered strawberries are the most sought after written about chocolates to the delight of everyone.
Most people in the industry, are either associated with strawberry farms collecting strawberries for chocolate production or driving with the logistics companies to transport the strawberries to the Corporates like Hershey's or Cadbury to manufacture these strawberries into chocolate covered strawberries.
To the delight of everyone, these chocolates rank among the best chocolates in the entire country and globally including parts of the undeveloped world at subsidized prices. The United States has been the top manufacturer of chocolate coated strawberries and they sell for every occasion with the precision in their custom specific and occasion specific flavor and feature.
Whilst some are dedicated to a wedding most are dedicated to sports and other functions like birthdays. In a very important occasion like a feast or a festival like Christmas it is these chocolate covered strawberries that are distributed to the guests and even on Valentine's day these chocolate covered strawberries that are given as gifts.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Spread and Eat
Let's accept the fact that peanut butter is definitely the pantry staple for almost all American households. Easy to store, great to eat, the nutty, creamy and buttery spread simply makes your day! Let's no more deny Jelly sandwiches with creamy nutty spread are simply classic! (To be honest, I have not been able to outgrow a delicious PB&J.) The nutty spread when taken in moderation is also nutritious for health. Sure, your chocolate peanut butter stands tall as the natural source of dietary fiber, Vitamin E, protein and vitamin B3 (niacin). Moreover, the healthy spread also contains unsaturated far, which to a great extent helps in improving the cholesterol level.
It was way back, possibly it was in my school days I was put on a diet plan. Of course there were many 'good bad and ugly' things about the diet plan. One thing which I loved the most about that was the fact that I was allowed to eat my favorite chocolate peanut spread. To be honest, I don't really distinctly remember what I used to eat or the types of stretching I used to do in those days. However, the only thing which I still clearly remember is that, it was then I became hooked to the creamy and nutty, chocolaty and delicious spread.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Popularity of Chocolate Celebrated During National Chocolate Lovers Month
How apropos is it that St. Valentine's Day falls in the same month that Chocolate Lover's Month is celebrated? Does chocolate really make you feel good? Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Are there studies identifying certain chemicals and compounds found in chocolate that makes it beneficial for your health?
Chocolate, especially during the month of February is recognized and closely associated with sentiments of love. During the month of December, this ingredient is used a lot in holiday deserts and dishes. Any other time throughout the year, chocolate will satisfy those sweet, decadent cravings. The humble beginnings of this sugary delight is birthed from the cocoa or cacao beans. Chocolate is a chocoholic's dream, while chocolatier's enjoy concocting confectionary treats from this delicate ingredient. Its topic streams across an evolution of interests and discussions among foodies, writers, historians and even those in the medical field.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Hershey: The Marmite of Chocolate
Either love or hate their chocolate, American company Hershey is the largest chocolate manufacturer in the United States, which produces millions of chocolate bars a year. However, despite being ever-popular with Americans, the trend does not seem to have hit the British shores quite so smoothly. This may be due to Hershey's chocolate having been produced using the "Hershey process", a process used widely now by all chocolate manufacturers in America, but is uncommon in the United Kingdom. This process allows for the use of soured milk to be used in making the chocolate, rather than fresh milk, which changes the texture and taste in a way British chocolate eaters may not be used to.
Used to the creamy sweetness of Cadburys chocolate - produced in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia - Hershey's chocolate may be an acquired taste for those homegrown on mass amounts of cocoa butter and fresh milk. In 2006, Hershey lowered the amount of cocoa butter used in their chocolate products, which may have led to even more distaste towards it in Britain due to it being less chocolaty, as it were. Some Brits might find it not quite sweet enough for their palates. Despite this, it seems to be gaining popularity on this side of the Atlantic, having been adopted by more and more retailers. While it is still difficult to find it reasonably priced in physical shops and supermarkets, the internet allows for more variety to be stocked of Hershey products - Hershey's Kisses, Mr. Goodbar etc.
The Biggest Benefits Of Eating Dark Chocolate
If you like chocolate, then you will definitely love what chocolate can do for you. There are so many health benefits to eating chocolate that it's even better for you than red wine or green tea.
You can't just eat any type of chocolate though. The key here is to eat dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has polyphenols in it. These are natural substances that act on the cardiovascular system in the body. They can make the blood vessels more flexible, making the blood flow in your body much easier. This reduces the stress on your cardiovascular system helping it to function better.
There are other benefits though. If you are looking to reduce your body fat, especially the body fat in your abdominal region, then dark chocolate is a great way to do it. Excess abdominal fat is a contributor to heart disease, as well as heart attack. By reducing the amount of abdominal fat you have, especially the deeper abdominal fat around your organs, you can reduce your risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
7 Tips On Using A Chocolate Fountain
Chocolate fountains are becoming a popular attraction in parties and other events. Kids and adults alike cannot resist the temptation of dipping different kinds of treats into an overflowing fountain of rich and creamy chocolate fondue.
However, knowing how to use this wonderful chocolate machine can make such a big difference between a mouth-watering dessert and an irritating mess in your kitchen or buffet table. Learning how to use properly also ensures that your party will never be forgotten. Here are some things that you should know about using a chocolate fountain.
1. Place the machine on a strong and steady surface. Make sure that it is placed on a surface that can carry at least 85 lbs. The machine itself is light but with the chocolate fondue, fresh fruits, plates and skewers, the entire display could be a lot heavier. In addition, a steady and level surface allows the machine to run properly and flow evenly.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Fountain
A chocolate fountain is definitely something that would add excitement to any party you will have. It is a way of taking desserts in a more fun and creative way. Your guests will surely enjoy your party more with delicious and smooth chocolate coupled with fresh and tropical fruits.
But to make the most out of your chocolate fountain, you need to know some basic things about it. Here are some frequently asked questions about chocolate fountain:
1. How does it work?
A fountain unit is composed of two basic parts: the fountain unit which has the auger and the heater base which has the basin that holds the chocolate liquid. The heater must be preheated at about 15 minutes prior to use and the chocolate that is pre-melted is poured into the basin. Once the auger is turned on, the chocolate will start flowing. However, if you put in chocolate that is not pre-melted, it will take about 30-40 minutes before the chocolate starts flowing from the fountain.
2. How does the liquid chocolate reach the top of the fountain?
Gourmet Chocolate: Don't Miss Out!
Isn't gourmet chocolate great? If you are anything like most other people out there then you are really into chocolate! The fact of the matter is that chocolate of the gourmet variety is popular all across the world. Better yet, with the popularity of the internet it has become really easy to get the gourmet chocolate that you need at a price that you can really afford. There are literally hundreds of websites out there that will provide you with the gourmet chocolate that you want and ship it directly to your front door. You never even have to leave your house to get that great tasting gourmet chocolate that you desire!
