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Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

The first things that usually pop up in our minds when we think of chocolate are sugar, dessert, and carbs. Despite its negative reputation, a lot of research has shown that chocolate, specifically the dark version, is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help amplify your health.

Sharper Mind

Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols which improves the blood flow in the brain, therefore, amplifying cognitive functions. A study has also shown that a high content of flavanol enhances the activity in the dentate gyrus part of the brain which plays a critical role in memory preservation. 

Fierce Protector

Dark chocolate may have been the most delicious medicine that you will ever snack on because it is high in antioxidants that helps amplify your body’s protection against diseases as well as stimulating the lining of the arteries to manufacture nitric oxide, to help regulate blood pressure.

Heightened Energy

If you need an alternative morning boost from coffee, you might want to try a hot cup or a bar of dark chocolate. This food’s ability to improve blood flow allows the oxygen to be carried-out faster through the muscles.

Guilt-Free Happiness

Aside from its truly delectable taste, dark chocolate contains a chemical component called phenylethylamine which makes it irresistible and it stimulates the same feeling as falling in love! Eating dark chocolate can amplify your mood along with the naturally produced in our body dopamine, theobromine, and tryptophan content.

Healthy Dark Chocolate Mousse

  • 2 avocados (220 g) only the flesh
  • 50 g pure cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cup almond milk 
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  2. Leave to set in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
  3. Garnish your chocolate mousse with: fresh currants, mint, coconut flakes, pomegranate seeds.

Adapted from Shoo the Cook

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Healthy Home – Healthy Life

Create a healthy home with air purifying plants!

The indoors can be a haven for all of us, but the real question is, are we genuinely secure from any health threats when we are inside?

Environmental hazards can be found inside our homes, and in fact, the indoor pollutant is placed among the top 5 health hazards. Many times all of our cleaning efforts is not enough to extinguish the threats, but there is some good news! NASA has found a way to purify the inside of our homes and that is through the help of indoor plants. Yes, the greens are back, and we are here to introduce to you the selected few of them that will help in clearing your home of indoor toxins.

Dracaena

If Daenerys has Dracarys, well Mother Nature has Dracaena! This house plant has a variety of 40 kinds, and the toxic substances it can annihilate include formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene. It is also known for its long leaves which is lined with white, cream, or red but be cautious as this plant is a poison when ingested by dogs or cats. For pet lovers, you might want to skip this one.

Spider Plant

Still a neophyte in the world of gardening, this friendly spider (plant of course) is easy to grow, especially to those people who are not into high maintenance plants. It can spout flowers that will grow as a baby spider or spiderettes. The indoor pollutants that it can purify are xylene and formaldehyde.

Snake Plant

An ideal plant for places with a drier condition; it does not need to be watered often, and it is tough to kill. The snake plant is durable on all levels! The pollutants it can remove are xylene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. This plant is one of my favs!

Aloe Vera

Suitable for the skin, hair, and now for your overall health! The clear flesh of Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and other elements that have anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-bacterial effects. Display a pot of this miracle plant inside your home as it can disintegrate formaldehyde.  I use this plant a lot for any cuts, scraps and even razor burn!

Bamboo Palm

It can grow as tall as 12 feet and can filter a tremendous amount of air compared to the other plants, bamboo palm thrives on bright lights and it is safe for pets too! It can purify trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Once you’ve chosen your plants the fun begins in choosing their homes (pots). This is a great way to add your decorative style and flair to your home.  Get creative – you can choose anything from traditional pots, to ones of whimsy and even hanging ones.  Lately my favorite have been those that can be hung on my wall!

As you can see there are a variety of plants that can help clean up your home and also bring some fun decorative ideas as well – so just pick one and get growing!