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Indulging in chocolates is a guilty pleasure for people all over the world. However, not all chocolates are healthy. The health benefits depend on the ingredients used and how they are processed. A product like milk chocolate rates poorly in this regard. Choosing to eat organic dark chocolate is not only pleasurable but can be eaten as part of a healthy diet without any guilt.
Products are only certified organic if they conform to strict standards. They must be grown under certain conditions. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers may be used. Genetically modified organisms and ionizing radiation are not allowed. There is an emphasis on sustainability too.
These bars contain a high quantity of cocoa. The actual percentage of cocoa used is indicated on the wrapper and the higher the better for health reasons. The sweeteners used are mostly unrefined cane sugars. Emulsifiers like soy-lecithin may also be used. There are people who object to emulsifiers and prefer a bar with no emulsifiers and more cocoa butter.
The majority of cocoa is grown in West Africa, much of it coming from Ghana. This is because it does particularly well in an equatorial climate with humidity and enough rainfall. In order to make sure that workers are not exploited, many manufacturers only sell fair trade certified products. This means that trading conditions are controlled, workers are paid fair wages and sustainability is ensured.
Research has revealed that cocoa has a very high level of antioxidants. These are usually found in fruit and vegetables as well as in beverages like tea, coffee and wines. They help to decrease blood pressure and encourage heart health. They prevent tissue and cell damage by absorbing free radicals.
Cocoa beans contain many minerals such as zinc, iron, copper and magnesium. These minerals help to regulate blood pressure and keep the heart healthy. They therefore decrease the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. They can also improve glucose metabolism which decreases the risk of diabetes.
Cocoa contains tryptophan and this essential amino acid is needed by the brain so that it can produce serotonin. Serotonin is a feel good neurotransmitter that gives a happy feeling. Other neurotransmitters like dopamine are also found in cocoa. This is why many people turn to chocolates when they are feeling low for that feeling of well being it gives.
The product may have all the health benefits in the world but the taste matters too. People often fear that dark chocolate may have an overly bitter taste. They are often surprised by the delicious intensity of flavor. Other ingredients like organic vanilla may be added to round out the bitter notes and soften any tartness. Numerous other ingredients like fruit, nuts, mint and chili may also be added to enhance the taste experience and give texture.
These products may be found at health stores. Of course a wide variety are available from online stores and this means that you can easily compare brands and prices before making your selection to ensure that you are choosing the healthiest product at the right price. If you are addicted to your daily dose of chocolate, why not rather make it organic dark chocolate. This way you can indulge in a piece or two without any guilt whatsoever.
Products are only certified organic if they conform to strict standards. They must be grown under certain conditions. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers may be used. Genetically modified organisms and ionizing radiation are not allowed. There is an emphasis on sustainability too.
These bars contain a high quantity of cocoa. The actual percentage of cocoa used is indicated on the wrapper and the higher the better for health reasons. The sweeteners used are mostly unrefined cane sugars. Emulsifiers like soy-lecithin may also be used. There are people who object to emulsifiers and prefer a bar with no emulsifiers and more cocoa butter.
The majority of cocoa is grown in West Africa, much of it coming from Ghana. This is because it does particularly well in an equatorial climate with humidity and enough rainfall. In order to make sure that workers are not exploited, many manufacturers only sell fair trade certified products. This means that trading conditions are controlled, workers are paid fair wages and sustainability is ensured.
Research has revealed that cocoa has a very high level of antioxidants. These are usually found in fruit and vegetables as well as in beverages like tea, coffee and wines. They help to decrease blood pressure and encourage heart health. They prevent tissue and cell damage by absorbing free radicals.
Cocoa beans contain many minerals such as zinc, iron, copper and magnesium. These minerals help to regulate blood pressure and keep the heart healthy. They therefore decrease the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. They can also improve glucose metabolism which decreases the risk of diabetes.
Cocoa contains tryptophan and this essential amino acid is needed by the brain so that it can produce serotonin. Serotonin is a feel good neurotransmitter that gives a happy feeling. Other neurotransmitters like dopamine are also found in cocoa. This is why many people turn to chocolates when they are feeling low for that feeling of well being it gives.
The product may have all the health benefits in the world but the taste matters too. People often fear that dark chocolate may have an overly bitter taste. They are often surprised by the delicious intensity of flavor. Other ingredients like organic vanilla may be added to round out the bitter notes and soften any tartness. Numerous other ingredients like fruit, nuts, mint and chili may also be added to enhance the taste experience and give texture.
These products may be found at health stores. Of course a wide variety are available from online stores and this means that you can easily compare brands and prices before making your selection to ensure that you are choosing the healthiest product at the right price. If you are addicted to your daily dose of chocolate, why not rather make it organic dark chocolate. This way you can indulge in a piece or two without any guilt whatsoever.
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