A wonder drug...one of the best Mother's day gifts

It's one of my favorite things to eat...it might just be a favorite of

yours too.  =)

1. It can improve intelligence: Finally there is a reason behind my brilliance. All jokes aside, dark chocolate has actually been known to increase blood flow to the brain, which in turn enhances cognitive function.

2. Stimulates endorphin production: Endorphins are a chemical, which typically release in the brain during exercise. They are said to resemble opiates in their ability to produce analgesia coupled with a euphoric feeling. It turns out Fran is not the only cure for those winter blues because dark chocolate also emits the body’s natural feel good drug.

Have you guessed what this

WONDER drug is yet?

Well,  won't leave you in suspense any longer.

According to a significant amount of research, Dark Chocolate has

quite a few health benefits....

3. Fortifies and invigorates the skin: It should be part of your beauty regime and here is why; it contains flavonoids which are antioxidants that work to protect the skin by absorbing UV light and increasing blood flow. An increase in blood flow improves skin hydration giving you that desirable, glowing complexion.

4. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals: Surprisingly, dark chocolate contains significant amounts of potassium, magnesium and iron. All of which promote bone health and work to improve muscle and nerve function.

5. Lowers blood sugar levels: The antioxidants found in dark chocolate help improve the body’s ability to process blood sugar, doing wonders for the waistline.

6. Lowers Cholesterol: According to recent studies dark chocolate has also proven to reduce bad cholesterol by up to 10%, which has a positive effect on heart health and decreases the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

How do YOU like YOUR chocolate served? 

I like to just eat the 72% cocoa squares.  I break off small pieces

 and let it melt slowly in my mouth.

===========================

Melting chocolate for dipping fruits is fairly easy if you do

it in the Microwave.  Here is what I do... and the fruit adds even

more healthy benefits.  =)  and,
Great Mother's Day treats!!!

1)  I use  a microwaveable glass mixing cup that has a handle.  The container

          can get really hot.  The handle makes it easier to take out to stir, etc

2)  I use 80% Lindt Chocolate bars.  But, you can use any brand of chocolate
           bar and less percent dark.  I have found, however, that if the chocolate
           has a wax content, it doesn't melt as smooth.

3)  When microwaving...you have to keep your eye on the container all the
           time. It can boil and over heat quickly.  I take out every 20 seconds
           or so, to stir with chopsticks or wooden spoon.

4)  Have fruits washed, cut and ready to dip.  Chocolate sets back up fairly
          quickly.
5)  I have also used a small crockpot on low to melt the chocolate for
         dipping. 

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~~ Ruby's Report ~~

Treadmill - 2 miles 5 days...1 day was 1.5, but I did more incline

Food - I didn't really eat any junk foods.  But, I think I might have

            put too much butter on those slices of my home-made

            wheat bread =P

Weight (loss?) - yes...down .4  =)

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We'd LUV to hear how YOUR week went...

Did you have any luck with your "healthy" goals?

...did you eat SOMEthing good for YOU this week?

...maybe a leeetle walk or two?  Even if you parked your

car a bit farther from the store that you normally do? or

some extra playing around with kids or grandkids?

 

         

           

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