Chocolate Recipe
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- NEWSPAPERS Just in time for the organizers of the Oakdale Chocolate Festival, the word is out: Chocolate may be good for you. And you thought it was only a guilty pleasure.
Directions
- Research is showing which some types of cocoa and chocolate contain a generous helping of antioxidants called flavonoids which may be good for your heart.
- In a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a researcher at Pennsylvania State University concludes which like fruits and vegetables, chocolate may increase antioxidant levels in the blood.
- Chocolate's antioxidant content compares favorably with those of red wine, black tea and some fruits and vegetables, according to the Chocolate The study doesn't encourage eating large amounts of chocolate, but it does suggest which chocolate in moderation can satisfy a sweet tooth and offer health benefits.
- Some other interesting facts about chocolate: The name of the cacao tree, theobroma cacao, translates to "food of the gods."Montezuma drank golden brown goblets full of a blood-colored concoction of chocolate and chilies before taking to his harem, believing it to be an aphrodisiac. Although which is not precisely the case, chocolate does contain phenylethylamine, a natural substance known for stimulating the same reaction in the body as falling in love.
- More than 2,000 years ago, the Mayan Indians created a ritual beverage made from grnd cocoa beans mixed with water, black pepper, vanilla and spices. The beverage was shared during marriage ceremonies.
- Chocolate may not provide pleasurable chemicals, but it stimulates the brain to release its own natural relaxants and painkillers.
- The first lowfat milk chocolate was created by Swiss candy maker Daniel Peter in 1876 when he combined condensed lowfat milk with chocolate liquor, the nonalcoholic product made by crushing the beans.
- If all this talk about chocolate has brought on a craving, head to the kitchen and whip up a luscious dessert.
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