So Many Kinds – And So Little Time!!

Chocolates appearance, aroma, sweetness, and smoothness and creaminess in your mouth is undeniable. And the many flavors, there are so many! Everyone loves chocolate! Everyone has a favorite kind.

All on the following list are “chocolates.” (I must say some sound good without the chocolate....no that’s not right, everything is better with chocolate!)

Here are a few: chocolate gummy bears, dark chocolate with cayenne pepper and pumpkin seeds, a probiotic chocolate bar, a mixed berry dark chocolate bar, whole bean chocolate, dark chocolate with espresso, black cherry chocolate, dark chocolate with the aromas of tobacco, nuts, prunes, green bananas, or fresh citrus. Also chocolate with curry powder, Kalamata olives, black sesame seeds and my favorite smoked bacon and salt.

All of these tastes, additions and flavorings play a role in ones indulgence and gratification, but chocolate is the STAR! And remember you have so little time....Enjoy!!!

Best Kind of Chocolate To Eat?

Chocolate is an indulgent pleasure and is just one of life’s little pleasures. So many kinds of chocolates to choose from? It should be simple for anyone to choose, but; with so many to choose from, and knowing everyone likes chocolate in one variety or another; it could be difficult.

There are many kinds, types and varieties of chocolates. What chocolate do you like, believe in, support, crave or just have got to have? What you like depends on where you lived as a child, your ethnicity, how old you are, and your adapted likes and dislikes.

Here is a “short” list of some kinds of chocolates –- which might make your decision a little easier:

– decadent, functional, rich and creamy, hand-dipped, dark, organic, mouth-watering, healthy, sugar free, milk, fair-trade, vegan, all-natural, gluten free, dairy free, fresh, premium, Belgium, ethical, exotic, hand-painted, molded, sweet, European, and gourmet.

There is nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate!!

Depression and Eating Chocolate

A new study I was reading states “People who eat more chocolate are more likely to be depressed than people who eat less chocolate.”

My view is some of their findings did not ring true! The study stated –

1. It was not clear if whether people who were likely to be depressed ate more chocolate – or whether the chocolate made them depressed?

2. Chocolate consumption (short term) makes us feel better – but how is the mood?

3. Study participants were asked about how much chocolate they consumed per week – but not what kind (dark or milk).

4. A questionnaire was used to ask about mood, sleep and eating habits (what about what was going on in their lives?) By how much they consumed and their habits it was determined if they were likely, possibly or were depressed.

5. Findings were the same for men and women, and 70% of the study was men. The average age was 58.

I feel it was a good study, but; they could not determine it the participants were already depressed. If you feel better does that not mean your mood is good? All sugary products have a drop off when the sugar wears off. But with chocolate it is not the sugar that makes you feel better; it is the increased endorphins that lift your mood. And to have 70% men in the study – men are not use to consuming chocolate like women.

Chocolate helps anyone feel calm and relaxed, and lifts the mood – my vote is that eating chocolate does not make you depressed.

Dark Chocolate Good for Your Liver

Research is showing some health benefits for people with cirrhosis of the liver with cocoa-rich dark chocolate.

Antioxidants called flavanols in dark chocolate is good for blood pressure which helps blood vessels to relax and widen. A person with cirrhosis can have a rise in abdominal blood pressure that could lead to a vessel rupture.

Therefore; eating dark chocolate can be good for your liver, also your heart and your cholesterol. Enjoy!!

Why We Buy Chocolate

According to a survey, 3 out of 5 U.S. chocolate consumers choose their chocolate treats based on mood, occasion, time of day and the weather.

Of a 1,000 shoppers surveyed —

40% said it was based on their mood, But
61% said time of day, occasion or weather was the primary factor

Also according to the survey —

55% shoppers selected milk chocolate
44% buy any type of chocolate with nuts
31% choose dark chocolate
23% want white chocolate (which is not really a chocolate)

Anytime is good for chocolate, and good chocolate is always appropriate and greatly appreciated.