Diabetes and Chocolate

Diabetes and Chocolate

Recently the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition did a small study on dark chocolate. They wanted to see if it actually did lower your blood pressure. The other interesting study that went along with it was to see if it might help improve the blood’s ability to metabolize sugar, which could be really great news for people with diabetes!

The antioxidant called flavenol, found in dark chocolate only (not milk or white), is thought to cause this.

More clinically speaking, “Numerous studies indicate that flavanols may exert significant vascular protection because of their antioxidant properties and increased nitric oxide bioavailability. In turn, nitric oxide bioavailability deeply influences insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and vascular tone. Thus, flavanols may also exert positive metabolic and pressor effects.”

Umm… What? Basically they are saying ,”Dude, eat the stuff. It’s good for you!”

Diabetics have trouble controlling the insulin in their blood and in this small study they found dark chocolate helped control the insulin! It’s up for more debate of course, but hey, I’ll look for any excuse!

Posted by: admin | 06-27-2006 | 10:06 PM
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Dessert Cup made of Chocolate with ice cream!

“Oh yesssss,” is what my husband said when I set this infront of him. Use this dessert cup mold to create this beautiful dessert for friends or family. Add berries instead of ice cream, or a nice mousse. YUM! Make sure and use only a good quality chocolate, or it just won’t be the same!

Posted by: admin | 06-26-2006 | 08:06 PM
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Chocolate-Strawberry Ice Cream Balls

4 large scoops real vanilla ice cream

1 can strawberry pie filling

1 12 oz. bag Guittards dark chocolate

1 12oz. bag Guittards milk chocolate

whipped topping

fresh strawberries-whole

Make round balls of vanilla ice cream one at a time, so as not to melt too quickly. As you make a ball, place it on a small plate or in a small bowl that has been put in the freezer to chill. Cut the ball in half and fill with 1/4 c. strawberry pie filling. Place top half of ball over filling. Place in freezer. Follow these steps until you have four strawberry-filled balls. Keep in freezer until hard frozen. Melt chocolates together in microwave, stirring frequently, so as not to over-heat. Just heat until almost melted, then remove from microwave and stir until totally smooth. Remove ice-cream balls from freezer. Scoop 1/4 cup chocolate over each ball. Return to freezer. To serve-remove balls from freezer 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.

Enjoy!!!!

Posted by: admin | 06-20-2006 | 06:06 PM
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