The Chocolate Charms and their Effects

For centuries chocolate has been a favorite among many. It has been a prized treat enjoyed in so many different ways; starting as a drink in the Mayan civilization, it has evolved into more delightful and well desired treats. Many of us enjoy hot chocolate or the devilishly sweet bar that melts away in our mouths. As one study indicated that melting of chocolate in one’s mouth increased the brain's activity and heart rate that was more intense than passionate kissing, and that it lasted four times as long after the activity had ended.


It is popularly believed that the consumption of chocolate can lead to acne. Scientifically, however, this belief is not supported. Studies point not to chocolate but to the high glycemic nature of foods such as sugar, corn syrup and other simple carbohydrates as the cause of acne. Chocolate itself has a low glycemic index. However it should be noted that while manufactured, fats, sugars and milk are added to make candies and other treats which will increase the caloric content of the chocolate.

Cocoa, from which we get chocolate, contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine which can affect our bodies. Theobromine has a similar effect to caffeine, only ten times weaker and does not affect the central nervous system. It can lower blood pressure and is used to relax the bronchi muscles in the lungs. For centuries South Americans and European cultures have used cocoa to treat diarrhea. Cocoa possesses a high amount of antioxidant, probably even more than other rich foods and beverages with same properties. Although theobromine has positive effects on humans it is, however, toxic to some animals because they lack sufficient capacity to metabolize the theobromine.

The chocolate has molded itself in today’s society as a suggestive ritual to show ones affection or just appreciation. So whether enjoyed alone as a favorite guilt food or as a well received gift, when taken in moderation will have more positive than negative effect on our overall well being.

Dandelion And Its Uses

Dandelion is used as an appetite and a bile stimulator. People who have removed their gall bladder should not take it. Used traditionally to treat liver, gallbladder, and spleen ailments, it is also helpful in relieving fullness in the stomach and flatulence. Available in many different forms, from tablets to tinctures, dandelion can also help in correcting hormonal imbalance, water retention and breast problems. The roasted dandelion roots have a similar taste to coffee and is said to be the very best laxative. Some animal studies have suggested that dandelion helps to normalize the blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles.

The Alphalfa Plant

The Alphalfa plant, commonly known as buffalo herb, Lucerne or purple medic, comes from the legumes family with broad clover like leaves containing high amounts of nutrients in them. The entire herb can be used dried for medicinal purposes or the blooms which can be collected at the beginning of the flowering season. Vitamin K is found in many green leafy plants but especially abundant in Alphlfa. It is one of the most nutritious foods known containing calcium, chlorophyll, carotene, and vitamin K. The Alphalfa root can inhibit the increase in blood cholesterol levels by 25% in experimental animals fed a high cholesterol diet. Young Alphalfa leaves have been used to treat throat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys. The seeds can be used on boils as a poultice.

On a negative note the roots are said to be hemolytic (destroying red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can produce them) and may interfere with Vitamin E metabolism. Pregnant women should consult a practitioner before ingesting this plant in any form as the seeds are said to contain stachydrine and homostachydrine which promotes menstruation and in some cases can lead to miscarriages.

When Your Body Speaks to You

The human body has a way of telling you what’s wrong, but only if you can read the signs will you understand what it is saying. You should try listening to it in order to maintain good health. Feeling thirsty is the body’s way of telling you to replace some loss fluid. A need to sleep says you are overworked and your muscles and organs are becoming tired and fatigue.


It is said that the eyes are the windows to your soul but the eyes are also very important in telling you something else. You can tell you have an iron deficiency by pulling down the bottom lid of the eye. If it looks white you have a deficiency. This will also be accompanied with other symptoms such as fatigue, headache and weakness.

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, before the bones start breaking easily signs can be seen in the white patches in your finger nails and also your teeth gets brittle. It is recommended that Calcium should be taken in with vitamin D as this helps with its absorption.

Vitamin C helps in the making of connective tissues in the body. Therefore it is particularly helpful when recovering from wounds. A lack of Vitamin C, however, can result in a person having muscle weaknesses, swollen and bleeding gums and other illnesses. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Have you ever had a craving for a food type? Well it could be the nutrients in that particular food the body needs.

When the lymph nodes become swollen it is a sign of infection. The seriousness of the condition varies from a simple sore throat to other life threatening diseases such as cancer. A swollen gland is usually found near the area of an underlying infection. This can be resolved by using a simple home remedy or something prescribed from your doctor. Always consult a professional when in doubt.

Oil Spill and its Effects

A ghastly sight it is to see the poor little feathered creatures and other marine life covered in oil. Thickly coated on the birds’ body, oil prevents them from flying, diving and feeding, resulting in starvation and finally death. It is not only birds that are affected as other crustaceans; dolphin, sharks and worms are at risk. Other deep sea creatures such as jelly fish and corals will also find themselves in peril. Not only will this affect marine creatures but also those who sustain a livelihood from the coastline whether it may be for fish, crabs or lobsters.


What about the food chain? A fish seeing floating objects on the water’s surface will likely be tempted to feast therefore adding toxins to its body. Other sea creatures that feed from shoals of fish may also be attracted to the oils. These marine creatures travel out and if death by toxins doesn’t occur then Mother Nature will play her path allowing for the feeding of bigger creatures of these toxic bearing smaller fish. Now the final stage of this food chain would therefore be us humans.

Along coastlines will be inhabitable after an oil spill both by plants and animals. Since plants get their nutrients through their roots; mangroves and other plant life close by will have their roots covered with oil. Along with the oils that wash ashore, there are also dead carcasses of marine creatures making it impossible from humans and animals to enjoy the beaches. Oil spills, a deadly predator with no mercy!!