by Divinity | Fun Facts, Health Benefits |
written by Mon Sun Chan, The Chocolate Date Diva
“A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine.” – Unknown
The Chocolate Date.com © Magdalena Żurawska | Dreamstime.com
After many scientific findings, chocolate is now known to be a one of the world’s health (superfood) food and mood enhancer bringing out the feelings of being in love. And it is the most chosen flavor in many products. Not only does it feed the soul and satisfy the taste buds, but it nourishes the body thanks to the abundance of nutrients and flavonoids. Who would have known this dark decadence would have so many health benefits when we have been told it should be avoided like many other junk foods.
So have a couple small squares of minimum 70% dark chocolate to not only feed your brain but to keep you happy in love.
by Divinity | Health Benefits |
Written by Mon Sun Chan, The Chocolate Date Diva
What is good for the inside has also turned out to be good for the outside. Who would have thought that chocolate can heal the skin? Mother Nature’s luxury skin treatment turns out to be cocoa butter—the fatty, rich component of the cocoa bean. High in antioxidants, it is also used to nourish and moisturize the skin and sometimes used to treat skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. In fact, chocolate has so many amazing, beneficial properties and is now in so many healthy products that spas and retreats around the world are using it.
Look for chocolate skin products in retail stores. Be sure to read the packages as some are naturally edible, while others are not.
The natural benefits of Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a natural cream-colored fat that is extracted from the cacao seed and has many properties that make it beneficial for both external and internal uses.
Cocoa butter gives chocolate flavor, scent and a rich, creamy texture. For external purposes, its excellent moisturizing properties are used in soaps, lotions, creams, moisturizers, massage bars and essential oils to help keep the skin soft. Because cocoa butter melts at body temperature, it is readily absorbed into the skin and is therefore perfect for the treatment of dry and irritated skin conditions. It is also helpful for the treatment of stretch marks.
by Divinity | Health Benefits, What's New? |
By Lu Heaney
“There are times when chocolate really can fix all your problems” Dark chocolate is a perfect food; it is as wholesome as it is delicious. Dark, rich and creamy it is one of our most accepted guilty-pleasures, so you may be surprised to learn that raw cocoa contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries. In just one ounce of dark chocolate, you get the same beneficial plant chemicals as in a cup of brewed black tea. Not only can chocolate revitalize the appearance and texture of our skin, it can help protect it from sun damage, lower blood pressure, and increase circulation. It’s chocolate-loving-care for the whole body!
“Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world’s perfect food” Dark chocolate contains a whole host of antioxidants, nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Antioxidants help to prevent cellular damage and disease by neutralizing free radicals, the destructive oddly-numbered molecules that act as scavengers of the human body. The antioxidants in cocoa are easily absorbed and are more stable and long-lasting than those found in other foods like Acai berries, blueberries, dark green vegetables, and legumes. Cocoa is also a source for essential trace elements, minerals, and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, and several nutrients. For that reason, dark chocolate is able to impart calming properties to the skin, diminish the physical signs of aging, absorb UV light, reduce inflammation, allergens, viruses and carcinogens, and balance certain hormones in the body.
“And above all…think chocolate!” Eating dark chocolate provides many noteworthy health benefits. Raw and unprocessed organic cocoa and dark chocolate made from raw and unprocessed organic cocoa are accepted as “healthy chocolate”. Not only does dark chocolate have antioxidants that can help reduce blood pressure, it also contains healthy fats like oleic acid; a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil and thought to raise the level of the “good cholesterol” known as HDL. Other beneficial compounds found in cocoa are similar to those found in red wine and can slow cardiovascular disease by preventing plaque formation in our arteries, which can lead to blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Cocoa also improves skin’s texture, thickness, hydration, and blood flow.
“I am not overweight. I am chocolate-enriched” You may also be shocked to learn that dark chocolate can help you lose weight. Dark chocolate is actually a low-glycemic food and because it has appetite-suppressant properties, cocoa is often added to weight loss products to help control hunger. What about the sugar content? Well, the amount of flavanols in extra dark chocolate is so high that it offsets the amount of sugar added. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, will have the opposite effect seeing as the milk in milk chocolate impedes the absorption of antioxidants. The profuse amounts of sugar in milk chocolate reduce the benefits of cocoa by promoting inflammation, which in turn leads to a breakdown of tissue resulting in micro-scarring which eventually becomes macro-scarring, which to often results in facial lines and wrinkles.
“Do not disturb: chocolate fantasy in progress” Indulge your craving for chocolate with delightful chocolate essences, all the while melting away dead skin cells leaving our skin glowing and nourished. Dark chocolate masks are pure and rich in natural ingredients like theobroma oil, commonly known as cocoa butter, and antioxidants. Chocolate facial masks not only leave our skin feeling nourished, firm, smooth, and deeply moisturized, but entice the senses as well.
“Chocolate isn’t a food, it’s a medicine – an anti-depressant” Not only are you improving the appearance of our skin, but by using true cocoa with added essential oils you receive aromatic and therapeutic rewards. The use of cocoa in facial treatments may trigger the brain’s pleasure centers. Chocolate contains caffeine and two other substances, tyramine and tryptophan, that are converted into the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which play a large role in the pleasure and reward mechanisms of our brain. Cocoa is also shown to stimulate endorphin production, which imparts a sense of pleasure. What better way to indulge our chocolate craving without adding calories and still feel sinfully fulfilled.
“I never met a chocolate I didn’t like” Cocoa is currently being studied to see if it helps prevent premature aging of the skin due to its high antioxidant content which helps improve circulation, as well as effectively absorb some harmful UV rays. When healthy dark chocolate is blended with ingredients like quinine, kojic acid and licorice extract, is shown to be useful when addressing pigmentation.
