The Delicious Health Benefits of Chocolate

Believe it or not, consuming chocolate has numerous health benefits. This is not just wishful thinking, it is fact. However, before running out to buy all those candy bars you’ve been resisting for so long, it’s important to know all the facts because not all chocolates are created equal. Only some chocolate contains the goodness that your body will reap the benefits from.

Where Does Chocolate Come From?

Cacao trees grow in equatorial regions around the globe and are full of natural plant nutrients. This tree produces a fruit about the size of a coconut and inside this fruit is the tree’s seed – the cacao bean. Once gathered, cacao beans are typically fermented for up to a week then thoroughly dried in the sun. They are then packaged and shipped to chocolate makers around the world.

Antioxidants that Pack a Punch

Dark chocolate contains numerous natural antioxidants. Raw, dark chocolate not only tastes rich, it is rich in cell-protecting antioxidants containing eight times the number of antioxidants found in strawberries. Hundreds of studies have shown that antioxidants are essential to protect the body from aging caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are natural compounds found in vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and especially in the cacao bean.

Polyphenols are a particular type of antioxidant found in dark chocolate, ^[1]and are also abundant in berries and oranges. Cacao and dark chocolate is also high in a sub-class of compounds known as flavanols. Flavanols are found in red grapes and tea, and is one of the reasons why green tea has incredible health benefits.

Raw Organic Cacao and dark chocolate rank high in goodness because the antioxidants are incredibly concentrated. More than 10% of the weight of a raw cacao bean contains polyphenols. Keep in mind though, that this good news should not be a green light to start binging on dark chocolate.

What About the Fat Content in Chocolate?

Fats found in chocolate are one third oleic acid, one third stearic acid and one third palmitic acid. Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil and coconut oil. Stearic acid is a saturated fat that has a neutral effect on cholesterol. Palmitic acid is the least healthy of this trio because it is a saturated fat which has been known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol.

No matter which way you choose to look at it, chocolate is a high calorie food that contains a small amount of “bad” fat. Many studies state that no more than 100 grams of chocolate a day should be consumed and you’ll still get all the health benefits. Don’t get too carried away though because 100 grams of delicious dark chocolate contains about 400 calories.

If you want the full health benefits of chocolate, I recommend eating only organic raw cacao dark chocolate. As delicious as they may be, milk or white chocolate cannot make the health claims that dark chocolate can because anything added into that chocolate is fat, sugar and additional calories.

Nutritional Facts of Dark Chocolate

Nutrient	100g	1oz / 28.35g	1 bar / 162g
Water	0.97g	0.27g	1.57g
Energy	546kcal	155kcal	885kcal
Protein	4.88g	1.38g	7.91g
Total lipid (fat)	31.28g	8.87g	50.67g
Carbohydrate	61.17g	17.34g	99.10g
Fiber	7g	2g	11.3g
Sugars	47.9g	13.58g	77.60g
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	56mg	16mg	91mg
Iron, Fe	8.02mg	2.27mg	12.99mg
Magnesium, Mg	146mg	41mg	237mg
Phosphorus, P	206mg	58mg	334mg
Potassium, K	559mg	158mg	906mg
Sodium, Na	24mg	7mg	39mg
Zinc, Zn	2.01mg	.57mg	3.26mg
Vitamins
Thiamin	0.025mg	0.007mg	0.040mg
Riboflavin	0.050mg	0.014mg	0.081mg
Niacin	0.725mg	0.206mg	1.174mg
Vitamin B-6	0.042mg	0.012mg	0.068mg
Vitamin B-12	0.23µg	0.07µg	0.37µg
Vitamin A, RAE	2µg	1µg	3µg
Vitamin A, IU	50IU	14IU	81IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	0.54mg	0.15mg	0.87mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	8.1µg	2.3µg	13.1µg
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	18.519g	5.250g	30.001g
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	9.540g	2.705g	15.455g
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	1.092g	0.310g	1.769g
Cholesterol	8mg	2mg	13mg
Amino Acids Other
Caffeine	43mg	12mg	70mg

Heart Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

According to a study published on Science Daily, eating 6.7 grams of chocolate per day represents the exemplary amount for a protective effect for cardiovascular health. ^[2] Flavonoids contained in dark chocolate help to promote normal blood pressure by producing nitric oxide. ^[3] [4]

There is no shortage of studies that indicate consuming a small bar of organic raw dark chocolate every day can promote normal blood pressure. Also, this mouthwatering treat has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by as much as 10%. Other than heart benefits, chocolate has been proven to stimulate endorphin production which creates feelings of pleasure.

