Nutrition
Benefits of chocolate
Antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains several compounds that possesses antioxidant properties, such as flavanols and polyphenols. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress refers to the damage that excessive amounts of free radicals can inflict on cells and tissues in the body.
Oxidative stress contributes to the natural aging process. Over time, the effects of oxidative stress may also contribute to the development of a variety of diseases.
Heart disease risk
Regularly eating dark chocolate helps reduce a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease. Some of the compounds in dark chocolate, specifically flavanols, affect two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Blood pressure
The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, or widen, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Dark chocolate also contains certain compounds, such as polyphenols and theobromine that may lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Doctors often refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad cholesterol” and HDL cholesterol as “good cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response to germs and other harmful substances. However, chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues and may increase the risk of some health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Dark chocolate contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells stop responding to the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance can cause abnormally high levels of blood glucose, which can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Brain function
Eating dark chocolate may improve brain function and help prevent neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The findings of a small 2018 study Trusted Source suggest that the flavanols present in dark chocolate may enhance neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself, particularly in response to injury and disease.
Nutrition
Almond cake
Ingredients
– 5 eggs
– I margarine cup of sugar
– ½ cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoonful of baking
powder
– -1/4 tablespoonful of
almond extract
– -2 cups of very finely
ground blanched almonds
– -1/8 tablespoonful of salt
and ½ of tarter
– 1tablespoonful of grated
lemon feel
– ¾ cup of finely chopped
blanched almonds.
Method
-In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until light gradually.
– Add half cup of the sugar, beating until thick lemon coloured.
-In a bowl combine flour and baking powder.
-Add almond extract and one cup of the grounded almonds (Mix until nuts are well distributed)
– In another bowl beat egg until foamy. Add salt and cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form.
-In a remaining ½ cup sugar. Fold in lemon peel and remaining ground almonds.
-Stir a quarter of the egg mixture and blend. (Gently mould mixture).
-Turn into a greased 9 by 13- inch baking pan. (Bake in a 350 degrees oven for 20 to 25 minutes until top springs back when lightly touched.
– cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile prepare the lemon syrup.
– Cut cake into diamond- shaped pieces (make 4 length wise cuts in cake, then cut diagonally 11/4 inches apart).
-Pour hot syrup over cake and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Let cool completely.
Nutrition
Lemon Syrup
Method
-In a small pan, combine ¾ cup sugar, three tablespoonful of lemon juice and ¼ cup water.
Bring to a boil over high heat and cook just until sugar is dissolved.
Source; Recipejoint
Homemade almond milk
-2 cups raw almonds
-3 cups filtered water
– Vanilla extract, dates, or cinnamon, to taste
Preparation
-Soak raw almonds in water for 6-8 hours or overnight to make them softer and easier to blend.
-Drain and rinse the soaked almonds, then combine them with water in a blender
-Strain the blended mixture to separate the solids (almond pulp) from the liquid (almond juice).
-Taste and adjust sweetness or flavour with natural sweeteners or extracts like (dates or cinnamon)
-Keep refrigerated and drink within a week.
