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4 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Have A Block Of Chocolate

Reason #4 | Stress? Totally busted!

If you’re feeling a little stressed out, studies show eating chocolate can help reduce levels of stress hormones in your blood. Chocolate contains more than 400 different compounds that improve your mood and reduce stress. Serotonin, endorphins and phenylethylamine are all mood-lifting substances found in chocolate. Choclate also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, and the amphetamine-like compounds tyramine and phenyletylamine.
As with all things, moderation is the key. Dark chocolate with higher cacao content provides the greatest health benefits while good quality chocolate has fewer saturated vegetable fats. When you do indulge in chocolate, make sure its fair trade and organically grown.

4 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Have A Block Of Chocolate

Reason #3 | Cavities and mouth bacteria? Karate chopped!

A study from the Osaka University in Japan found that parts of the cocoa bean actually help to combat mouth bacteria and tooth decay. This is what the chaps at the BBC had to say: “It is so successful in combating decay that scientists believe some of its components may one day be added to mouthwash or toothpaste.”

4 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Have A Block Of Chocolate

Reason #2 | Old age and dementia?

When oxidation occurs, free-radicals cause damage to cellular DNA. The result is the loss of elasticity in the skin, damage to brain cells which reduces brain functioning, and damage to cells which cause age-related diseases. Antioxidants (like those contained in chocolate), attach themselves to free-radicles and neutralize their ability to damage cells.

4 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Have A Block Of Chocolate

Reason #1 | Heart Attacks and Stroke? Stopped in their tracks!

A University of Cambridge study analyzed the results of seven studies involving over 100,000 candidates. Researchers determined that the “highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke compared with lowest levels.” This may be due to the high level of antioxidants in the chocolate which helps to keep arteries clean.

4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today

Reason #4 | Eat Salads to Get Smart Fats

Eating a little good fat (like the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, avocado and nuts) with your vegetables appears to help your body absorb protective phytochemicals, like lycopene from tomatoes and lutein from dark green vegetables.

If you dress your salad with a little olive oil, there may even be some additional years in it for you. Italian research on people aged 60 and older has suggested that a diet that includes plenty of olive oil and raw vegetables is linked to reduced mortality.

Try this Chicken Fajita Sizzling Salad
http://iowagirleats.com/2013/02/04/chicken-fajita-sizzling-salad/

4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today

Reason #3 | Eat Salads to Cut Calories and Increase Satisfaction

If losing weight is your goal, you may want to start your meals with a green salad. Studies have shown that eating a low-calorie first course, like a green salad of 150 calories or less, enhances satiety (feelings of fullness) and reduces the total number of calories eaten during the meal.

Rolls, lead researcher of the study, suggests that "bigger is better" as long as the salad is bigger in volume, not in calories - which means more veggies and less dressing and other fatty add-ons.

Try this Avocado and Chicken Caprese Salad
http://iowagirleats.com/2013/09/02/avocado-and-chicken-caprese-salad/

Avocado and Chicken Caprese Salad | Iowa Girl Eats A cool and filling twist on the classic Caprese Salad, Avocado and Chicken Caprese Salad is unbelievably delicious! Hey all, hope you're having a

4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today

Reason #2 | Eat Salads for the Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

If you frequently eat green salads, you'll likely have higher blood levels of a host of powerful antioxidants (vitamin C and E, folic acid, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene,) especially if your salad includes some raw vegetables. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

For years, researchers have noted a link between eating lots of fruits and vegetables and lower risks of many diseases, particularly cancer. A recent study from the National Cancer Institute suggests that people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk of developing cancers of the head and neck -- even those who smoke and drink heavily. Foods found to be particularly protective include beans and peas, string beans, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, apples, nectarines, peaches, plums, pears, and strawberries.

Try this Inner Goddess Detox Salad
http://iowagirleats.com/2012/05/29/inner-goddess-detox-salad/

Inner Goddess Detox Salad | Iowa Girl Eats The Inner Goddess Detox Salad is chock full of body-cleansing, toxin-eliminating, and skin-brightening ingredients like dark, leafy greens, fresh veggies, and

4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today

Reason #1 | Eat Salads for the Fiber

It's hard to believe that something we can't even digest can be so good for us! Eating a high-fiber diet can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. Not only that, says Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan, eating more fiber can help you feel fuller, eat less, and ultimately lose weight.

Try this delicious BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
http://iowagirleats.com/2013/07/18/bbq-chicken-chopped-salad/

10 Healthy lunch ideas to indulge in

10 Healthy Lunch Ideas Brown-bagging it just got a whole lot tastier with these easy, healthy lunch ideas