Eat Your Depression Away

Here is some good news, however. The cacao bean contains many substances that work together to become nature’s anti-depressant. ^[5]These magical beans contain three neurotransmitters that are associated with providing a person with a positive mental state. These neurotransmitters are: serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine.

The phenylethylamine (PEA) found in cacao beans affects brain chemistry in a unique manner. Stating that you love chocolate may not be too far off because PEA produces a brain chemistry that’s associated with falling in love.

Cacao beans also contain the amino acid tryptophan and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. MAO inhibitors allow the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine to circulate in the bloodstream longer and it is this effect that may help alleviate depression and promote feelings of wellbeing. Pharmaceuticals have used MAO inhibitors for a long time in their anti-depressant medications. Tryptophan plays a very important role in the production of serotonin within the body. 

Source: Read here

The 8 Best Foods for Your Immune System

The majority of your immune cells reside in your intestines, so doesn’t it make sense to consume healthy foods for keeping your immune system top notch? Here are 8 foods you can eat right now to boost your immune system.

1. Bell Peppers

Reach for all the bell peppers you want because they can actually have twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits. In addition, bell peppers are a great source of beta-carotene, which not only helps maintain healthy skin and eyes but studies suggest they could also provide an immune system boost. [1] [2]

2. Citrus

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. Believed to increase the production of white blood cells, C is essential for fighting off infections. Since your body doesn’t produce or store this vitamin, load up on citrus to help keep your immune system up and running. Supplementation with the vitamin may be helpful, but it’s always best to receive the vitamin from its natural source.

3. Ginger

Ginger is thought to work much like vitamin C in that it can even stop a cold before it starts. That said, it’s also a great food to reach for after you’re sick. Ginger can have a little heat due to the gingerol, a cousin of sorts to capsaicin—the stuff that makes chili peppers hot. It’s the “kick” of the gingerol that can even act as a strong soothing agent. [3]

4. Turmeric

You can find this spice in many curries; it’s bright yellow in color, and a little bitter in taste, but it can definitely be pretty amazing for your health. While it’s already been used for its soothing capabilities for arthritis (among other things), a recent study suggests high concentrations of curcumin—what gives turmeric its color—could also reduce fever. [4] [5]

5. Spinach

With vitamin C, beta-carotene, and plenty of antioxidants, spinach is a perfect vegetable for your immune system. If you want to get the most out of it though, cook it as little as possible, or even keep it raw. But don’t stop at spinach; a study suggests that other leafy green vegetables are good choices as well. [6]

6. Broccoli

Like spinach, broccoli is another great vegetable choice packed with antioxidants and vitamins. With vitamins A, C, and E, broccoli could easily be one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. Just like with spinach, cook it as little as possible to retain its nutrients.

7. Yogurt

If you like yogurt, make sure you’re getting the full health benefit by eating the kind with live cultures. Recent research suggests these cultures may strengthen your immune system. [7] Yogurt can also be a great source of vitamin D, which can also help boost the immune system. [8]

8. Almonds

When your immune system needs a boost, vitamin E sometimes loses the spotlight to vitamin C, but both are crucial for a healthy immune system. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means fat is needed in order for it to be absorbed properly. You can get almost all of your daily allowance of this vitamin by reaching for a half-cup of almonds. How easy is that?

What food would you reach for if your immune system needed a boost? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Hughes, D. A. Effects of carotenoids on human immune function. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 58 (3).
2. Chew, B. P. & Park, J. S. Carotenoid Action on the Immune Response. The Journal of Nutrition. 134 (1).
3. Grzanna, R. et al. Ginger—An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions. Journal of Medicinal Food. 8 (2).
4. Jagetia G. C, & Aggarwal B. B. “Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin.Journal of Clinical Immunology. 27 (1).
5. Sultana, G. N. et al. Analgesic principle from Curcuma amada. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 163.
6. Li, Y. et al. Exogenous Stimuli Maintain Intraepithelial Lymphocytes via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation. Cell. 147 (3).
7. Meydani, S. N. & Ha W. Immunologic effects of yogurt. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 71 (4).
8. Aranow, C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. Vitamin D and the Immune System.

