organic dark chocolate

Is Chocolate Good For Your Heart?

Most of us love chocolate but did you know that chocolate is actually good for you? New evidence suggests that eating a little chocolate might help ward off artery-blocking, heart attack provoking blood clots. Truth is, there are healthy and unhealthy chocolates and it is important to select those that are heart healthy.

During a recent US survey, researchers discovered that clots formed more slowly in the blood of chocolate lovers than in those who rarely ate chocolate. Some chocolates however are full of sugar and fat. These include chocolate covered marshmallow hearts, chocolate covered cherries and solid milk chocolate hearts and drops. Some commercial chocolate is made with high-fructose corn syrup and this should be avoided if you are health conscious.

The secret is to eat dark chocolate containing a high percentage of cocao bean. The center of the cocao bean is the nib and cocao beans contain chemicals called flavonoids. These are believed to have similar blood thinning effects to
aspirin. Dark chocolate, which is lower in sugar and fat than milk chocolate is the healthy way to enjoy that special treat and as an extra bonus, protect your heart.

Research conducted at Tufts University led to a discovery that dark chocolate improves insulin sensitivity. This is great news for those with type 2 diabetes because millions of people take expensive drugs on a daily basis to increase their insulin sensitivity. Besides boosting insulin sensitivity, there is evidence from research that pure dark chocolate may lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.

According to Dr Janet Bond Brill, author of "Cholesterol Down", "Dark chocolate is the best nutrition news to come out in years".

Dr Joe Vinson, professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton, explains: "Flavonoids work as antioxidants to protect us from free radical damage and cocoa consumption lowers your risk of heart disease".

As you grow older, your arteries become less and less flexible, making it hard for blood to flow through them. This raises your blood pressure. The flavonoids in dark chocolate boost levels of nitric acid, keeping your arteries flexible and allowing blood to flow to your vital organs more easily.

A 2003 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, supports this. According to their research, chocolate helped promote healthy blood pressure levels in the subjects studied. Chocolate helps relax blood vessels so blood can flow through them easier.

Like all good things, moderation is the key and premium dark chocolate is the only chocolate that provides the many health benefits. It contains a higher percentage of cocoa than milk chocolate. Avoid the mass produced, highly processed sugary chocolates. "Chocolate is a yummy form of medicine", explains Brill. "But as with any medicine, overdosing can lead to unpleasant side effects".

I love chocolate, but had to severely restrict my consumption of milk chocolate because of congestion problems. Dark chocolate reduces this problem and provides greater health benefits while retaining the delicious chocolate taste. My wife and I enjoy a healthy peppermint tea after our evening meal. Two or three pieces of dark chocolate complement it perfectly.

Vivani Organic Chocolate Bars, Dark Chocolate, 3.5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 10) List Price: $33.80 Sale Price: $26.00 You save: $7.80 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Vivani premium organic dark chocolates are pure sensual pleasure. Vivani only uses carefully selected ingredients from 100% organically controlled suppliers. No emulsfiers are used in this production process so Vivani contains NO SOY LECITHIN. These premium quality dark chocolate bars are made with top quality cocoa beans, real bourbon vanilla, and organic ingredients. No genetically engineered ingredients are used. Each bar has a high cocoa content. This fine chocolate bar, is a great treat for dark chocolate lovers. Features Made without the use of soy lecithin Top quality, organic ingredients. Does not use genetically engineered ingredients Each bar showcases a unique piece of artwork Finely crafted European chocolate Top quality cocoa beans

Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Powder, Cacao Power, Mayan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2) List Price: $37.24 Sale Price: $25.56 You save: $11.68 (31%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description King of cacao. Raw chocolate - the new red wine. Cacao is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health enhancing properties as it has been in many cultures for thousands of years. Cocoa beans (theobroma cacao/raw chocolate) are the source for all chocolate and cocoa products. Our certified organic, raw cacao is the premium criollo variety. Theobroma literally means food of the goods - so called from the goodness of the seeds and Mexican named the pounded seeds chocolate cacao is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health-enhancing properties, as it has been in many cultures for thousands of years. Cacao contains many chemicals that enhance physician and mental well-being, including an incredibly rich supply of magnesium. Other essential minerals present in Cacao are calcium, zinc, iron, copper and potassium. Cacao also contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries. Navitas Naturals vegan cacao nibs are unprocessed, certified organic, raw, peeled cacao beans. Our premium cacao beans come directly from the farmers who cultivate them. These farmers grow their crops on their own land, using sustainable methods that have been used for generations. These cacao beans are guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides. USDA organic. Certified organic by Skal International. Imported form Peru. Packed in the USA. Features Pack of 2 (total 32 oz) Made from pure, 100% natural cacao powder Certified organic, vegan; a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium Mix into chocolate ice cream, smoothies, or yogurt; an antioxidant-rich supplement with antiseptic, diuretic and soothing properties Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides

Pamela's Products Dark Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Cookies, 5.29-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) List Price: $23.88 Sale Price: $15.31 You save: $8.57 (36%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Gourmet cookies, made with 89% organic ingredients. They are wheat-free and gluten-free and are certified organic by QAI. If dark chocolate is your love, this is all you'll ever need. Deep, dark, rich chocolate melded together. Since 1988, Pamela's Products have set the standard for taste with our decadent wheat-free cookies. We are proud to announce that your favorite cookies for indulging are now available in a new made with organic ingredients format! We use the highest quality organic ingredients to produce deliciously satisfying treats for those who care about their food and the impact their choices make on the environment. Features Case of six 5.29-ounce packages of cookies (total of 31.74 ounces) Made with organic ingredients Wheat-free, gluten-free, non-dairy Kosher-certified Product of USA

Endangered Species Black Panther, Extreme Dark Chocolate (88%), 3-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12) List Price: $33.48 Sale Price: $24.66 You save: $8.82 (26%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Endangered Species Chocolate All-Natural Panther Bar - Extreme Dark Chocolate (88% Cocoa Content) This 3oz. dark chocolate bar is made with all-natural, shade-grown, ethically traded, single-origin extreme dark chocolate. At 88% cocoa content, it is one o Features All-natural gourmet chocolate Shade-grown ethically-traded cocoa beans from small family-owned farms Supports endangered animals habitat and humanity Each bar contains educational information about the endangered animal on the wrapper

Green & Black's Maya Gold, Organic Dark Chocolate with Orange & Spices, 3.5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 5) List Price: $21.19 Sale Price: $16.30 You save: $4.89 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Fair trade certified. By buying this bar of Maya Gold, you are directly supporting small-scale farmers through direct trade, fair prices, community development and environmental sustainability. Minimum Cocoa Content: 55%. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Made in Italy. Features Pack of five, 3.5-ounces per bar (a total of 17.5 ounces) White chocolate from cocoa butter, pressed directly from the crushed cocoa beans Maya Gold with perfectly balanced by the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of vanilla Bittersweet with Currant & Hazelnut has toasted, nutty crunch of organic chopped hazelnuts

Late July Organic Dark Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, 8.2-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) List Price: $28.28 Sale Price: $21.75 You save: $6.53 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The intensity of our dark chocolate is achieved by blending pure organic chocolate with a hint of irresistible organic vanilla. This filling is then sandwiched between two rich chocolate cookies creating an award winning treat that celebrates the true superiority of the organic cacao bean. We hope you enjoy them. All Late July Snacks are produced without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetic engineering, antibiotics or added growth hormones. Our organic Dark Chocolate Sandwich Cookies also contain no Trans fat, no hydrogenated oils, no corn syrup, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no preservatives, and are vegan. They boast 4 grams of whole grain per single serve pack and antioxidants. Late July is a moment in time when life is simple, pure and good. It’s watching your child laughing and playing with his dog on the beach. It’s the middle of the summer when you’re knee deep in sand castles and problems are a million miles away. It’s also our name and our life philosophy. Having our youngest generation, the boy on the box and his younger brother, at the office helps us slow down and cherish those moments. It also provides a constant reminder that our ingredients need to be as special and pure as the moments they represent. We are independently owned, family operated and all our products are certified USDA Organic by Quality Assurance International. Features Case of 6, 8.2-ounce package (total of 49.2-ounces) Made with only the finest organic ingredients; contains whole grain Provide antioxidants Vegan and Kosher Dairy Contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

