Coffee may lower risk of Type II diabetes. Because Caffeine decreases your insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose tolerance, therefore reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Coffee also can protects your brain. It is because high caffeine levels in your blood reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease. It also lowers risk of dementia.

Coffee brightens your mood, helps fight depression and lowers risk of suicide. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system and boosts production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and nor adrenaline, which elevate your mood. Two cups of coffee a day prevents risk of suicide by 50 %.

Coffee protects your body. Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants, that work as little warriors fighting and protecting against free radicals within your body.

Coffee may lower risk of Type II diabetes. Because Caffeine decreases your insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose tolerance, therefore reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Coffee also can protects your brain. It is because high caffeine levels in your blood reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease. It also lowers risk of dementia.

Coffee brightens your mood, helps fight depression and lowers risk of suicide. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system and boosts production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and nor adrenaline, which elevate your mood. Two cups of coffee a day prevents risk of suicide by 50 %.

Coffee protects your body. Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants, that work as little warriors fighting and protecting against free radicals within your body.

• • Black tea contains a group of polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. Consuming antioxidants may help decrease the risk of chronic disease and improve your overall health.

• • Black tea contains flavonoids, which are beneficial for heart health. Studies have found that regularly drinking black tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

• • The gut houses trillions of bacteria and the majority of your immune system. Polyphenols and antimicrobial properties found in black tea may help improve gut health and immunity.

• • High blood pressure can cause many health complications. Drinking black tea on a regular basis may help decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but research is mixed.

• • Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. Fortunately, in many cases, it can be prevented. Studies have found that black tea may help reduce the risk of stroke.

• • Insulin is a hormone that is secreted when you consume sugar. Black tea is a great non-sweetened beverage that can help improve the use of insulin and reduce blood sugar.

• • Black tea contains polyphenols, which may help fight cancer cells in the body. Although consuming black tea will not cure cancer, it may help decrease cancer cell development.

• • Black tea can help improve focus due to its content of caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid increases alpha activity in the brain, which can help improve focus and alertness.

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables as part of your anti-aging diet. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and balance certain hormones in the body.

In fact, cocoa and chocolate products have been used as medicine in many cultures for centuries. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it every day can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are lowering blood pressure (Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate every day can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.) and lowering cholesterol (Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.)

Low Calorie/High Fiber

One tablespoon of cocoa powder, depending on the brand, is only about 10 calories. It contains less than a gram of fat, just three grams of carbs, and one gram of protein. In addition to these great low numbers, the fiber content of cocoa powder is incredible, with up to two grams per tablespoon. Fiber is essential in maintaining a healthy diet, and this 3-to-2 carb-to-fiber ratio is one of the best in the game. Cocoa powder is a very simple (and delicious) way to get more fiber in your body with a very small amount of calories.

Minerals

This magical powder contains the minerals iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. Iron is important for carrying oxygen in the body, making red blood cells, and supporting the immune system. Manganese is part of an enzyme that forms cartilage and bones, metabolizes nutrients, and acts as an antioxidant throughout the body. Magnesium produces energy and aids in maintaining your heart’s rhythm. And finally, zinc supports the immune system while helping produce and develop new cells. All of these benefits are yours with the ingestion of one tablespoon of cocoa powder, which contains three to nine percent of the daily recommended intake of these minerals.

Flavonoids

A major component of cocoa powder’s health benefits is the presence of epicatechin and catechin, which are two plant-based substances called flavonoids. While both prevent systematic inflammation by functioning as antioxidants, epicatechin can also relax the muscles in blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow and a lower blood pressure. Flavonoids and big flavor? Cocoa powder is doing us a huge favor.

Antidepressant

There is some evidence indicating that cocoa powder can act as an antidepressant. Aside from the taste of chocolate immediately inducing joy, the neurotransmitter phenethylamine present in the powder acts as a mood elevator and natural antidepressant. Cocoa powder may also boost natural opiates in the body called endorphins, as well as the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is stimulated by antidepressants to improve overall happiness.

