Posted on 09/14/2011 4:25:41 PM PDT by Para-Ord.45
Scientists found that small amounts of dark chocolate may improve health in a similar way to exercise.
The researchers focused on the mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses in cells that generate energy, and discovered that a plant compound found in chocolate, called epicatechin, appeared to stimulate the same muscle response as vigorous activity.
''Aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, is known to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells. Our study has found that epicatechin seems to bring about the same response - particularly in the heart and skeletal muscles.''
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Dark chocolate only.
When we used to got to a Trader Joe’s occasionally, they had slabs of half kilo Beglian chocolate - dark and milk.
Milk chocolate has always nauseated me, but dark chocolate - yum. Funny thing though is I’ve pretty much lost appetite for sweets. You’d think that would mean I’ve lost weight. Well, some. But cheese is just as fattening!
Hmm, cheese and dark chocolate sandwiches...
Chocolate Cheesecake w/ Raspberry Sauce.
A wise old man once told me...” If you crave it, eat it. That is your body talking to you.”
I meant sharp cheddar!
Once when visiting people in France as a child (with my family), the French family ate French bread, sliced long ways, with slabs of dark chocolate inside. That was it. Not bad, actually.
I know YOU you meant savory cheese.
But cheese and chocolate always reminds ME of chocolate cheesecake.
Well...there used to be an ice cream shop near me that had a dish called "Death by Chocolate". Never could eat all of one by myself, so no empirical data to report.
b
Best ping ever!
I know that you knew that...
:-)
Maybe cheddar squares dipped in melted dark chocolate? It actually sounds good to me!
Found this in today's online Chicago Tribune:
"Cocoa contains anti-inflammatory compounds called flavanols, substances that reduce both blood clotting and inflammation in the body. Enjoying a cup or two of hot cocoa per week can help reduce inflammation, particularly if its made with skim or low-fat milk to keep down the drinks content of saturated fats."
Nothing wrong with saturated fats.
My forebears all ate tons of the stuff, and most lived into their eighties, nineties, and hundreds.
I like my hot chocolate made with whole milk. I’ve tried it with skim milk, but it just makes me sad. I prefer being happy.
We may get our first frost tonight, so I’m looking forward to the cocoa in the morning.
Have you ever made it with Heavy Cream?
Decadent!
I’ve been known to add a splash or two.
Anything wrong with decadence?
Oh no, FRiend. Absolutely nothing wrong with decadence.
It’s too rich for me to do 100% cream although some Cognac, Kahlua, Bailey’s or even Peppermint Schnapps makes it yummy. (But probably not for breakfast)
Too bad, I’ll have to cross Olive Garden off my list. I never eat at Red Lobster anyway, I can get fresh seafood anytime I want, I don’t need their old, over priced smelly food.
Meddling Moo - shellie probably wrote that statement.
I drink my hot chocolate made with whole milk, too. My family have eaten saturated fats all their lives, and don't depart this earth until their nineties, either. Although, one great-aunt turned one-hundred and three this past April.
We used to take hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps in thermoses to football games. Nothing better and it kept us warm and gave us lots of team “spirit”.
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