Green & Black's Organic Chocolate Bar, 70% Cocoa, 3.5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 10) List Price: $42.38 Sale Price: $28.66 You save: $13.72 (32%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description 70% Cocoa content - A combination of cocoa liquor and cocoa butter. The latter is there to coat each individual cocoa and sugar particle, allowing the chocolate to melt beautifully and cleanly in the mouth, revealing intense, bittersweet chocolate aromas. We select only the finest organic ingredients and take extra time and care to bring out the intense flavor that has become our trademark. Suitable for vegetarians & vegans. Made on a peanut free site. USDA organic. Green & Black's is certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Made in Italy. Features Pack of 10, 3.5-ounce bars (total of 35 ounces) Combination of cocoa liquor and cocoa butter Suitable for vegetarians & vegans USDA organic Made on a peanut free site

Theo Classic Organic (70% Cacao) Dark Chocolate, 3-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12) List Price: $47.88 Sale Price: $33.23 You save: $14.65 (31%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description A rich 70% dark chocolate. Organic, fair trade chocolate made with the highest integrity, beautifully simple packaging, and outstanding taste. Vegan and soy free. Features Pack of twelve, 3-ounce per unit(a total of 36 ounces) Delicious organic, fair trade, seductively smooth and rich 70% dark chocolate Soy free; vegan

NuGo Organic Nutrition Bar, Dark Double Chocolate, 1.76-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12) List Price: $27.60 Sale Price: $17.59 You save: $10.01 (36%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description 1st GMO-free organic nutrition bar; Loaded with vitamins and mineral; Certified organic, wholesome and delicious. USDA organic. 0 Trans fats. 10g Soy protein. Non-GMO. Why organic? Organically grown foods improve the overall quality of our planet by reducing the impact on the environment. The USDA Organic Standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticide, hormones and antibiotics in organic foods. According to USDA Standards you will not find any artificial preservatives or flavor additives in NuGo Organic Nutrition Bars. Organic Farming: Organic farmers utilize sustainable and natural farming methods to preserve and protect our environment while improving the overall quality of their produce. Working with organic farmers, we proudly offer you and your family a genuinely healthy and delicious organic product that we feel is aiding in the protect of our planet. NuGo Organic - making a delicious difference in your health and the sustainable quality of our world. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Made in USA. Features Twelve 1.76-ounce all-natural, organic nutrition bars loaded with dark chocolate flavor (total of 21.12 ounces) Made from organic soy protein coated in organic dark chocolate Low in fat; no hydrogenated oils, cholesterol or trans fatty acids; USDA certified organic Baked to have light crispy taste and texture; 10g protein and 180 calories Made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ergo Dark Chocolate Organic Baby Carrier Sale Price: $120.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description This 100% Organic Cotton Carrier (including the linings, Infant Inserts and Accessories*) is certified by the Control Union Certifications (formerly Skal International) in the Netherlands.Features 400 threads per inch organic cotton poplin lining and hood. 100% cotton batting in body of carrier to soften edges. One inch, high density foam in shoulder straps. Quarter inch high density neoprene foam in waist belt. High Quality buckles tested by SGs.Waist belt circumference from 25" to 43" Fits from 5' to 6.5' body height with adjustable shoulder and chest straps.Durability/strength tested up to 90 pounds Features Can be worn on front, back or hip Recommended use from newborn (with additional Infant Insert) up to 40 lbs Comes with detailed, illustrated instructions and instructional DVD Adjusts for most sizes, waist circumference extends from 25" up to 43" Attached Sleeping Hood supports sleeping baby's head

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