________________________________________________

CHOCOLATE AND YOUR HEART

There is a lot of attention given to what we eat and how it affects us, especially our heart. Over the last few decades, quite a bit of research has been devoted to the effects of chocolate, particularity cocoa butter, on our health.

Researcher have confirmed that chocolate is a good source of the kind of antioxidants found in tea. Flavonoids are among the most powerful antioxidants -- compounds that protect against chemicals in the body called free radicals, which damage cells. In fact, dark or semisweet chocolates contain four times the antioxidants contained in teas.

Cocoa Butter is the fat that occurs naturally in cocoa beans from which chocolate and chocolate products are made. It appears that cocoa butter, the fat in chocolate, does not raise levels of cholesterol in the blood. In fact, research suggests that ingredients in chocolate help blood vessels relax and improve blood flow.

There is a lot of scientific literature out there and more on the way. Just remember: Chocolate is not a cure for a bad diet, BUT you sure don't have to be guilty about eating it in moderation.

Isn't that GREAT!!

_______________________________________

			IT'S THE WORLD OF CHOCOLATE! A NEWSLETTER FOR ALL OF US CHOCOHOLICS (and the gang here in Knoxville) Caffeine in Chocolate - As you may have well guessed by now, we are unabashedly pro-chocolate. How about a few great facts! Coffee, brewed drip method, 5 Oz. cup (that's not much folks! Average 115 mg caffeine. Milk Chocolate, 1 Oz. (about the amount of chocolate on 3 plump turtles) Average 6 mg caffeine. Dark Chocolate, 1 Oz. Average 20 mg Caffeine Source US Food and Drug Administration _____________________________________

________________________________________________ *CHOCOLATE AND YOUR HEART* There is a lot of attention given to what we eat and how it affects us, especially our heart. Over the last few decades, quite a bit of research has been devoted to the effects of chocolate, particularity cocoa butter, on our health. Researcher have confirmed that chocolate is a good source of the kind of antioxidants found in tea. Flavonoids are among the most powerful antioxidants -- compounds that protect against chemicals in the body called free radicals, which damage cells. In fact, dark or semisweet chocolates contain four times the antioxidants contained in teas. Cocoa Butter is the fat that occurs naturally in cocoa beans from which chocolate and chocolate products are made. It appears that cocoa butter, the fat in chocolate, does not raise levels of cholesterol in the blood. In fact, research suggests that ingredients in chocolate help blood vessels relax and improve blood flow. There is a lot of scientific literature out there and more on the way. Just remember: Chocolate is not a cure for a bad diet, BUT you sure don't have to be guilty about eating it in moderation. Isn't that GREAT!! _______________________________________