Chocolate University Online Blog
Recent research has shown that a daily cocoa fix cuts down your risk of having bowel cancer. This is one of the newest findings with regard to the nutritional benefits of cocoa beans.
Previous studies have shown that, indeed, chocolate packs a lot of health benefits. Of particular interest is all the potent antioxidants it contains which are known to combat those detrimental molecules called free radicals. Consumption of cocoa has also been associated with diabetes control, as well as keeping blood pressure and heart disease under control.
Dr. Maria Arribas of the Science and Technology Institute of Food and Nutrition in Spain led the most recent research along with her team. They conducted an experiment aiming to find out if the food could prevent rats from developing bowel cancer as they are exposed to tumor-inducing chemicals. Arribas said: “Foods like cocoa, which is rich in polyphenols, seem to play an important role in protecting against disease.”
Bowel cancer, by the way, is a general term that refers to cancer that originates in the large bowel. At times, it is referred to as colon or rectal cancer depending on the location it originated from.
One group of rats used in the experiment was given daily supply of food that contains 12 percent of cocoa for eight weeks, while another group didn’t have any cocoa in their diet.
After some time, the lab rats were exposed to a carcinogen known as azoxymethane which is known to cause colon cancer. After four weeks of being exposed, these rats started having intestinal cancer. Turns out, the group of rats that received cocoa had a relatively lower number of pre-cancerous lesions as compared to the other group.
The study is supposedly the first to link cocoa to the prevention of bowel cancer. However, it is still premature and requires deeper exploration to know how humans could take advantage of the raw materials.
Nevertheless, Sarah Williams, a spokesperson from Cancer Research UK advised that high amounts of chocolate can have a negative effect. She commented this because the rats were given rather humongous quantities of cocoa. She also pointed out how sticking to a healthy diet like intake of plenty of fruits and veggies and cutting back on processed and red meat are of the essence. Staying physically active and avoiding nicotine and alcohol altogether are also among your best shots at decreasing your chance of having cancer.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, azoxymethane, cancer, chocolate science, chocolate studies, polyphenols
Gone are the days when chocolate practically screams “unhealthy”. Today, consumption of chocolate in appropriate amounts can actually be beneficial for you, health-wise. And it goes without saying that you should have the right kind of chocolates in hand, not the ones loaded with sugar and other not-so-healthy stuff.
Contrary to popular belief, eating chocolates can possibly improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and the risk of having diabetes. As strange as it may sound, it is true according to Harvard researchers. This study involved a review of 24 studies and 1,106 participants. And the said health benefits are due to the chocolate’s content called flavonoids which are of highest levels in the dark variants. Like I said, the right kind of chocolates, always keep that in mind.
Dark chocolates were considered as potent antioxidants by the researchers as well. These antioxidants affix themselves to free radicals, which are the main cause of cell destruction, and they are flushed away through digestion and other body processes. Chocolates are also found to contain what they call ORACS (Oxygen radical Absorbance Capacity Units), and its contents are even higher than those of red wine’s and even green tea’s. Consumption of food rich in antioxidants cuts down the risk of having heart attacks, stroke, asthma, and even degenerative cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Chocolate labels, nowadays, display the percentage of cocoa solids they contain. So, when buying such, make it a point to check it, and choose those with at least 70% of cocoa and those that have minimally-processed cacao in them. Antioxidants are not the only nutritional benefit chocolate has to offer, but other nutrients as well such as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B-1, C, D and E.
“What is the appropriate amount”, you may ask. Study indicates that a single 5-g square contains approximately 25 calories and 1.5 g. of fat. Thus, an entire row is about 125 calories and 7.5 g of fat. Instead of devouring one whole bar of chocolate in one sitting, why not try consuming a single row one square at a time? This way, you can rest assured that you are eating in “appropriate” amounts.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, dark chocolate, flavonoids, health benefits, healthy chocolate, nutritional benefits
Chocolate as a skin care product? Say what? It is being said that ingesting chocolate (not putting on the skin!) does not only satisfy sweet tooth cravings but also protects against sunburn now. Sounds wacky, doesn’t it? Gone are the days when chocolate was generally synonymous to bad skin. Imagine enjoying in this decadent treat and seeing your skin get better than ever!
