Friday, August 7, 2009

Healthy Dark Chocolate And Acai | Antioxidants, Flavonoids And Polyphenols In Dark Chocolate

By Cally Winslow

The Orac Value ((Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity---The USDA developed this rating scale to measure the antioxidant content of various plant foods) of Unprocessed Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate and Acai Berries are clearly at the top of the list. The USDA recommends a daily intake of 3,000 to 5,000 orac daily. Chocolate, Acai berry and blueberry are loaded with antioxidant compounds. Did you know Acai contains 25 times the antioxidants of grapes? Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the damaging effects of excessive amounts of free radicals in the body by neutralizing and destroying them. This blend of Healthy Dark Chocolate and Acai is loaded with protein and amino acids, blended with and carried by plant fibers for maximum absorbency. FOOD ORAC Value Per 100 grams: Acerola 70,000 --- Unprocessed cocoa powder 26,000 --- Wolfberry 25,300 --- Acai 18,500 --- Dark Chocolate 13,120 --- Milk Chocolate 6,740 --- Prunes 5,770 --- Agel EXO 3,848 --- Pomegranates 3,307 --- Raisins/Dark Grapes 2,830 --- Blueberries 2,400 --- Blackberries 2,036 --- Garlic 1,939 --- Kale 1,770 --- Cranberries 1,750 --- Strawberries 1,540 --- Noni Fruit Juice (pure) 1,506 --- Spinach 1,260 --- ViaViente Brand Juice 1,245 --- Raspberries 1,220 --- Red Grapes 739.

Polyphenols, a broad group of plant nutrients that act as antioxidants, relieve inflammation, protect against radiation and can help clear the arteries with this Healthy Dark Chocolate. Many phytoceuticals in cocoa support the heart muscles, strengthen blood vessel walls, and may inhibit atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of edema, stroke, and heart failure. Both cocoa and Acai berry have enjoyed centuries of use as a food staple and in folk medicine to cleanse and detoxify.

Powerful polyphenol nutrients found in Cocoa and Acai (including catechins, proanthocyanidins and vitamin C and E) are known to to be able to inhibit different inflammatory mechanisms. This is important because a growing body of research shows that chronic inflammation is strongly linked to various conditions ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and dementia. Both Cocoa and Acai Berries are very rich in polyphenols, and perform many other helpful duties.

Did you know that the benefits of Dark Chocolate may help balance good and bad cholesterol? Healthy Dark Chocolate is cold pressed Belgian cocoa that has no cholesterol. In a recent study, participants enjoyed a twelve point reduction in systolic (top) blood pressure. The study also showed an average 13% drop in levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Dark Chocolate improved the health of blood vessels in study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive and improved insulin levels. Dark Chocolate can supply the body with crucial minerals, one being magnesium. A high magnesium intake lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These benefits were attributed to the presence of high levels of beneficial anti-aging flavonoids in Dark Chocolate.

CNN: "A recent study found that those with high blood pressure who ate 3-5 ounce Dark Chocolate daily for 15 days were rewarded with lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improved sugar metabolism." FORBES: "Over a 15-year period, men who ate cocoa regularly had significantly lower blood pressure ... men who consumed the highest amount of cocoa were half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease ... men who ate the most cocoa were less likely to die from ANY causes." TIME Magazine: "Antioxidants in chocolate may help protect against cancer, Dark Chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood."

Unprocessed Healthy Dark Chocolate versus Store Bought Chocolate --- Most store bought chocolate has been stripped of flavonols and phytonutrients and loaded with with chemical additives. Most Dark Chocolate products found on store shelves use processed cocoa powder and sugars, along with bad fats, fillers, waxes, preservatives and high amounts of calories. If you want health grade Dark Chocolate, look for a product that is at least 70 percent cocoa solids by weight.

Healthy Chocolate does provide benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and we all know that most Americans are severely lacking in omega 3s. These omega 3 fatty acids can help help improve brain function, protect against inflammation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote immune function. Only unprocessed, Healthy Dark Chocolate (more than 70% cacao by mass) yields these marked health benefits. Unprocessed Dark Chocolate standardized for potency and purity is an excellent replacement for other candies (including white and milk chocolate). Dark Chocolate and Acai contain fiber, which aids the body's digestive system, and contains no trans fatty acids.

Almost everyone loves Chocolate, wants Chocolate, craves Chocolate. Just got to have Chocolate? In a nut shell so to speak, The benefits of Dark Chocolate with Acai Berry --- It is full of antioxidants, caffeine free, no preservatives, no fillers, waxes, processed sugar, or trans fats. It is diabetic friendly ( will not raise your blood sugar levels), high in fiber, boosts sense of well being and increases energy. It is cold pressed Belgian cocoa powder, Acai berry, and blueberry, high in antioxidants. Remember though, this is not store bought Chocolate, and is not sold in retail stores.

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