Hurray! Another Healthy Reason to Consume Dark Chocolate – Your Health Detective

Dear readers, please don’t use this investigative report to include dark chocolate as a daily staple…everything in moderation. Do, however, understand that more and more research is emerging regarding the health benefits of good, organic, dark chocolate…however, have not found health benefits of it for bathing, at least not yet!

We all know our body requires ample amounts of iron to be healthy, right?..click to continue reading…

What may not be as commonly understood is that iron is an essential mineral and a vital component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and overall metabolism. Iron is an essential cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The body in its devine wisdom doesn’t use all it’s iron resources immediately – it stores about 15 percent for future needs and mobilizes when dietary intake is inadequate.

Iron 101

There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron, which is not as well absorbed as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals, and grain products. Iron is also contained in smaller amounts in dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries, and nuts.

The World Health Organization considers iron deficiency to be the largest international nutritional disorder of the 21^st century.

Iron deficiency can be easily determined by measurement of iron levels within the body, mainly serum ferritin levels, which also help distinguish between iron deficiency anemia and anemia associated with chronic disease.

Health Benefits of Iron

Hemoglobin formation: Formation of hemoglobin happens to be the chief function of this mineral. Not only that, being a part of hemoglobin, it gives the dark red shade to the blood and also aids in transporting oxygen to the body cells.
Muscle function: Iron is a vital element for muscle health. It is present in the muscle tissues and helps in supply of oxygen required for contraction of muscles.
Brain function: Development of brain is also one of the many benefits of iron. Since oxygen supply to blood is aided by iron and the brain uses approximately 20% of the blood oxygen, iron is directly related to brain health and its functions.
Restless leg syndrome: Iron deficiency is one of the causes of the restless leg syndrome. Lower levels of iron in the blood is a major cause and, therefore, proper intake of iron supplements in required levels as per a health professionals recommendation can cure this problem.
Regulation of body temperature: Iron is a facilitator for regulating body temperature. An interesting fact is that it has the ability to regulate via the absorption capacity of the body.
Oxygen carrier: One of the most important health benefits of iron is that it acts as a carrier of oxygen – participating in transferring oxygen from one body cell to other. This is an important function of iron, as oxygen is required by each and every body part to perform routine functions.
Neurotransmitters synthesis: Iron actively takes part in the synthesis of a number of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, along with serotonin. These chemicals play major role in different activities involving neurons and human brain, including clinical depression.
Iron deficiency anemia: Iron is helpful in the treatment of a severe disorder called iron deficiency anemia – a result due to lack of adequate amount of iron in the body.
Chronic diseases: The mineral called iron helps in the treatment of chronic disorders like renal failure anemia.
Anemia in women: Iron may also exhibit its health benefits in curing anemia resulting in women during pregnancy or menstruation.
Predialysis anemia: It is recommended by health experts that iron qualifies to treat another form of anemia called predialysis anemia. However, one must consult a medical expert to get treatment for this condition along with adequate dosage.
Fatigue: Health benefits of iron also include eradication of various causes of fatigue, which may occur in men as well as women. Iron deficiency is a natural cause of fatigue since it is an important component of hemoglobin.
Immune system: Iron also plays a key role in providing strength to the immune system of the human body – making it proficient enough to fight against a number of diseases and infections.
Energy metabolism: Iron is an important spectator of energy metabolism in the body by which the energy is extracted from the food consumed and distributed to different body parts.
Enzyme systems: Iron happens to be the most important constituent of different enzyme systems and other important constituents like myoglobin, the cytochromes and catalyse.
Insomnia: Iron is also useful in treating insomnia and improves the restorative benefits of sleep.
Concentration: Iron, when consumed in sufficient amount in the diet, builds concentration – especially helpful for students and professionals who are engaged in multi-tasking and intense precise tasks.

Sinfully Delicious…Awe, but Healthy!

According to research reported in NutritionData, a one ounce serving of dark chocolate contains 19 percent of the US RDA for iron supplementation – compared to only 3 percent contained in one ounce of beef sirloin!

Data from USDA National Nutrient Database – Compare for Yourself…

Dark Chocolate – 70-85% cacao solids = 11.90 milligrams of iron per 100 grams
Beef Steaks (all cuts & grades) = 1.66 milligrams of iron per 100 grams
Ground Beef = 2.48 milligrams of iron per 100 milligrams

In spite of the fact that we now know dark chocolate contains high amounts of iron, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is also loaded with saturated fat…so…as hard as it is for us who love our chocolate, discretion is the key in enjoying your dark chocolate and also benefit from its health-enhancing bonuses, naturally.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D., D.S.C., EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Dr. Gilbère is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and finding natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone and at her Institute in north Idaho. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her.

Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.

Published by Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation – ©2009/2010 division of Gloria E. Gilbère, LLC, all rights reserved.Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or disorder. The FDA has not reviewed or endorsed the contents of this educational publication. Copyright is held by Gloria E. Gilbère, to which all rights are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied, distributed, or published without the expressed written permission of its author and copyright holder.

Resources:

medlineplus.gov

organicfacts.net