The amazing health benefits of Dark Chocolate

photo credit: The Guardian

Do you have a sweet tooth? If you like chocolate, you will be pleased to know that dark chocolate is actually very good for you. Dark chocolate contains heart-healthy phytochemicals which benefit both the mind and the body. There is an abundance of anti-oxidants found in dark chocolate, and an abundance of healthy benefits to gain from eating dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate is heart-healthy
If you eat a small amount of dark chocolate a few times a week, it can help lower your blood pressure. Not only that, dark chocolate can improve blood flow and prevent blood clots.

Dark chocolate is healthy for your brain
Dark chocolate has been shown to improve brain function and blood flow. It has also been shown to be a mood stabilizer.

Dark chocolate is full of vitamins and minerals
Dark chocolate contains potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron. These vitamins and minerals help protect you from strokes, cardiovascular diseases, iron deficiency anemia, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

These benefits and many others are a very good reason to indulge in a little bit of dark chocolate.

If you are a fan of dark chocolate, I've added two of my favorite dark chocolate treats to my Amazon store. They are at an amazing price. Grab some today! Click on the photo to visit my Amazon store!

The amazing health benefits of blueberries

(photo credit: easteronfarm)

Blueberries are primarily native to North America and east Asia. However, the demand for blueberries has countries throughout the world harvesting this super fruit. North America makes up for 90% of the blueberry harvest. Its popularity may have something to do with the fact that blueberries are full of beneficial nutrients.

Packed with Vitamin C, one serving of blueberries contain 25% of your daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C promotes healthy gums, iron absorption, and it can help boost your immune system.
Worried that you are not getting enough fiber? One serving of blueberries can help you meet your daily requirement of dietary fiber. The amount of vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose, and acids in blueberries, aids in improving digestion.

Blueberries have the highest amounts of anti-oxidants, as it is rich in vitamins B, E and A. Also, blueberries are rich in copper, selenium, zinc, and iron. The anti-oxidants in blueberries can also help prevent peptic ulcers, glaucoma, and heart disease. Studies have also shown that blueberries also help in preventing Alzheimer's Disease.

Not only does this delicious super fruit prevent illness, it may also aid in reducing your waistline. A study was conducted, using rats as the test subject. Rats where given blueberry powder for 90 days. After the 90 days, the rats were shown to have less fat on their abdomen. Blueberries have also proven to be beneficial to your vision. A compound called anthcyanosides has shown to slow down vision loss.

Blueberries can keep you alert, active, and in a good mood (they have been shown to be a good anti-depressant). If you are looking for an alternative to medicine, pick up some blueberries for a tasty treat that will make you happy, keep your waistline trim, and prevent illness.

The amazing health benefits of apples

"An apple a day, keeps the doctor away!" The age old saying has been told from generation to generation. Thirty six states in America grow apples to sell nationwide, four states have apple as their state fruit.

There are many health benefits to eating apples:

Apples are a rich source of flavonoids.
Flavonoids aid in preventing heart disease and stroke. The skin of an apple contains a flavonoid called querectin, which helps boost your memory. Apples also contain a flavonoid called phlorizm, which aids in preventing bone loss during menopause.

Apples contain high levels of pectin.
Apples provide an excellent source of fiber, which aids in keeping the colon healthy. One apple contains 20% of your daily recommended fiber needs. Apples can also provide you relief from constipation and indigestion.

Apples are a good source of potassium.
Potassium aids in water balance and muscle function.

Apples are a good source of vitamins.
If you eat 100 grams of apple a day, you get 1,500mg of anti-oxidants a day, which will keep you healthy and free from illness.

Adding this super food sweet treat to your daily diet will not only curb your sweet tooth, it will also help you maintain good health!

One way to incorporate apples into your system is with some apple tea. Hot or cold, this tea is simply amazing. To order some apple tea, click on the above photo.

(previously published by Shauna Silva on Yahoo Contributor Network)

[photo credit: www.dreamstime.com]