Sugar-Less Belgian Chocolates Health Benefits
July 25, 2009 by Patricia
Filed under Belgian Chocolate
What makes Belgian chocolates still taste sweet even without the presence of sugar is the substance Maltitol. Maltitol is a corn-based sweetener. It tastes, functions, and gives massiveness to food just like what sugar does. With all these factors, the use of maltitol is beneficial for diabetic individuals as well as those who eat low carbohydrate diets and maltitol also prevents tooth decay.
Being sugar-free, just about anybody who needs to cut down on sugar can taste, at least, this kind of Belgian chocolate. Some attest to the fact that there is no difference at all, but still there are others who say there is a distinct taste of the prized chocolate being sugar free.
With sugar-free Belgian chocolates, diabetics and the health conscious can freely experience the pleasure of eating this mouth watering delicacy, feeling the meltdown of these sweets in the mouth, which then leads to the release of endorphins. Endorphin is a kind of hormone that can make you feel good. That’s why people who feel a bit down crave chocolates.
But the best feature of a chocolate that is sugar-free is that it has its health benefits which recent studies have proven. These chocolates are not only sugar free but have also have low amounts of calories. Moreover, Belgian chocolates that are sugar-free compared to green tea and red wine contains more antioxidants. An antioxidant is a group of substances that are organic which may include vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and selenium. Antioxidants are believed to be efficient in the prevention of stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to antioxidants, sugar-free Belgian chocolates may also contain flavonoids. Flavonoids, which its activities resemble that of antioxidants, can prevent allergic reactions, fights off viruses, prevent inflammation, and an abnormal increase in platelets. It is basically benefits the cardiovascular system as it lessens blood platelets and thwarts off abnormal clotting. It is also believed to prevent the occurrence of cancer.
Being sugar-free, you don’t have to worry about the rise in sugar blood levels while thinking that chocolates contradictorily reduce the danger of high blood pressure. Without sugar, this contradiction is eliminated. The reduced incidence of high blood pressure is due to the fact that cocoa beans have nitric oxide and nitric acid that is associated with low blood pressure.
So, with Belgian chocolates that are free of sugar, there is no way that diabetics and the health conscious can avoid this sweet taste of heaven. Nothing will stop them anymore from taking a bite of these precious little things. Just don’t eat more than you can digest!
A Book Lovers Gift Basket For The Avid Reader
July 19, 2009 by Patricia
Filed under Gift Baskets
Many people like to give books or gift cards from book stores as gifts. However, a better gift for an avid reader would be a book lover’s gift basket. This unique basket would be something that they will enjoy receiving because it will be full of reading goodies. It is not hard to create a book lover’s gift basket.
Begin with a nice basket of any size or shape. Make sure the basket is large enough to hold all of the supplies you will later be adding. Line the bottom of the basket with a nice piece of cloth or material of your choice. A solid color cloth would look best, unless the recipient loves certain patterns.
Next, find out which author and genre the person who will be receiving the basket likes to read. Then purchase some titles of this particular author or genre. Only buy two or three books. In addition to the books, you can also add a book store gift card and a special book marker.
Snuggle Up With A Good Book
Most book lovers love to snuggle up with a good book. Therefore, you can also add a pair of soft footie socks and maybe even a small blanket. Add a small book light for those readers who like to read in bed at night. You might even consider adding a bath pillow, because some readers even enjoy reading a good book while they are relaxing in the bath tub.
Snacks Go With Any Type Of Book
If there is still some room in your book lover’s gift basket, then add a few packs of cookies, crackers, granola bars or pretzels. You can also add some packs of hot cocoa or coffee and a cute coffee mug. If you add these items, make sure you include a napkin and any needed condiments such as powdered cream, sugar, and a stirring stick.
Your book lover’s gift basket is sure to be a big hit with anyone who loves to read good books. Anyone who loves to snuggle up with a good book and a yummy snack will be totally surprise when you show up with this unique and wonderful book lover’s gift basket. It will be a gift that will never be forgotten. So, if you are in need of a gift for someone who loves to read and you do not simply want to give them a book; give them a book lover’s gift basket.

