Yes, it is true – certain kinds of chocolate actually have health benefits. Cocoa beans, like all seeds, are rich in nutrients that support the plant during development. They are especially rich in saturated fats, which contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease. However, cocoa butter contains a particular fatty acid, that our bodies immediately convert into unsaturated fat. Therefore, chocolate is NOT thought to pose a risk for heart disease, in fact, cocoa is very rich in antioxidant compounds, which accounts for about 8% of the weight of cocoa powder. The higher the cocoa solids content of chocolate, the higher the antioxidant content. Any added sugar, milk, or…
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Does Milk Really Do a Body Good?
Humans have been consuming milk for thousands of years. Around the world, people drink milk from many different animals including cows, camels, goats, llamas, sheep and buffalo. During the depression, my mother said, they survived on fresh goat’s milk. Milk packs a nutritional punch, containing protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin D. However, it also contains a very high amount of sodium. Most milk sold in the United States is PASTEURIZED, which means the microorganisms that cause salmonella and hepatitis, as well as spoilage, have been destroyed by heating, followed by a quick cooling. Pasteurization eliminates the possibility of diseases and gives the product a longer shelf life. Dairy…
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Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Muffins
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8 Ways to Lower Bad Cholesterol and Triglycerides
A recent health checkup caused me to reassess my dietary needs. My labs results indicated a jump in my LDL, or bad cholesterol numbers. My husband, recently evaluated due to a new health program at work, was told his triglyceride numbers were too high. What are LDL and triglycerides? LDL or low-density lipoprotein, is the “less desirable” type of cholesterol in your body, (that is how I remember which is which.) LDL causes plaque build up in arteries, which causes blood to be restricted and can result in heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. I already have a family history of heart disease and my father has survived several heart…
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Egg and Pepper Brunch for Two
Wanting to find new Sunday brunch ideas, I was inspired by a recent episode of America’s Test Kitchen. They constructed a brunch recipe named for the northeastern region of Spain, the Basque region. Dividing France and Spain, the Basque region is known for their vast produce choices, including six different varieties of peppers. Although my recipe does not include these exotic peppers, I wanted a recipe which would stimulate our sense of smell, taste and sight. America’s Test Kitchen developed an Eggs Piperade recipe, which suggests cooking the vegetables separate from the eggs; a method which prevents the eggs from being stringy and wet. The peppers are able to retain…
