From time to time you will hear someone say that “everything that tastes great is bad for you.”  Not true when it comes to chocolate.

• One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana.
• Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance that is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love.
• Dark chocolate contains flavonals that increase blood flow in the brain and makes you smarter.
• A new study suggests that chocolate lovers are less likely to die following a heart attack.
• Theobromine found in chocolate may be just as effective as fluoride at hardening tooth enamel.
• Moderate consumption of chocolate may lower blood pressure.
• Alkaloids in chocolate  have been linked to serotonin levels in the brain and seems to promote mental health.
• Dark chocolate contains antioxidants associated with health improvement.

Something that improves cardiovascular health, prevents cancer, suppresses coughing, counters dementia, decreases the risk of heart attack, and improves ones mental health.  Chocolate defies the old saw that if it tastes good it isn’t good for you.

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RELATED CONTENT

• Chocolate Trivia
• Turmeric – Spice For A Longer Life
• Easy, Healthy, and Delicious White Chili

Turmeric, a spice that is frequently used in Indian cooking,  can add length to your life.  Curcumin is a key component of turmeric, and curcumin has been found to promote health in a variety of ways.  It is believed that curcumin . . .

• Helps prevent cancer
• Lowers blood pressure
• Curtails onset of Alzheimers disease
• Decreases risk of stroke
• Reduces risk of atherosclerosis
• Regulates blood-platelet production
• May slow the the progression of multiple sclerosis
• Is useful in weight reduction
• Is a natural treatment for depression
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that benefits those suffering from arthritis
• And, helps restore healthy skin

Further, it is taken in some Asian countries as a treatment for stomach problems,  is used as an anti-venom for bites from the King Cobra, and …

… it tastes great.

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Easy White Chili

1 T. olive oil
1-1/2 boneless chicken breast, diced
1 c. chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14-1/2 oz) chicken broth
2 t. dried oregano
2 t. cumin
1 t. seasoning salt
1t. cayenne pepper
1 (19 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 c. light sour cream

1. Heat olive oil in large saucepan until hot; add chicken, onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in chicken broth, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes or until flavors are blended.
2. Add drained beans and chilies; continue cooking until heated through, about 10 minutes. Stir in cheese and sour cream; cook until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped cilantro, tomatoes, salsa or sour cream.

Even Easier White Chili

Chicken breast strips, pre-cooked (can use seasoned fajita meat) – the amount of what looks good
2 cans of white beans, drained
1 large jar of “Green Chili Stew” found at Central Market (maybe 32 oz)
Sour Cream and cheese

Tear up the chicken breast strips into smaller pieces. Add drained beans. Add green chili stew. Bring to boil and simmer until heated through. Garnish with cheese, sour cream and/or chips.

A few years ago there was a stupid movie called Dumb and Dumber. A movie about American culture today might whale be named Fat and Fatter.

A study conducted by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that obesity has climbed substantially in the last year. What is really scary, is the rising number of obese children. Almost half of Mississippi children are obese. Arkansas (37.5%)and Georgia (37.3%) don’t weigh in much better.

As healthcare continues to be debated in Washington, individual states need to take action to promote a healthier lifestyle among its citizens, particularly its children.

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Have a camera phone?  That may be just what you need to lose weight.

In a recent study, people who used their camera phone to take pictures of their food before eating it made better choices in what they consumed.  There isn’t anything magic about the camera, but it served as a good tool in making people slow down and “think” about what they were eating.

Advice for setting and keeping your New Year resolutions . . .