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 beans

Beans, also known as legumes, are a super food that is also good for your heart. With over 33,000 types of beans, it is the second most popular source of protein in the world. Some of the most popular bean types include: kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, and lima beans. Beans contain many nutrients that can help you in maintaining good health.

Beans are jam packed with fiber.
Beans are packed with enough soluble fiber to not only benefit your colon, it can also curb your appetite. The soluble fiber in beans can also help in reducing your cholesterol. During the process of digestion, the soluble fiber grabs bile that contains bad cholesterol, and removes it from the body before it is absorbed. It has been shown that if you eat a cup of cooked beans a day, it can actually lower your cholesterol by 10% in six weeks.

Beans are beneficial for diabetics.
The fiber in beans have been found to create more insulin receptor sites. The insulin molecules connect to the receptor site, which allows the insulin to reach the cells that need it. This will also keep a diabetic's cholesterol low.

Beans can lower your cancer risk.
Beans contain nutrients that can lower your risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A compound found in beans have been shown to keep normal cells from becoming cancerous. The compound also inhibits cancer growth.

Beans, often called "the poor man's meat," are an excellent source of protein and is budget-friendly. They are also a great source of potassium, iron, and folate.

(previously published by Shauna Silva on Yahoo Contributor Network)

For more on how you can introduce beans into your diet, click on the above photo.

[photo credit:  www.dreamstime.com]

The amazing benefits of avocados

Avocados, also known as "alligator pears," have many health benefits. This "alphabet fruit" contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6. They also contain anti-oxidants and health mono saturated fats. Along with these benefits, there are several more reasons why avocados should be added to your diet.

Avocados are high in potassium.
Avocados have 30% more potassium than bananas. Potassium helps in controlling blood pressure, and it aids in preventing circulatory diseases.

Avocados provide skin protection.
Chock full of vitamin E, this alligator pear can protect your skin and keep you looking healthy and young.

Avocados prevent symptoms of aging.
Rich in anti-oxidants, avocados boost the immune system and aids in keeping your nervous system healthy.

Avocados keep your eyes healthy.
Avocados can keep you safe from cataracts and macular degeneration, by means of carotenoid lutein .

Avocados can ease Arthritis.
The anti-oxidants in avocados can aid in preventing Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The avocado helps in reducing inflammation at the problem area.

From keeping your skin looking healthy, to easing inflammation due to arthritis, avocados have the nutrients you need to keep you living a longer and healthy life.

(previously published by Shauna Silva on Yahoo Contributor Network)


If you're looking to add avocados to your diet, you can find information available to purchase in my Amazon store. Click on the above photo for more information. 

[photo credit: www.dreamstime.com]

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]