gogi berries - Resources and Info Resource: goji berry plants for nutrition<BR><BR>

goji berry plantsHealth Benefits Of Cacao-Chocolate

Cacao and chocolate was widely used by ancient civilisations as currency and was seen as a 'food for the gods.'

Early colonial records indicate how cacao was used as a medicine and acted as a carrier in the administration of other remedies in the 1500's. The medicinal value of cacao was in its ability to treat weak patients with a variety of dis-ease. It was particularly known to improve digestion and stimulate kidney and bowel function. Additional diseases that responded to treatment using cacao was anaemia, fatigue, fever, low sex drive, respiratory troubles, poor appetite and low breat milk production. In addition to the cacao bean, the oil/butter was used in the treatment of skin problems including eczema, psoriasis and burns. Today, cacao oil is considered a beauty aid in its use as a skin moisturizer, lubricating agent and when combined with the cacao bean, is used to make the chocolate confectionery we're familiar with. All chocolate is derived from the cacao bean/seeds. Nicknamed 'black gold' by the Spanish, it's no mystery that chocolate continues to captivate our taste buds with its rich bittersweet dance on our palette.

With over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, cacao is one of the most complex and pleasurably satisfying foods on the planet. In its raw form, cacao contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), neurotransmitters that stimulate and balance brain activity, tryptophan (an anti-depressant), antioxidants and other beneficial compounds known to have rejuvenating and anti-ageing elements. Cacao is high in the mineral magnesium, essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently, building strong bones, and lowering blood pressure. In fact, the strong desire for chocolate during the female menstrual cycle may be related to cravings for magnesium, a mineral with calming qualities. Cacao is a good source of the beauty mineral sulphur, responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair. In todays culture, chocolate is used as a gift for occasions such as St Valentines Day, Easter, Birthdays and Christmas etc. Many of us are likely to consume a little chocolate everyday for its mood boosting effects in an attempt to escape from the stress of working life. Chocolate satiates our appetite for pleasure like no other substance. Is it any wonder that 50% of women prefer chocolate to sex? The portability and availability of chocolate makes it the perfect private pleasure to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

With the revival of films like 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' and 'Le Chocolat', chocolate lovers everywhere got to indulge their fantasies, inspired by the film industry. It's safe to say that Johnny Depp and Chocolate create a unique and compatible partnership most women would be happy to personally explore! Yes, chocolate and sex go hand in hand and when packaged in shiny red and gold, make a highly attractive and stimulating friend no one wants to be without.

A symbol of sensuality, any male suitor is wise to offer a gift of chocolate to any prospective female; a delightful box of dark edibles all wrapped in decorative gold foil will put a smile on any chocolate-loving females face. Cacao has always been associated with fertility and love by indigenous cultures.

The versatility of chocolate has allowed us to expand our repertoire of how we can engage ourselves with its intense flavours and textures. From mouth-watering rich cream gateaux to the velvety texture in truffles, there is nothing we can't do with chocolate; it inspires us to create more and more mouth-watering variations to satisfy our appetite. In fact, one can devote one's whole life to becoming a chocolate 'creative' of distinction.

Chocolate will always be an affordable luxury that almost anyone can indulge regardless of class or stature. We can all taste what the Aztecs and Mayans tasted and we will always be grateful for their cultivation of the revered and sacred cacao bean. Long may we continue our passionate, blissful affair with this divine gift from the cacao tree.

Claris Rivers is a food, health and lifestyle writer and recommends DESSERT UNIVERSITY for easy instruction on how to make delicious desserts/sweets using chocolate. http://www.goodthingstoeat.org

Eat Healthier 'On the Go' - 3 Simple Tips to Eat Smart While Traveling

You've made a commitment to improve your diet by eating healthier foods. You find recipes and shop for ingredients, buying lots of fresh veggies, fruit and healthy snacks. At home and at work it's pretty easy to follow your new nutritional program -- you've resolved to stay on track! You get in the habit of preparing extra food for dinner so you have leftovers for lunch the next day and cut up your carrot and celery sticks to snack on the night before. All is going well, you're feeling better and shedding a few unwanted pounds when suddenly you are faced with an unexpected trip -- it could be for business or pleasure. You begin to wonder "How am I going stay on my program? I'm doing so well and now this!" Depending on the length of the trip, you begin to worry about temptations and the availability of the foods you've actually begun to enjoy. The following 3 Simple Tips will help you to be prepared to 'eat healthy on the go'.

1) Plan ahead because you just might sabotage your success without careful planning. Begin by planning how you are going to carry a variety of convenient 'to go' foods and snacks to choose from. Depending on your flight time and length of stay, you may want to plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Choose foods that travel well and be sure you have the means to keep them cool if necessary. Be sure your food choices are temperature appropriate and will not spoil or go rancid if not refrigerated. *See list below for ideas.

2) Know airline carry on restrictions to be sure your food and drink will not be confiscated because of improper packaging. You can check the requirements at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm Air tight leak proof containers are a must to avoid messy accidents.

3) Have a back up plan in case you run out of food or have flight delays. Carry cash or a credit card to purchase additional food and a list of acceptable foods if you have specific dietary needs or allergies. This is especially important if you have medications. Always carry extra meds than needed in case of emergency.

Since peanuts and pretzels just aren't enough, a few of my favorite healthy travel foods are:

*Single serving packets of protein shake-add contents of packet to ice water and stir or shake for a nutritious meal replacement (I carry a 12 ounce screw top shaker bottle to avoid spills and extra packets of shake for emergencies)
*Hard boiled eggs (peeled and ready to eat)
*Apples (you can pre-slice and dip in lemon juice to prevent discoloring)
*Cut up carrot and celery sticks*High protein health bars (always a healthier choice than candy bars)
*Trail mix (organic if possible with no added sulfites)
*Dry-roasted almonds or peanuts
*High quality dark chocolate for unexpected chocolate cravings

Travel healthy, travel smart!

�2008 Sheryl Allen This article may be reprinted in its entirety as long as the authors resource box is included.

Sheryl Allen has been gathering innovative, healthier life choices for 30+ years and putting them into practice. Her tips and resources can be found at http://www.justchoosehealthier.com Sheryl is the designer of Thrival Kits� 'Your Ultimate Fresh Food Travel Companion'. The stylish, versatile Classic Black kit is the perfect solution for savvy, health conscious travelers to conveniently carry fresh, delicious food as well as personal, business and travel items while 'on the go'. http://www.thrivalkits.com