Chocolate happens to have a significant amount of protective antioxidants known as Polyphenols (also found in coffee and wine) which makes it possible for you to indulge in its skin benefit due to its ability to reduce ongoing cellular damage. This certain compound, according to studies, does not only enrich the skin but it also offers protection from harmful UV light exposure making skin less sensitive to the sun. Polyphenols are said to increase blood flow close to the skin causing all these skin improvements.
Quebec’s Laval University’s Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods are presently conducting an experiment to fair-skinned female volunteers. They are instructed to consume three squares of chocolate every day for 12 weeks and they are being exposed to the sun for a certain stretch of time and then the scientists will be monitoring their skin for UV rays damage. This has yet to have conclusion as they have only reached half of their subjects. If you are reading this and you happen to be a fair-skinned female, you might as well want to go up to Canada and volunteer for the experiment too so we would finally know what’s what!
Here are some other interesting stuff that make chocolate a craze in skin care industry (at least in theory):
1. It has skin softening abilities because of the cocoa butter.
2. It can used to get rid of skin wrinkles due to the anti-oxidant properties.
3. Hydration of the skin is achievable.
4. Chocolate is a good moisturizer.
5. It revitalizes the skin.
6. It may protect against some common health problems and possibly certain effects of aging.
Even without all these amazing effects on the skin, chocolate all its own is irresistible. It’s just astonishing to imagine that looking good can be this yummy!
Categories: chocolate education, chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, chocolate studies, polyphenols, research
If you’ve known me for a while you might know that I enjoy a good cup of coffee. While it’s not chocolate, it’s still a flavor I look forward to.
 Well, that all might change a bit. I just learned about Crio Bru. It’s a drink that is brewed like coffee, but it is made of 100% cocoa beans. Like coffee, the beans are roasted and ground. You put the grounds in your coffee maker.
And, according to a press release I read, “Crio Bru delivers the same intense, complex flavors of the finest cocoa beans found in artisan dark chocolate.”
That sounds really interesting, as well as healthy and delicious!
Crio Bru currently offers three varieties, each with a unique, but completely natural taste coming from the choice of cocoa beans used.
Here’s a quick overview of each variety:
- Cavalla – These cocoa beans come from the Ivory Coast and impart hints of dark spice, coconut, and cinnamon.
- Coca River – These beans come from Ecuador and you may pick out notes of green banana, blackberries, and jasmine.
- Vega Real – These beans from the Dominican Republic offer hints of red berries and dark spice.
Of course being an all-natural — no ingredients added – product of cacao, this brewed cocoa offers the high level of antioxidants that you’d find in a good dark chocolate. It’s heart healthy and low-calorie. And, though the beans contain caffeine, it’s much lower than the dose of a cup of coffee.
Speaking of antioxidants, the Crio Bru website says that, “Even after it has been roasted and brewed, Crio Bru has 150% more antioxidants than pure pomegranate juice.” Since I’m big into the nutritional benefits of chocolate, I find this rather exciting.
Now I just have to look forward to getting my hands on some of this so that I can do a proper review! If you want to do the same, click the banner below…
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, cocoa beans, coffee, Crio Bru, healthy chocolate
Rooibus (Rooibos) tea (pronounced roy-bos) means “red bush” in Afrikaans. Rooibus is herbal, caffeine-free, and contains powerful antioxidants. It is also lower in tannins than green or black tea.
Rooibus is grown only in a small area of South Africa. It is slowly becoming more popular in the U.S. for the health conscious.
 I recently bought a specialty Rooibus tea from a company called Christiani-Tea. I chose a flavor infused tea called Chocolate Mint. The ingredients are organic Rooibus, organic cacao nibs, and organic peppermint leaf. Added to those main flavor ingredients are apple and orange peel.
The combination? Wow! Absolutely delicious.
This tea was naturally sweet with a slightly nutty flavor which I understand comes from the Rooibus. The chocolate and peppermint complemented each other without dominating the overall tasting experience.