Source of Energy

Cereals are probably the greatest source of energy for humans. Providing almost 30% of total calories in a regular diet, cereals are probably the most widely consumed caloric food in America. This percentage rises in places like rural Africa and Asia where cereals are reported to supply almost 70 to 80% of energy requirements (since people in these regions cannot afford to eat other food products like fruits, vegetables, meat, or milk products). Cereals are inexpensive and a widely available source of energy; this is probably the prime reason why people from all budgets prefer cereals as the major energy provider in their diet. Cereal intake tends to be quite high amongst poor income families as they attain a good amount of energy through minimal expenditure.

High Mineral Content

In cereals, around 95% of minerals are sulfates and phosphates of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. A good amount of phosphorous, called phytin, is present in cereals. The phytates present in the cereals considerably reduce the activity of iron absorption. The unrefined cereals have more phytates as compared to refined cereals. After the seeds germinate, phytates diminish due to the breakdown of enzymes, and then the iron content is enhanced. This is the reason why malted flours of cereals are said to have more nutritional value than raw flour. Zinc, copper, and manganese are also present in small quantities. Cereals hardly have calcium and iron, but ragi is an exception to this. Amongst cereals, rice is the poorest source of iron and calcium. Ragi, millets, jowar, and bajra have high amounts of minerals and fiber.

Prevent Cancer

Whole wheat products reduce the chances of breast cancer. Cereals are rich in phytosterols or plant-based steroids and plant estrogen that stimulate the hormone estrogen. Phytosterols bind to estrogen receptors present in the tissues of the breast and block human estrogen that promotes the growth of breast cancer. Many studies have shown that colon cancers can be avoided by consuming whole wheat products or any fiber-rich cereals. Phytosterols increase the stool movement through the intestines, thereby constricting the re-absorption time of the estrogen into the blood through the colon wall.

Prevent Constipation

Cereals have both insoluble and soluble fibers like cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose. These fibers are present in the bran and pericarp, which often gets demolished while processing, thus it is advisable to consume whole cereals to cure extreme constipation troubles. Cereals also effectively improve peristalsis in the intestine and increase the bulk of the stools, thus keeping your internal system clean. Ragi is high in cellulose and has excellent laxative properties that relieve constipation. Brown rice is also helpful for treating this disorder.

Maintain Blood Sugar Level

The fiber content in cereals decreases the speed of glucose secretion from the food, thereby maintaining sugar levels in the blood.

Provide Protein

Proteins are present in every tissue of the cereal grain. The concentrated protein-rich areas are scutellum, embryo, and the aleurone layer and moderate amounts can be found in the endosperm, pericarp, and testa. The concentration of proteins becomes denser in the endosperm from the center to the borderline. The cereal proteins are of different types; like albumins, prolamines, gliadins, globulins, and glutelins. These types of proteins are called “gluten” proteins. This gluten has extraordinary elasticity and mobile properties, mainly present in wheat grain, but also in some other types of cereal.

Cereals usually have 6-12% protein but they lack lysine. The protein content varies in each type of cereal. For instance, rice contains less protein in comparison to other cereals. In fact, the protein percentage even varies with different varieties of the same cereal. Although less in amount, the quality of rice protein is better than the protein of other cereals. When you consume cereals with pulses, the protein quality automatically improves, owing to the mutual supplementation. Pulses have high lysine content and are deficient in methionine; on the other hand, cereals have an abundance of methionine.

Source of Energy

Cereals are probably the greatest source of energy for humans. Providing almost 30% of total calories in a regular diet, cereals are probably the most widely consumed caloric food in America. This percentage rises in places like rural Africa and Asia where cereals are reported to supply almost 70 to 80% of energy requirements (since people in these regions cannot afford to eat other food products like fruits, vegetables, meat, or milk products). Cereals are inexpensive and a widely available source of energy; this is probably the prime reason why people from all budgets prefer cereals as the major energy provider in their diet. Cereal intake tends to be quite high amongst poor income families as they attain a good amount of energy through minimal expenditure.

High Mineral Content

In cereals, around 95% of minerals are sulfates and phosphates of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. A good amount of phosphorous, called phytin, is present in cereals. The phytates present in the cereals considerably reduce the activity of iron absorption. The unrefined cereals have more phytates as compared to refined cereals. After the seeds germinate, phytates diminish due to the breakdown of enzymes, and then the iron content is enhanced. This is the reason why malted flours of cereals are said to have more nutritional value than raw flour. Zinc, copper, and manganese are also present in small quantities. Cereals hardly have calcium and iron, but ragi is an exception to this. Amongst cereals, rice is the poorest source of iron and calcium. Ragi, millets, jowar, and bajra have high amounts of minerals and fiber.

