Choc's Temptation Home Made Chocolates: Jul 24, 2010

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Chocolate Types

Dark chocolate

Chocolate that contains chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla and leicithin (an emulsifier).There are no milk solids added in dark chocolate. The cocoa content of commercial dark chocolate bars can range from 30% (sweet dark) to 70- 80% for extremely dark bars. Bittersweet chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate also fall into the “dark chocolate” category.

Milk chocolate

In addition to containing cocoa butter and chocolate liquor, milk chocolate contains either condensed milk (most European varieties) or dry milk solids. Milk chocolate must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor (in the United States), 3.39% butterfat, and 12% milk solids. Milk chocolates are typically much sweeter than dark chocolate, and have a lighter color and a less pronounced chocolate taste. Milk chocolate is more difficult to temper properly and more prone to overheating.

White chocolate

White chocolate gets its name from the cocoa butter it contains, but does not contain chocolate liquor or any other cocoa products. As a result, it has no pronounced chocolate taste, but commonly tastes like vanilla or other added flavorings. By law, white chocolate must contain a minimum 20% cocoa butter, 14% milk solids, and a maximum of 55% sugar. There are some “white chocolate” products available that contain vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter—these should be avoided from a taste standpoint, as they contain no cocoa products at all, and are not technically white chocolate.

*Adapted from:

http://candy.about.com/od/candybasics/a/chocguide.htm

The Good and Bad of Eating Chocolate

As a food item, chocolate has been a source of controversy over the years. And many have renewed debates over what chocolate really does to you body. Is it junk food or soul food? But you have to admit, chocolate is good – real good. That’s probably why you find in all forms, sizes, and food items. Anyway, here are some points on the good and bad of chocolate.

Positive side of eating chocolate

It’s the classic soul food. Chocolate contains tryptophan which is a chemical that is used by the brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin, in boosted levels, create the feeling of elation.

It’s as good as sex. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine – the same drug that reaches peak levels during orgasm. Probably why having melted chocolate makes things twice the fun.

It has anti-oxidants (the same ones that can be found in green tea, orange juice, onions, bananas, apples, corn, spinach, and red wine). This means it’s healthful as antioxidants help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They also protect cells from damage caused by toxins.

It’s a source of good cholesterol.

Negative side of eating chocolate

Not too much if you don’t gobble everything in one sitting. As experts say, it is not a health food and since there are many other sources of antioxidants, why stick to a candy bar?

So to balance the urge to purge the sweet thing, and to stay fit and healthy:

Eat a small amount at a time. You are not as hungry for chocolate as you think you are. A small fix can do you as good as much as a big one, so why not opt for the less fattening one as well?

Like most food, there are especially made chocolate products that are lower in fat and calories. Try to steer towards these other options.

Many do not like the more bitter taste of dark chocolate, but it is richer in those antioxidants and nutrition than the regular milk chocolate.

Say no to chocolate products that have “hydrogenated oils” in them. These oils create trans fat that can be very bad to your heart. So before you reach out for the yummy-looking chocolate bar, check the label first.

*Adapted from:

http://www.lifespy.com/2008/the-good-and-bad-of-eating-chocolate/

The Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate

Could Eating Chocolate Be Healthy for You?

Chocolate is often something which is recognized as "poison," or something that you should not eat. It is often put to blame for various types of health effects, such as obesity, acne and even the cavities that you get in your teeth. However, what you may not know is that there are various types of benefits which are associated with eating dark chocolate. Here, we will take a closer look at these benefits, which may encourage you to want to eat more dark chocolate in the future.

Why is Dark Chocolate Healthier Than Milk Chocolate?

Although many people tend to prefer milk chocolate, the truth in the matter is that it does not have the healthy benefits to offer that dark chocolate does. The main reason is because chocolate which contains higher levels of cocoa offers the highest number of healthy advantages. What this means is that chocolate containing higher levels of cocoa such as dark chocolate can provide you with more health benefits than milk chocolate, which mainly contains added sweeteners, can. White chocolate, on the other hand, does not even contain any levels of cocoa. This is great news for dark chocolate lovers though!

What are the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate?

1. One of the best ways to lower your risks of developing cancer is by consuming foods which are high in anti-dioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables. Well, cocoa also contains anti-dioxidants. By eating dark chocolate, you will actually be decreasing your risk of developing cancer.

2. A recent study has shown that dark chocolate has the ability to lower your blood pressure, since it contains flavonoids. The experiment consisted of two groups, one of which who ate dark chocolate and another who ate the same amount of white chocolate once a day for fifteen days. The group who ate the dark chocolate did have a decrease in blood pressure.

3. The flavonoids which are found in dark chocolate are also known to help the blood flow more smoothly through blood vessels, as well as increase the amount of blood that can flow to the brain. This will decrease your risks of having a heart attack in the long run.

4. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which is known to work as an aphrodisiac. It works by stimulating the nervous system, which ultimately will give people sensual feelings, along with the feeling of being in love.

5. The truth is that chocolate is actually known to be very beneficial to your teeth, which is probably the exact opposite of what you always been told. There are certain substances in the cocoa of chocolate which are known to actually kill off the bacteria that causes your tooth decay, resulting in cavities.

Keep in mind that, when it comes to any of these health benefits, the only type of chocolate that will be able to provide you with them are dark chocolate.

Should You Eat More Chocolate?

Although you know that dark chocolate can provide you with many health benefits, one of the main questions that you may have is how often you should actually eat chocolate. The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that, irregardless of the health benefits it can provide you with, you should never overdo the amount of chocolate that you eat. While everything in moderation is okay, chocolate will make you gain weight if you decide to eat it too frequently, just like any other food will. Eating a small piece of chocolate each day will not hurt as much as you would have thought though!

* Adapted from:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/216442//the_health_benefits_of_eating_chocolate.html?cat=5