Tag Archive: chocolate studies
Dark Chocolate – The Dessert of the Modern Age
November 1, 2013
Want something to balance the savory taste of your meal? Choose dark chocolate. Even a little can do the trick, that’s why it’s the go-to dessert of a lot of people leaning towards a healthy lifestyle.
Here are a few ways you can savor dark chocolate:
1. Make it you workday treat!
In the middle of a particularly demanding day, take a break, and much on some dark chocolate. It will melt away stress as it melts in your mouth.
2. Make it a staple in your relaxing ritual.
"Me time" is not complete without your heartwarming comfort food. Cap off the experience with some dark chocolate in hand.
Chocolate is America’s Halloween Candy Preference
October 25, 2013
The most loved among Halloween goodies include: candy corn, gummy candy, chewy candy, hard candy, lollipops, licorice, and gum and mints.
But, according to a recent survey, chocolate remains the most liked treat for this coming Halloween. The survey also revealed that adults plan on getting a mix of both chocolate and candy for the ghosts and goblins who darken their doorsteps on Halloween evening.
“Individual buying and consumption habits aside, there’s no denying the role that candy of all kinds plays in this All-American holiday tradition – and that’s something even the grumpiest gremlin can celebrate.”, said NCA Vice President of Communications Susan Whiteside.
Reducing Liver Enzymes in HIV/HCV Patients
October 4, 2013
A recent study has shown that patients diagnosed with HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C virus) who ate chocolate on a daily basis, and downed at least 3 cups of coffee each day, were found to have lower levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) as compared to patients who had fewer foods that had polyphenol in them.
Scientists came up with these results from 990 adult patients coinfected with HCV and HIV. They tried tossing in moderate red wine consumption into the analysis, but it did not make a significant change to the results. Also, tobacco use had no impact on either outcome. A combination indicator for polyphenol-rich food intake including both coffee and chocolate consumption was remarkably linked to risk reductions for high ALT and AST.
Chocolate and Bones Could Be Life-Threatening For Your Dog
August 23, 2013
Before you give in to your beloved dog’s pleading eyes when he hints he wants a piece of the chocolate bar in your hand and some bones from the food you just ate, heed this warning: chocolate and bones can be harmful to your pet.
Truth be told, chocolate can be fatal to a dog. It depends on the size of the dog, as well as how much chocolate and what type of chocolate he eats. Also, bone splinters could get lodged into your dog’s throat and gastro-intestinal tract.
Chocolate is known to contain theobromine, a bitter, caffeine-related alkaloid. This can come with dangerous effects on the dog that gets to eat chocolate. Your pet may fall victim to a theobromine-caused condition known as chocolate toxicosis. He could die within hours.
Chocolate Scent Can Boost Bookstore Sales
August 9, 2013
Belgian researchers did a 10-day experiment at a general-interest chain bookstore which involved comparing the behavior of customers with and without the scent of chocolate. There were dispensers that released a scent of chocolate set in two different locations.
Researchers observed every fifth customer who came into the store, for a total of 201 customers. They were able to notice different “purchase-related” customer behaviors such as closely checking many different books, going over the summaries of books, hanging out in the store, speaking with and inquiring the staff.
Dark Chocolate Lovers Tolerate Bitterness In Ice Cream
July 26, 2013
According to senior author John E. Hayes, Assistant Professor of Food Science and Director of the Sensory Evaluation Center, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, their main objective in this particular study zeroed in on identifying whether rejection thresholds for added bitterness in chocolate ice cream has a direct correlation with personal preferences for solid milk or dark chocolate.
"Estimating rejection thresholds could be an effective, rapid tool to determine acceptable formulations or quality limits when considering attributes that become objectionable at high intensities," he said.
A Cup Of Hot Chocolate A Day Can Prevent Diabetes?
July 19, 2013
Mice that were fed a high fat diet that is known to be a causative factor for type 2 diabetes (the obesity-related type) suffered less inflammation after having been given cocoa powder. Scientists assumed that such finding could be applicable to humans.
Dark chocolate is packed with flavanols, plant chemicals that enhance blood flow by widening vessels. It has always been associated with tons of health benefits. In this particular study, the mice were fed the human equivalent of 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder, about four or five cups of hot cocoa, in a 10-week span.
Professor Joshua Lambert said: "What surprised me was the magnitude of the effect. There was not as big of an effect on the body weight as we expected, but I was surprised at the dramatic reduction of inflammation and fatty liver disease."
Weight-loss Chocolate?
July 12, 2013
Math graduate Aneesh Popat took another route rather than the traditional one that uses butter and cream. He opted for flavor-filled water and cocoa.
A bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate packs 240 calories, while Popat's only has 20 calories, reports the Daily Express.
Speaking about his product, Popat said: "Chocolate is good for you if made in the right way. My love of chocolate led me to devote and apply my mathematical and scientific backgrounds to create the most unique flavor combinations with utmost precision and creativity."
Chocolate Is Better For Your Teeth Than Fluoride?
May 10, 2013
A recent groundbreaking study published in the dental journal, Caries Research, verified what the inventors of Theodent™ toothpaste have always been claiming.
Chocolate: Not Your Child’s Best Friend
July 27, 2012
I was once a little child, innocent and fun-lovin'. All that mattered to me was waking up in the morning and rushing downstairs to play with my toys or go outside the house and play with my friends.
I did not mind what I was eating, surprise surprise. It was my parents' or my guardians' job to prepare my meal. I just thought then that they were adults, thus they should know better about what to give to a child like me with a devil-may-care attitude.
As I grew older and became more aware of my surroundings, I started having a hard time dealing with food. I became an uberpicky eater. I was crazy stubborn. I can even imagine my mom nodding in agreement right now. I would just sit on the couch and watch trash TV rather than staying at the dining table to eat. They would have to run around just to catch me and shove something into my mouth.
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