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Cacao

05/19/2018 / By Tracey Watson

When it comes to chocolate, the darker the better: Dark chocolate reduces stress while improving memory

When new research comes out saying that we should increase our consumption of broccoli or start eating kale, we might not feel overly inclined to make the suggested changes. However, there are very few of us who don’t love chocolate, and two new studies by researchers from the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center […]

05/14/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Eat more dark chocolate to resolve irregular heartbeats

Chocolate lovers, rejoice: A study published in the journal Heart has found that eating moderate amounts of chocolate can reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), a life-threatening form of irregular heartbeat. Scientists at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, together with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Aalborg University, and the Danish Cancer Society‘s Institute of […]

05/06/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Rebuilding the Amazon forest with chocolate: How cocoa could be the key to making South America green again

For decades, Brazilian ranchers have been part of the wide-scale destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Now, they – and chocolate – could be the keys to make South America green again. According to a Reuters report, many ranchers are planting cocoa trees with the support of environmentalists who believe cocoa plantations can serve as new forests. […]

02/11/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Stressed-out cacao trees produce more nutritionally potent chocolate – new research

A bite of your favorite chocolate bar can take off the stress for most people – studies have already looked into it – but research has shown that putting cocoa trees under stress can lead to better-tasting chocolate. In particular, drought and other weather conditions have more impact on cocoa production than how the tree themselves are grown. The […]

01/10/2018 / By Jhoanna Robinson

The world’s insatiable demand for chocolate has Colombia gearing up production – but heavy metals remain a huge concern for importers

The accumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium in food is a major issue in scientific communities and international food organizations, due to the high toxicological risks to consumers, and because there is no detailed record of such contaminants’ actual content. This is why researchers at Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia felt the need […]

12/04/2017 / By Tracey Watson

Those with a high cardiovascular risk profile should eat dark chocolate with olive oil, new study finds

In recent years, the medical community has put a lot of effort into educating people about reducing their cholesterol levels in order to protect their heart health. Of course, those who do have elevated cholesterol levels are often prescribed statin drugs like Lipitor, Zocor and others to lower these levels. In fact, these are among […]

11/13/2017 / By Janine Acero

What do mining and chocolate have in common? Deforestation of rainforests

Forests cover about 30 percent of the planet, but deforestation is clearing these essential habitats and converting them into farms and ranches, among others. This damaging method is most prevalent in tropical rainforests such as the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. This method ruins the quality of the land and forces many species of animals to cram into […]

11/01/2017 / By Russel Davis

Working out today? If so, have some chocolate

Eating chocolate before working out may amplify the beneficial effects of exercise on brain health, a Japanese study in the Nutrition journal has revealed. Teams of researchers from Ritsumeikan University, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, and Tokyo Medical University have enrolled 10 healthy young men as part of the study. The participants were then divided into […]

10/31/2017 / By Michelle Simmons

Cocoa found to prevent type-2 diabetes

Research has found that cocoa contains certain compounds that can help the body release more insulin and respond to increased blood glucose (or blood sugar) better. But do not stock up on too much sugar-rich chocolates at the check-out counter just yet. Jeffrey Tessem, study author and assistant professor of nutrition, dietetics, and food science […]

07/05/2017 / By Tim Wesley

Chocolate nutrients known as “flavanols” confirmed yet again to strongly boost brain performance and prevent cognitive decline

Chocolates and kids don’t really match, at least according to their parents or nannies who just want to have a peaceful night. You’ve probably seen kids get too hyper after eating a bar of chocolate and thought they’re not exactly a good combination. But, a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition by Italian researchers has shed light […]

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