Wayne State University recently released the findings of a study that will surely please many dark chocolate lovers. Although scientists are continuing to discover the health benefits associated with eating moderate portions of dark chocolate on a regular basis, these findings take eating dark chocolate to a whole new level.
Why Eating Dark Chocolate is Like Aerobic Exercise
Scientists at Wayne State University conducted a study and found that dark chocolate can produce a similar effect on the body as aerobic exercise like jogging and cycling. These types of exercise are healthy because they increase mitochondria production within muscle cells. Mitochondria are the parts of cells that create energy. When mitochondria increases because of aerobic activity, energy levels increase, and people experience a fuller workout.
Wayne State University researchers discovered that the compound epicatechin, which is found in dark chocolate with 70 percent or higher cacao present, stimulates muscles to produce more energy the same way jogging a few miles would. Dr. Malek of Wayne State University who headed the study (performed on mice) noted that epicatechin from dark chocolate particularly stimulated skeletal and heart muscles, and this effect was more noticeable in middle-aged mice who ingested the dark chocolate compound and exercised on the treadmill.
Stop Exercising and Eat Dark Chocolate?
This study on the positive effects of dark chocolate on muscle stimulation is in no way advocating that people should eat dark chocolate in lieu of exercising. Nothing replaces aerobic activity for keeping the body fit and healthy. The study does show that consuming a few ounces of dark chocolate before exercising could greatly improve the stamina through increased energy.
Results are promising, as test subjects saw a fifty percent increase in performance during a workout after eating dark chocolate prior to exercising versus those who exercised without dark chocolate.Other Dark Chocolate Benefits
In addition to this new discovery of dark chocolate helping to improve athletic performance by producing more muscular energy, dark chocolate has also been shown to improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate, unlike milk and white chocolate varieties, contains large amounts of antioxidants, which destroy free radicals that can cause problems like heart disease.
The cocoa phenols present in dark chocolate are what help lower blood pressure. These are present in higher quantities in European produced dark chocolate and almost non-existent in milk and white chocolates.
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Sephra's beverage fountain can transform any fall harvest party into an impressive celebration. Be inspired by creative apple cider recipes that can be served either hot or cold in your beverage fountain. The best part? You get to mingle with your guests and not worry about having to stir the cider! Creative Apple Cider Cocktails Apple cider makes a delicious cocktail and is perfect for an adult gathering. The recipe for allspice apple cider, however, is still ideal for a mixed party because the alcohol is added to the mug, not the cider. Kids can still drink the cider from the fountain and the adults can spike it for an extra kick. Simply tie up 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves and 3 strips of orange peel in cheesecloth and place it in the fountain. Then, add 8 cups of apple cider and 4 cups of cranberry juice cocktail (feel free to double this recipe if necessary). Just let all these ingredients simmer together for about 30 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to a mug and fill with this delicious version of apple cider. For an all-in-one cocktail, consider making hot-buttered apple cider for those chilly fall evenings. Simply combine 14 cups of apple cider and 2/3 cup of brown sugar and then add a spice bag (wrapped in cheesecloth) containing 8 cinnamon sticks, 2 teaspoon each of whole allspice and cloves and lemon peel strips from 2 lemons. Add to the cider mixture and then add 3 cups of dark rum. Heat and simmer about 20 minutes before removing the spice bag and serving to guests with a small pat of butter floating on top, along with a thin apple slice for a garnish. Creative and Family-Friendly Apple Cider Ideas Whether your party will be full of kids or you just prefer a non-alcoholic apple cider drink, these two recipes are sure to taste delicious and please guests' palettes. Hot raspberry cider is an interesting deviation from traditional apple cider and is easy to make. Simply combine 16 cups of apple cider with 2 cups of frozen raspberry juice concentrate (thawed), one half cup of sugar and 2 cinnamon sticks. Heat in the beverage fountain for 15 minutes and remove the cinnamon sticks and serve. Another option is to serve hot spiced cider using 12 cups of apple cider and one half cup of pure maple syrup. Place 4 cinnamon sticks and 12 each of whole cloves, whole allspice berries, orange peel strips and lemon peel strips in cheesecloth. Place into the cider mixture and heat in the heated beverage fountain. In 15 minutes, it will be ready for thirsty guests to enjoy a taste of the season.
So many allergies have started to hit the mainstream as people become more aware of food sensitivities, with the gluten allergy taking top billing. Suddenly, many people are unable to enjoy everyday dessert food like cake and cookies, which means that a 
There is such a wide variety of fruit options that are naturally gluten-free that you have a lot of options to offer clients. Fresh berries, cherries, bananas and peaches can be layered together to make colorful skewers and please the palette even more once dipped in chocolate. 
