Health & Nutrition

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. According to research eating dark chocolate in a balanced diet may:

• Reduce heart desease risk, improves insulin sensitivity
• The polyphenols in dark chocolate may help lower some forms of low-density lipoprotein – (LDL) bad cholesterol, when combined with other foods like almonds and cocoa.
• Flavanoids in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide which lowers the resistance to blood flow (improve blood flow in the arteries) and therefore reduces blood pressure.
• The flavanols in dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration and hence protect against sun damage (remember that chocolate can not replace sunscreen and other forms of sun protection).
• Dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.

White Chocolate

To get the benefits of white chocolate it must be consumed in moderation and should not be eaten frequently. It is recommended that you have 28g piece of white chocolate at a time and enjoy its delicious taste.
As suggested by studies when consumed in moderation white chocolate provides the following health benefits:

• Cocoa butter in white chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants which helps eliminate toxins from your body, reducing arterial clogging and improves the flow of white blood cells, therefore boosting immunity. White chocolate can act as a first aid to sepsis (a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection) when the good bacteria present in white chocolate may help to fight against the bad bacteria.
• Eating white chocolate in limited quantities can help regulate the fat in your body, reduce levels of the bad cholesterol and lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Improves liver health by increasing the blood flow and helps in enhancing the recovery of ruptured tissues.
• The sugar in white chocolate helps for people suffering from hypoglycemia, deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream.
• Linoleic acid contained in white chocolates helps to control hypertension and methylxanthine, which is useful in relaxing the respiratory muscles.
• Studies also suggest that white chocolate may provide benefits during headaches, sleeplessness, breast cancer, arthritis, dementia.

Macadamia

Macadamia nuts are a good source of protein and are low in sugar and carbohydrates. The natural antioxidants and dietary fibre in Macadamia nuts may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.

Though the fat content of Macadamia nuts is higher than that of other nuts such as Almonds, Cashews and Walnuts, around 80% of the fat in Macadamia nuts is monounsaturated fat, which has health benefits and can be fit into your healthy diet in moderation. Monounsaturated fat helps to improvs the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol that helps to lower the risk factors for heart disease.

Some studies have identified that the tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) and flavonoids contained in Macadamia nuts help to destroy damaging free radicals in the body and protect brain cells.

Macadamia nuts are rich in omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) which help to prevent weight gain when included in a balanced diet. The standard serving size for Macadamia nuts is 28.4 g, it is about 10–12 nuts and contains around 200 calories. Eating only the allotted amount can help prevent accidental overeating.

Almonds

Almonds contain high levels of healthy fats, fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E, and are a good source of protein. Eating Almonds in healthy portions can assist with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and can reduce feelings of hunger.

Almonds are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As studies suggest antioxidants in Almonds may help to reduce inflammation in the body, aging protecting your cells from oxidative damage, and fight against cancer.

Almonds are extremely high in magnesium. Eating Almonds may help improve/prevent metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that low magnesium levels are strongly linked to high blood pressure. Eating Almonds can help manage blood pressure. Eating a couple of Almonds may help reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) bad cholesterol in your blood potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Strawberry

Strawberry is a source of vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and folate, and is low in calories. Eating healthy portions of strawberries may help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and support heart health and brain function.

Raspberry

Raspberry is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, and potassium, and when consumed in healthy quantities may help with heart health, lower blood pressure and sugar, and maintain healthy bones and skin.

Peanuts

Peanuts contain high levels of antioxidants as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help with cardiovascular health and potentially lower the risk of heart diseases. The fibre contained in peanuts can help the body fight inflammation.

Aniseed

Aniseed has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and combines a delicious licorice flavour with rich levels of nutrients, iron, manganese, calcium, and potassium, whilst being low in calories. Aniseed contains antimicrobial qualities that in the right measure can help protect against bacterial and fungal infections, reduce inflammation, and assist in maintaining good levels of blood sugar, and to help treat indigestion.

Cranberry

Cranberry is well-known for its high level of antioxidants, vitamis C, E, and K1 as well as manganese and copper. Cranberries can assist with maintaining heart health and are often used in maintaining urinary tract health.

Goji Berry

Goji Berry is a super fruit that contains phytochemicals, it is delicious and highly nutritious and can be consumed as a snack. Goji Berry has a natural sweet and slightly tart taste, very similar to cranberries. Goji Berry contains large amounts of healthy antioxidants, vitamins A and C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids that may protect agaisnt age-related eye deseases, and may help improve immunity, boost effectiveness of cancer treatments, reduce inflamation, stabilises blood sugar, reduce cholestorol, support healthy liver function, as studies suggested.

Goji Berry contains beta-carotene, which is known for its ability to promote healthy skin. The amount of beta-carotene in Goji Berries is among the highest of all edible plants.