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 Broccoli

photo credit: riveraproduce

Broccoli has many nutrients and is a rich source of biochemicals that aid in preventing illness and diseases. Broccoli is a common find in Europe, the United States, and in Australia. Along with being a tasty side dish, broccoli also has a ton of wonderful health benefits.

Broccoli is a natural "wonder-drug" for cancer.
The biochemicals in broccoli have been known to fight cancer. A powerful chemical called isothiocyanates, may be able to stimulate certain enzymes that are produced by the liver. These enzymes counteract the effect of cancer cells that enter the body. The chemicals may even slow down the progression of cancer.

Broccoli can boost your immune system.
One cup of broccoli has the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C. It can also help strengthen your immune system, due to the fact that broccoli contains a high amount of beta-carotene.

Broccoli is healthy for women who are pregnant.
One serving of broccoli contains folic acid, which is essential for accurate cell division. If you do not have enough folic acid, there is a risk of birth defects. If you have questions or concerns about this, be sure to consult your doctor. Broccoli is also high in fiber, which will aid in getting rid of symptoms of constipation during pregnancy.

Broccoli is chock full of nutrients. Some of these nutrients include: carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, Vitamin A, B-complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many more.
For a healthy side dish, include some broccoli in with your dinner tonight.

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]