“A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine” Chocolate is a multifaceted food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. There are four “dosage” recommendations of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate:
- 6.3 g (30 calories) per day, about the size of a Hershey’s Kiss morsel
- 6.7 grams of chocolate per day, the equivalent of a small square of chocolate two or three times a week
- no more than 25 gram, or 2.5 squares of dark chocolate, a day
- up to 1 serving (20 g) of dark chocolate every 3 days
All natural (non-dutched) cocoa products vary in dosage depending on the amount of natural cocoa in the product. If you like a hot chocolate with milk or cream, substitute rice milk or soy milk to ensure you are receiving the full benefit of the healthy antioxidants in each sip. Cocoa and chocolate should not be considered a substitute for medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Lu Heaney, NY Aesthetician & Beauty Specialist
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http://EzineArticles.com/?So-Much-Chocolate,-So-Little-Time—Natural-Health-Benefits-of-Dark-Chocolate&id=5191814
by Divinity | Health Benefits, What's New? |
By Allura Joy
Forget the Spanish Fly, Rhinoceros horn or other rumored aphrodisiacs, the most natural libido enhancers are easily accessible and good for your overall health. For thousands of years, humans have been experimenting with various foods and herbs to improve health conditions and support sexual wellness.
The Romans placed oysters high on their list of prized aphrodisiacs. Even Casanova, as the legend goes, ate dozens of raw oysters for breakfast. Not only do they resemble a vagina in look and feel, oysters are high in zinc, which is necessary for sperm production. Raw oysters contain dopamine, and are also high in nutrients that increase testosterone levels.
If you’re not into slurping raw oysters every morning, you can certainly spice up your love life with some good old-fashioned cooking including some of these sexy foods:
Asparagus is rich in vitamin E, which stimulates the hormone production needed for a more active sex life.
Bananas contain bromelain enzyme, which is thought to improve male libido. They’re also rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessary for sex hormone production. The banana and its flower have a marvelous phallic shape and a long-time popular aphrodisiac food.
Avocados are packed with nutrients essential to sexual health, including beta carotene, magnesium and vitamin E. The Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl which translated means “testicle tree”. The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male’s testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.
Celery supports male virility and contains androsterone, one of the most potent of the male pheromones known to sexually arouse women.
Figs increase libido and improve sexual stamina because they are high in amino acids, the building blocks of protein which is needed for the brain chemical dopamine. An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. Eating a fig in front of your lover can be a powerful erotic act.
Sea vegetables such as kelp, dulse and nori contain calcium, iodine and iron and may boost libido.
Chocolate has phenylethylamine and serotonin, two chemicals that light up pleasure areas in the brain. Chocolate is similar to sex and being in love, in that it makes you feel good.
Ginseng stimulates the circulatory system and revitalizes the whole body – interestingly has a human-like shape root. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.
Asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food – not to mention its phallic shape. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience.
Carrots, which are high vitamins and beta-carotene, are believed to be a stimulant. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.
Basil is said to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility, and also said to produce a general sense of well being for the body and mind. Sweet basil is easy to grow and add to many of your home cooked meals and salads.
Honey! Why do we call our loved ones this? What could be sweeter? Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their “Honeymoon” drank mead and it was thought to “sweeten” the marriage.
Pine Nuts are high in zinc – a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet beverage for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.
Raspberries & Strawberries are high in vitamin C and perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as “fruit nipples”.
Wine relaxes the body and our nerves, as well as helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine with your lover can be an erotic experience. A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude; however excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to “arouse” but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.
While these are all simple and wonderful ideas, it is also important to take a daily supplement to help maintain overall well being, vitality and healthy libido. A daily capsule or two of a holistic blend of all-natural herbs can increase energy, strength and endurance as well as improve your mood, passion and sex drive.
For Women
Add Lib is a natural libido enhancement and revolutionary women’s daily supplement. Add Lib is formulated with all natural plant and mushroom extracts, antioxidants, vitamins, essential oils and other phytonutrients to balance hormones, and re-ignite sexual desire and passion for life. Women also notice a significant increase in energy levels and improved mood when taking Add Lib on a daily basis. Add Lib contains 100% natural extracts from Fenugreek Seed (promotes healthy libido), American Ginseng (energy), Damiana (libido booster), Cordyceps (vitality booster), Maitake (overall health), Maca (energy/libido booster), Vitamin B12 (energy/immune function), Wulinshen (alleviates insomnia), and Passionflower (balance).
For Men
Mdrive is a daily supplement designed specifically for men looking to increase strength, stamina and overall vitality. Mdrive’s synergistic blend of powerful, unique, highly concentrated extracts was developed to support healthy testosterone and cardio functions. Mdrive contains very specific powerful extracts from the Fenugreek Seed (increase testosterone), Cordyceps Mushroom (energy, respiration, blood flow, focus), Maitake (overall health), Maca (energy/libido booster), American Ginseng (energy), and Damiana (libido booster).
Allura Joy has worked with women of all ages and of diverse backgrounds for many years in offering support, holistic therapy and relationship counseling, as well as sharing valuable resources and useful information in the areas of women’s sexuality, health & wellness. Allura has facilitated various women’s groups, retreats, conferences and special events for women to come together in community to share, connect and support one another.
Allura also works with women individually to help resolve personal issues around relationships and intimacy, specializing in helping women who may have emotional and/or physical issues and insecurities with sexual expression and experiencing orgasm. She enjoys helping clients explore their passions in finding a sense of purpose and to manifest their dreams and desires. She is a certified Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor.
Allura enjoys writing articles to empower women in their sexuality, promoting a healthy fulfilling sex life – with or without a partner! Check out my blog, Straight UP Girl Talk with Allura at: http://www.oceanusnaturals.com/blog/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allura_Joy
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-and-Effective-Aphrodisiacs&id=6318098
