Low Carb Chocolate Pepper Recipe

24/03/2018

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Chocolate can cheer you up

The taste, smell and texture of chocolate stimulates feel-good areas of the brain. Chocolate also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin, the brain's natural antidepressant. Experts compare the feelings it induces to those we experience when we fall in love.

Helps heart health

Eating chocolate can lower blood pressure, thin the blood (reducing the risk of stroke) and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Experts say this is due to its high content of chemicals called flavonoids. “Flavonoids also appear to stimulate the body to produce more nitric oxide, which helps to widen and relax blood vessels, which may help to lower blood pressure.”

Protects your arteries

Flavonoids in chocolate also help prevent LDL (the so-called bad) cholesterol from oxidizing, helping to prevent the growth of arteries. Flavonoids contain more than 50% of an unusual type of saturated fat called stearic acid, found in cocoa butter, which does not raise bad cholesterol and may even increase levels of protective good cholesterol.

Soothes cough

Chocolate also contains a chemical called theobromine, which has been shown to suppress coughing by acting on the vagus nerve, which carries messages from the central nervous system to the brain.

Benefits for the brain

A chemical called epicatechin — found in cocoa and green tea — may also help protect the brain against the formation of sticky proteins or amyloid plaques that develop in Alzheimer's disease.

“We all know that too much sugary or fatty foods can contribute to obesity and other health problems, but the good news for chocolate lovers is that small amounts can also have some health benefits. There’s no need to feel guilty about it afterwards, as long as it’s part of a well-balanced diet.”

What kind of chocolate is best?

Generally, the darker the chocolate (look for 70% or higher cocoa solids), the higher the flavonoid content. Flavonoids are found in foods such as broccoli, onions, berries, and tea, and may help protect people against some cancers and heart disease.

Does chocolate make a good snack?

Surprisingly, dark chocolate is classed as a “low GI” food, meaning that a small bar makes a suitable snack between meals as it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels after being eaten. This is because the fat it contains slows down the absorption of sugar.

The caffeine content in chocolate has also been shown to help temporarily increase focus and energy. But if you’re cutting back on your caffeine intake, be sure to remember that chocolate counts as a caffeinated product!

Before you rush out to grab the nearest chocolate bar, it’s best to consider it a “treat” rather than a health food. If you eat it in small amounts, along with a healthy, balanced diet, it shouldn’t contribute to weight gain and it certainly won’t do you any harm.

Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper belongs to the pepper family and contains the compound capsaicin, which is responsible for its burning heat as well as its health benefits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to being a great source of vitamin A, cayenne pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties. While the burning sensation of cayenne pepper may be a bit much for some, taking cayenne pepper extract can provide the same health effects without the fiery heat.

Protection against gastric ulcers

In findings reported in the 2006 journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers reviewed the literature on the relationship between capsaicin and Helicobacter pylori, which has been a leading cause of gastric ulcers. Although capsaicin was initially seen as a risk factor for increased gastric ulcers, scientists concluded that capsaicin may have beneficial effects in preventing and healing ulcers. Scientists found that capsaicin stimulates alkali and reduces acid secretion, which inhibits Helicobacter pylori's ability to cause gastric ulcers. Researchers also noted that epidemiological surveys have found that Chinese people are three times more likely to develop ulcers than Malaysians, who consume more chili peppers than Chinese people.

Weight loss

In a 1999 study conducted by the University of Tsukuba and published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers examined the impact of bell peppers on appetite and energy expenditure. They found that participants who added red peppers to their breakfast consumed fewer calories throughout the rest of the day. Scientists noted that red peppers increase satiety, which can help you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake. While these results are promising, more research is needed.

Skin Disorders and Neural Dysfunction

Researchers have looked at the effects of capsaicin as a treatment for painful, itchy skin disorders resulting from

operations and neural dysfunction or inflammation of the urinary tract and airways, according to research published in the 1998 issue of the “Clinical Journal of Pain.” Scientists found capsaicin to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with skin disorders and neural dysfunction.

Incredibly cozy, healthy vegan Mexican hot chocolate that’s perfectly sweet with a hint of spice – made with a blend of almond and coconut milk!