francene--blog. Year 2013
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August 8th

8/8/2013

 
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Drinking cocoa every day may help older people keep their brains healthy. In the latest study reported in the journal Neurology, researchers asked 60 people with an average age of 73 to drink two cups of cocoa a day.

This improved blood flow to the brain in those who had problems to start with. The group also did better on memory tests at the end of the study. Experts said more research was needed before conclusions could be drawn.

It is not the first time cocoa has been linked with vascular health and researchers believe that this is in part due to it being rich in flavanols, which are thought to have an important role.


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www.medscape.com
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Cacao bean is the dried and fully fermented fatty bean of Theobroma cacao, from which cocoa solids and cocoa butter are extracted. They are the basis of chocolate.

The cacao seeds can be dried, dehulled, roasted and minimally processed into what is essentially raw chocolate, also called raw cacao nibs. Although bitter, raw cacao beans are one of the most amazing superfoods to eat, containing anti-oxidants, magnesium, chromium, and incredibly high levels of vitamin C.

As a teaser for Living Flotsam, the novel I'm working on, here's a little excerpt:

Liliha glanced at the dark window, and then paced into the kitchen to make a drink. She mixed cocoa powder with sugar and a dash of milk in the bottom of a mug, stirring round and round until the mixture formed a froth. Her mother always dealt with worries this way and the routine soothed her.

She wondered if Ellen and Pam were safe in the isolated spot in Zennor. Her own suggestion seemed mad now she'd thought it over. Whatever got into her to put Pam in danger in such a way?

Tiny bubbles formed at the edge of the pan and she flicked the gas off.

Perfume replaced the sweet steamy aroma. The saucepan in her hand clunked onto the stove top. Swirls of color in abundant intensity guided Liliha through a doorway into the unknown.

* * *

I hover in the dark sky, looking down on a busy street. Bright lights illuminate everything, some flashing with colored signs. A group of three giggling girls wearing short skirts congregate on the footpath outside a popular eating-place. I move closer. A very young teenager hurries towards them.

With accustomed speed, I meld with the new arrival. ...

Rachelle link
8/7/2013 08:54:09 pm

Very informative post, plus I enjoyed the excerpt. :)

Francene Stanley link
8/8/2013 03:16:19 am

Glad you appreciated it, Rachelle.

The Great Gordino link
8/7/2013 09:36:40 pm

As a chocoholic, this is just my kind of post! I'll print it out to show it to anyone and everyone in due course! Ha!
Cheers,
Gordon

Francene Stanley link
8/8/2013 03:17:35 am

Hey! That would be great. I'm hoping for great things from cocoa as I don't usually eat chocolate.

Sophie Bowns link
8/8/2013 03:02:31 am

This post has made me happy! I also love chocolate!

Nicola link
8/8/2013 06:59:18 am

Interesting post Francene, and as I'm also a fan of chocolate, a pleasure to read! Enjoyed the excerpt too, look forward to seeing some more!

Ray link
8/8/2013 09:46:54 am

I may have to start on this supporting good brain function long before I get old.


Comments are closed.

    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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