The chocolate mint makes this perfect for dessert. It’s just like sipping a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie but without the calories!
To learn more about this tea, visit the website www.christiani-tea.com.
Categories: chocolate review
Tags: antioxidants, mint chocolate, nibs, peppermint, rooibus, tea
Chocolate is a mouthwatering treat that is basically made from the seed of a tropical cacao tree. A lot of people crave for this sweet pleasure. However, most people tend to deprive themselves of chocolate thinking that it would just add up to their waistline and weight.
Better think again! Chocolates have a lot of benefits in store for you. Dietitians, researchers and nutritionist can prove it. Here are 3 essential reasons for you to start munching on those scrumptious sweets…
Mental Attentiveness and Antidepressant
Research has shown that chocolate contains theobromine, a component that is rich in caffeine and anandamide. These properties tend to induce mental alertness and aids in increasing our moods.
Depleted serotonin levels can lead to depression and suicide. In addition, a person who has low dopamine quantities tends to feel apathetic and sad. On the contrary, when a person has increased levels of these chemical properties in his brain, one would feel a blast of euphoria and good mood.
Antidepressant properties were confirmed by researchers when they revealed that both serotonin and dopamine levels increased after munching on chocolate bars.
Carbohydrates and theobromine are substances that stimulate the nervous system of our brain. Furthermore, these chemical mediators provide us with extra energy to utilize in our activities. Research has also demonstrated that chomping on chocolates could help in stimulating women with low libidos.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are one of the culprits in developing certain diseases like infections, cancer, heart disease and more. Antioxidants protect our body by binding to harmful free radicals, alleviating them, repairing the injury and preventing further harm from occurring.
Consuming delightful dishes that are rich in antioxidants not only prevent you from getting sick but they also provide you with a healthy body and a youthful vivacity.
The recommended daily intake is a minimum of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units of antioxidants per day. Raw, unprocessed cocoa is known to be the richest antioxidant containing food in the entire universe. That is the reason why chocolates are considered to be one of the most delicious and nutritious sources of antioxidants.
Cardiovascular Advantages
Chocolates can aid in reducing cardiovascular damage by increasing the production of good cholesterol (HDL). This vital enzyme frees the blood vessels from fats.
Moreover, flavonoids found in cocoa can assist in reducing clots from forming. Clots are the major reasons in acquiring a number of heart diseases. Flavonoids permit stronger blood flow to the heart, thus, increasing the pumping mechanism of the heart. This mechanism aids in maintaining a healthy heart.
Now you don’t have to worry about feeling all guilty about eating your favorite indulgence. Chocolate bars tend to bring more benefits than harm. What are you waiting for? Start munching on those luscious treats!
Categories: chocolate education, chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, caffeine, chocolate bars, flavonoids, ORAC, serotonin, theobromine
One day I came home from work to find my daughter putting lemon juice and sugar on her face. “What are you doing?” I ask. “I’m making my own facial scrub,” she answered, “and next, I’m making pore strips out of gelatin and honey.” There goes my grocery budget!
The practice of using food as a beauty treatment is certainly not new. And for my daughter, the interest in making her own natural products from scratch comes partly from being sensitive to harsh, laboratory made chemicals. Plus, it appeals to her creative side!
The idea behind a chocolate facial mask (made from cocoa powder) is to capture the antioxidant benefits it possesses. Antioxidants can prevent and repair damage caused by pollutants and aging. The scientific evidence as to whether or not antioxidants can be absorbed through the skin in meaningful doses is still in debate, but it is not going to harm you if you want to try a simple and natural approach to beauty.
I have seen many variations of homemade chocolate facial masks over the years. I have yet to try one because I’m not sure I would like to smear brownie all over my face. I’ll just put this out there in case you are the adventuresome type and want to give it a go.
Let me know what you think!
Chocolate Facial Mask
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 teaspoons oatmeal
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Spread it all over your face. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes then wash it off using warm water.
Resist the urge to eat it!
