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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10 Foods Your Skin Will Love
We should be eating more foods our skin will love because it is summertime. Whether on vacation – working in our yards – or getting our gardens to grow, we are very susceptible to the harsh sun. Our doctors have always warned us about long-term exposure to the sun and how it will accelerate the effects of aging and increase our risk of developing skin cancer. “Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can raise the risk of developing melanoma.” According to WebMD: “Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break…
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Discovering Local Food at Ingles Markets
The regional chain of Ingles Markets has a special event called, Taste of Local, based in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina featuring local food producers. One of my missions with this blog is to encourage foodies to support their local food producers, whether it be through CSA”s (Community Supported Agriculture) or buying produce at the local farmers’ markets. Since moving to the Appalachian Foothills area, I have never before witnessed such support for local farmers and food products. Local food producers are able to set up a table and display their products, along with free samples for Ingles’ shoppers. Some products may be available in your own local…