Source: Read from here

Partner of abducted Briton held in Ethiopian jail to stand against Theresa May

The partner of a British father-of-three abducted and detained for more than 1,000 days in his native Ethiopia is to stand against Theresa May in the general election in her seat to raise awareness of his plight. Yemi Hailemariam accused Mrs May of ignoring the case of her partner, Andy Tsege, 62, a prominent dissident who was sentenced to death in absentia in 2009 by Ethiopian authorities, who then spirited him into custody three years ago after he was seized at an airport in Yemen. “I want to make a point by standing.  I would like to be able to meet Mrs May face-to-face to express our frustration and create some awareness of what is happening to Andy.” Yemi Hailemariam, partner of abducted Briton Andy Tsege Outspoken critic Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson last month reiterated the  Government’s long-standing refusal to call for Mr Tsege’s release, saying it would be wrong to interfere in another country’s legal system. The Ethiopian authorities claim that the Briton, who sought political asylum in Britain in 1979 and was later granted UK citizenship, is a member of a terrorist group but his family say his only crime is to be an outspoken critic of the east African country’s authoritarian government. 

Ms Hailemariam told i she was standing against Mrs May in her Berkshire constituency of Maidenhead to challenge the Prime Minister over what she said is Britain’s failure to do more to secure Mr Tsege’s freedom. ‘Bring him home’ The mother-of-three said: “Mrs May has been prime minister for nearly a year and yet she has not engaged with this case at all. She actually met the Ethiopian prime minister last week and as far as we know did not mention Andy’s situation. “I want to make a point by standing. Otherwise things become more and more outrageous. I would like to be able to meet Mrs May face-to-face to express our frustration and create some awareness of what is happening to Andy. He is a British national and yet she applies no pressure to the Foreign Office to act as it should – which is to bring him home.” With the help of supporters, Ms Hailemariam, from Islington, north London, gathered the ten signatures of constituents in Maidenhead and raised the £500 deposit needed to stand in the seat as an independent candidate. 

Lawyer In an open letter last month, Mr Johnson said he and British diplomats were “lobbying strongly and consistently” to ensure that the death sentence imposed on Mr Tsege was not carried out and that the Briton had recently been granted access to a lawyer following UK pressure. But Mr Johnson said: “I continue to judge that calling for [Mr Tsege’s] release would not be helpful at this stage. It could in fact damage the progress we have made.” Ms Hailemariam said she was aiming to take up a commitment from the Ethiopian prime minister given to Mr Johnson that she and the couple’s children – twins aged 10 and a daughter aged 17 – would be allowed to visit Mr Tsege in prison. One phone call Apart from one phone call shortly after his abduction and arrest as he waited to board a flight to Eritrea, the family have had no direct contact with Mr Tsege amid fears that he could be subjected to torture. Ms Hailemariam said: “I’m not sure  if we can believe any assurances from the Ethiopians of safe conduct but what choice do we have? It is so important that we see Andy and give him the message that we and others are fighting for him.”

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/world/donald-trumps-revelations-russia-may-legal-thats-not-point/

Chinese mobile phone maker eyes Ethiopian market with new product

ADDIS ABABA, May 16 (Xinhua) -- It's a ubiquitous mobile phone found in all the major cities in Ethiopia and even in rural areas favored for its relative affordability and sturdiness. It is made by Chinese mobile phone manufacturer TECNO.

But TECNO is however facing stiff competition from other Chinese brands including Huawei and ZTE as well as Samsung from South Korea.

While TECNO has made relatively cheaper smartphones including its latest brand Camon CX when compared to other mobile manufacturers in Ethiopia, it's not taking for granted its market domination in the East African nation.

Samrawit Arega, sales promoter for TECNO mobile is keen to show the Camon CX Smartphones modern features during a May 13 promotional tour in the heart of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, part of a series of promotional events the company plans to make to introduce its latest brand.

"Camon CX is unique in that, it has back and front 16 mega pixels, has 7.01 android system, with a high processing power that supports 4G network, and two flash flight," says Arega.

"The phone has 16 GB internal memory with the ability to support a further 128 GB, a fingerprint lock, a mobile battery that can last for 2 days, all with a good retail price of 4,900 birr (about 213 U.S. dollars)," she adds.

Andrew Li manager at sales department of Tecno Ethiopia who was at the May 13th promotional tour explains how the firm can afford to provide a relative cheap price for a modern Smartphone.

"Camon CX is our best Smartphone cell phone in Ethiopia; we give customers very fair prices, partly because we have factories in Ethiopia assembling TECNO phones," he explains.

With TECNO saying it has reached sales of its' mobile devices to around 25 million, including 9 million smartphones in 2015, it hopes the latest launch will help keep its most "popular" brand status in Ethiopia and generally in Africa. Read more here