Categories: chocolate in the news, chocolate recipes
Tags: antioxidants, cocoa powder, not quite chocolate
Imagine you dreamed of making a beverage that is packed with antioxidants, containing enough polyphenols to lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, while simultaneously detoxifying your body and boosting your immune system…
Wouldn’t your new creation be the wonder drink of the ages?
Nope… it already exists! In fact, you have three to choose from.
Beverages such as tea, coffee, and low fat chocolate milk can make positive contributions to your nutrition and health.
There is plenty of research that supports tea as not only strengthening the body’s immune system, but also reducing plaque buildup on arterial walls, thus lowering the risk of cardiac disease. Tea is rich in antioxidants, often containing more polyphenols than fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants help repair cell damage due to stress and aging.
Coffee is similar to tea in that it, too, is loaded with polyphenols. Research shows that coffee actually has higher amounts of antioxidants than green or black tea and some fruit and vegetables juices. Consuming coffee can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. New research is looking into the possible positive effects on dealing with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
What about the chocolate? Studies find that chocolate milk helps the body recover from exercise quickly. It also increases bone density and muscle mass. And it’s also been shown that chocolate milk can help contribute to weight loss! (Remember we’re talking about low fat chocolate milk.)
Now that you know more about the nutritional contributions of tea, coffee, and chocolate milk, I hope you enjoy them more. They can all be part of your healthy lifestyle!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, chocolate milk, coffee, nutritional benefits, polyphenols, tea
Tea, like chocolate, is known for its many health benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol levels and providing antioxidant protection against cancer and heart disease. Tea can also boost metabolism which may help control weight.
Americans are drinking more tea. I suspect it started as a result of wanting to consume something healthy, but in the process we have grown to appreciate the aroma and delicate flavors tea has to offer.
Sometimes the bitter, astringent taste of tea is a turn off. The bitterness comes from the antioxidants and flavonols that are so beneficial, so what can we do to soften the bitter while keeping the antioxidants intact?
Add chocolate and spice!
Chai is a combination of strong tea, milk, and spices. Add chocolate and you have a cup of heaven!
Here is a recipe to make your own Chocolate Chai…
Chocolate Chai
• 4 cardamom pods, cracked
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/4 tsp. anise seed
• 2 slices fresh ginger, peeled
• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups unsweetened soymilk
• 3 Tbsp. honey
Place the spices in a medium sized saucepan, add the 2 cups of water and heat on medium-high. When water reaches a simmering boil, cover and heat for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Add tea bags and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and add spices. Cover, and steep with spices for 20 minutes. Strain tea to remove spices, and return spiced tea to the saucepan.
In a separate small bowl, whisk cocoa with 1/2 cup of the hot spiced tea until dissolved. Add this to the larger body of tea.
Mix in vanilla, and soymilk. Heat until steaming, stirring often. Sweeten with honey and serve hot. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: antioxidants, chai, chocolate drinks, flavonols, tea
Is it really possible to get sick of eating chocolate?
According to feedback from participants in a medical research study out of Australia, it is! What, no way! Sure enough, read on…
 Heart patients were given 50 grams of 70% chocolate to be consumed daily as medicine during a research study on how the antioxidants in chocolate help control blood pressure.
By the end of the study, many participants said they would rather take a pill containing the antioxidants than eat any more chocolate. About half the people in the study found the chocolate difficult to eat because of the strong flavor and about 20 percent “considered it an unacceptable long-term treatment option” over the concern for the fat and calories from the chocolate.
Although I wouldn’t have a problem eating 50 grams of 70% chocolate each day (ahem, I do eat 50 grams of 70% a day), I guess I can understand where they are coming from. First of all, if you prefer milk chocolate, dark chocolate is not going to stay palatable for very long, and second, who wants to take chocolate as medicine – dispensed like a prescription drug? I mean, besides a freak like me?
The good news is, the study found dark chocolate to be very helpful in reducing blood pressure.
I doubt that doctors will start handing out chocolate instead of pill prescriptions (but one can dream) so for now, eat chocolate because it is fun and has great flavor. Oh, and because it is good for you, too!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, dark chocolate, research
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