Strawberries dipped in chocolate

I WAS going to post a recipe for Halibut with Ginger and Scallions, but none of us thought it was a spectacular dish and it's DEFINITELY NOT one that I will repeat. BUT we ate strawberries dipped in chocolate for dessert tonight. So, here's info about the health benefits of strawberries* and chocolate - besides brightening the soul and bringing smiles to our faces.

*The strawberry is nutritious as well as delicious. In a nutrient density analysis done by the American college of Nutrition, strawberries placed in the top three fruits. The ranking was based on each fruit's ability to provide recommended amounts of 9 nutrients deemed essential.

Strawberries are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and dietary fiber. And of course they're fat, sodium and cholesterol-free plus the strawberry is one of nature's most powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer substances. What a beautiful food. . . .

Counting calories?
Would you rather have one chocolate covered peanut candy or 18 strawberries? Eighteen strawberries have a similar calorie count to a single coated peanut candy they're fat free and pack a wallop of nutitional value.

Adding strawberries to your breakfast cereal may help you fight cancer, heart disease and other ills, new findings suggest.

That's because strawberries have as much ability to counteract damaging oxygen-free radicals in the body as a large dose of vitamin C, according to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and feel good chemicals.

A different saturated fat
Chocolate contains cocoa butter, which is high in saturated fat, yet one-third of chocolate's fat comes from stearic acid. Although it's a saturated fat, stearic acid does not raise LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) as do most other saturated fats. Stearic acid is converted in the liver to oleic acid, a heart-healthy, monounsaturated fat.

Another one-third of chocolate's total fat comes from oleic acid itself. In a recent study, volunteers followed a diet with the majority of their fat calories coming from either chocolate or from butter. The volunteers who consumed chocolate fat did not show an increase in their cholesterol levels, but those who ate butterfat developed elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Chocolate contains antioxidants
Over 300 naturally occurring chemicals are found in chocolate. In a study conducted by Andrew Waterhouse, chocolate was found to have potent antioxidants called phenols. These antioxidants are the same types found in red wine. Cocoa phenols were found to prevent the bad cholesterol from causing plaque buildup in the arteries. In another study cocoa inhibited LDL oxidation two hours after consumption.

Less caffeine than you might think
Other more commonly known nutrients and substances are found in chocolate. Chocolate is a rich source of magnesium and phosphorus. Also, contrary to popular belief, chocolate contains only a limited amount of caffeine. An average chocolate contains about 10 mg of caffeine, while one cup of coffee contains 100 mg.

Craving chocolate
Some substances in chocolate are predicted to make us crave it. A substance called phenylethylamine is found in chocolate and seems to trigger feelings similar to “falling in love.” There is also a compound in chocolate called anadamide that stimulates brain receptors in a manner similar to that of other addictive substances. Chocolate cravings may also be triggered when the taste buds tingle with the taste of chocolate. This sensation occurs because chocolate's melting point is 97 degrees, just below body temperature. When the taste buds are excited, endorphins are released from the brain. These endorphins are the body's “feel good” chemical. There is also a link between hormonal fluctuations in women and chocolate cravings.