Prevent Cancer

Whole wheat products reduce the chances of breast cancer. Cereals are rich in phytosterols or plant-based steroids and plant estrogen that stimulate the hormone estrogen. Phytosterols bind to estrogen receptors present in the tissues of the breast and block human estrogen that promotes the growth of breast cancer. Many studies have shown that colon cancers can be avoided by consuming whole wheat products or any fiber-rich cereals. Phytosterols increase the stool movement through the intestines, thereby constricting the re-absorption time of the estrogen into the blood through the colon wall.

Prevent Constipation

Cereals have both insoluble and soluble fibers like cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose. These fibers are present in the bran and pericarp, which often gets demolished while processing, thus it is advisable to consume whole cereals to cure extreme constipation troubles. Cereals also effectively improve peristalsis in the intestine and increase the bulk of the stools, thus keeping your internal system clean. Ragi is high in cellulose and has excellent laxative properties that relieve constipation. Brown rice is also helpful for treating this disorder.

Maintain Blood Sugar Level

The fiber content in cereals decreases the speed of glucose secretion from the food, thereby maintaining sugar levels in the blood.

Provide Protein

Proteins are present in every tissue of the cereal grain. The concentrated protein-rich areas are scutellum, embryo, and the aleurone layer and moderate amounts can be found in the endosperm, pericarp, and testa. The concentration of proteins becomes denser in the endosperm from the center to the borderline. The cereal proteins are of different types; like albumins, prolamines, gliadins, globulins, and glutelins. These types of proteins are called “gluten” proteins. This gluten has extraordinary elasticity and mobile properties, mainly present in wheat grain, but also in some other types of cereal.

Cereals usually have 6-12% protein but they lack lysine. The protein content varies in each type of cereal. For instance, rice contains less protein in comparison to other cereals. In fact, the protein percentage even varies with different varieties of the same cereal. Although less in amount, the quality of rice protein is better than the protein of other cereals. When you consume cereals with pulses, the protein quality automatically improves, owing to the mutual supplementation. Pulses have high lysine content and are deficient in methionine; on the other hand, cereals have an abundance of methionine.

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables as part of your anti-aging diet. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and balance certain hormones in the body.

In fact, cocoa and chocolate products have been used as medicine in many cultures for centuries. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it every day can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are lowering blood pressure (Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate every day can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.) and lowering cholesterol (Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.)

Low Calorie/High Fiber

One tablespoon of cocoa powder, depending on the brand, is only about 10 calories. It contains less than a gram of fat, just three grams of carbs, and one gram of protein. In addition to these great low numbers, the fiber content of cocoa powder is incredible, with up to two grams per tablespoon. Fiber is essential in maintaining a healthy diet, and this 3-to-2 carb-to-fiber ratio is one of the best in the game. Cocoa powder is a very simple (and delicious) way to get more fiber in your body with a very small amount of calories.

Minerals

This magical powder contains the minerals iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. Iron is important for carrying oxygen in the body, making red blood cells, and supporting the immune system. Manganese is part of an enzyme that forms cartilage and bones, metabolizes nutrients, and acts as an antioxidant throughout the body. Magnesium produces energy and aids in maintaining your heart’s rhythm. And finally, zinc supports the immune system while helping produce and develop new cells. All of these benefits are yours with the ingestion of one tablespoon of cocoa powder, which contains three to nine percent of the daily recommended intake of these minerals.

Flavonoids

A major component of cocoa powder’s health benefits is the presence of epicatechin and catechin, which are two plant-based substances called flavonoids. While both prevent systematic inflammation by functioning as antioxidants, epicatechin can also relax the muscles in blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow and a lower blood pressure. Flavonoids and big flavor? Cocoa powder is doing us a huge favor.

Antidepressant

There is some evidence indicating that cocoa powder can act as an antidepressant. Aside from the taste of chocolate immediately inducing joy, the neurotransmitter phenethylamine present in the powder acts as a mood elevator and natural antidepressant. Cocoa powder may also boost natural opiates in the body called endorphins, as well as the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is stimulated by antidepressants to improve overall happiness.