A long-term study in


Germany found that about a square of dark chocolate a day lowered blood


pressure and reduced risk of stroke by 39 percent. The is down to the


presence of flavonoids, that keep the arteries supple.


A brief history of chocolate


• Chocolate was fi rst eaten around 2,000 years ago in Central America. The Mayans regarded the cacao or cocoa bean as the food of the Gods, and as such used it in ceremonies and even to pay taxes.


• The Aztecs mixed the cocoa bean with water, cornmeal, spices and even chilli, to make a bitter spiced drink. Some people say that the ancient word "Xocolatl" means "bitter water".


• The cocoa bean was fi rst brought to Europe in 1528 by Hernan Cortes, who presented it to the Spanish King, Charles V.


• Cortes inspired Spaniards to mix the bitter drink with sugar, creating a new sweet chocolate drink. The Spaniards added sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and cinnamon to create an exclusive and fashionable drink that was the reserve of the Spanish nobility for almost 100 years.


• In France in the 18th Century chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac. It was fi rst mixed with candy in Paris, and fi rst included in a cake in London.


• J S Fry and Sons made the fi rst solid eating chocolate in 1830. Fry's also made the world's fi rst commercially produced Easter egg in 1873.


• Milk chocolate was fi nally successfully developed in 1875.


• Chocolate went on to become a massive industry. 17,000 Belgians are now employed in the chocolate-making industry.


Chocolate and health


• Chocolate has a mild anti-depressant effect on the brain by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels. It has a small amount of caffeine that emulates a mild amphetamine.


• Cocoa butter is used to make cosmetics and massage oils. Because it melts just below body temperature, it is perfect as a foundation for moisturising creams.


• Although it is high in fat content, chocolate doesn't raise blood cholesterol levels.


• New research shows that women who eat one or two servings of dark chocolate each week cut their risk for heart failure by as much as a third.


• A long-term study in Germany found that about a square of dark chocolate a day lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke by 39 percent. The is down to the presence of fl avonoids, that keep the arteries supple.


• There are fi ve times more fl avonoids in a chocolate bar than an apple.


• The high level of sugar and milk in chocolate means that you still have to exercise - otherwise you'll lose control of your weight!


• Women who ate chocolate daily during their pregnancy reported that they were better able to handle stress than mothers- to-be who abstained.


• Researchers from Oxford University and Norway found that those who consumed fl avanol-rich chocolate, wine, or tea scored signifi cantly higher on cognitive tests than those who didn't.


Funny to say it seems that chocolate holds some keys that will help keep you feeling and looking good. But remember - everything in moderation!


Clair Mason from West Yorkshire, UK


IT'S NEVER TOO LATE


In 2003, I was 28 and had been slowly dying all my life. I was bullied at school, been fat since 4, suffered with anxiety, panic, eating disorders and had always had the deepest and most intense loathing for myself that i had ever felt for anyone or anything. I was absolutely at rock bottom and had reached 21 1/2 stones.


I had to lose over half my weight to get


into my offi cial 'normal' weight range. How could such a high achiever get into such a desperate place? It was all too much and unachievable. In July 2003, my grandad was dying and without judgement he said to me 'it's not too late' I remember having a dream where the mantra 'Every mouthful matters, every footstep matters' came to me and something in my head shifted, even a stone off would be better than none eh?


I started on my path, hypnotherapy, juicing,


working on myself. I’ve been 9 years on my journey (which included weddings, deaths, separation and a breakdown) I fi nd things that work and adopt them into my life. Last year I discovered EFT which released me, I also had my tummy tuck (not because I hated my body, I wanted to meet the body I was now.)


This year I discovered Paleo which has


been a miracle for my physical/mental health (the list is amazing.) My body is scarred and ravaged by my past but at 37 I feel like I am now playing my second half.


This year I trained with Kevin Laye in Hypnotherapy and TFT a new direction for a new me. I am 3lbs off losing 10 stone and am currently training hard for tough mudder! Am I mad? Maybe? But I am excited, content, curious, playful and I am ME.


WWW.THEBESTYOU.CO 51


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