Chocolate is Healthy…?

Yes! Chocolate is very healthy, according to author Annmarie Kostyk who recently published a book to that same end. The information below comes from a recent press release about Chocolate is Healthy!, a book I’m very excited to get a hold of…hopefully soon!

Of course I’ll be all over the delectable recipes she’s offering in the book, even ones for the use of chocolate as natural skincare.

Annmarie Kostyk is a Professional Chocolatier who received training at Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver, British Columbia.  She had worked previously as assistant pastry chef at Le Meridien Hotel in Chicago.  In Chocolate is Healthy!, Annmarie has combined her love for chocolate with her knowledge of the healthy benefits of CHOCOLATE!

The first book of its kind, Chocolate is Healthy! is a non-fiction book debunking myths and fallacies regarding chocolate and introducing them to the wonders of what chocolate can do for them.  Each of the myths, fallacies and health benefits are discussed in detail and each of these facts backed with up information from major studies.  Chocolate is Healthy! also includes a selection of recipes and ideas  incorporating dark chocolate and cocoa into your daily meals. 

Annmarie says that ninety percent of the country eats some form of chocolate every day.  The average U.S. citizen consumes twelve pounds per person annually on straight chocolate alone, whereas in Switzerland, the per capita consumption is 22.4 pounds per person – twice that of the U.S. consumer.  Why the discrepancy?  The Swiss have known for a very long time that chocolate is good for them.  It is part of their culture; it is a way of life. 

In the United States we have just recently become aware of dark chocolate.  We see the health benefits of chocolate touted in various articles in the press and periodicals.   Good quality dark chocolate is the best.  The bar should possess 70% or more cocoa content for the health benefits.  This is because the more cocoa you have in a bar the less sugar and the more flavonoids.  A chocolate bar containing 70% cocoa possesses very little sugar.  The health benefits are outstanding.  Dark chocolate has an array of good fats, antioxidants, high mineral content and nutrients.  Dark chocolate has positive benefits to brain function, mood and energy.  Numerous studies have touted chocolate as the ultimate food since it helps diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, asthma, allergies and even acts as a cough suppressant.

Annmarie’s book is what every women would love to know – THE RIGHT KIND OF CHOCOLATE NOT ONLY MAKES YOU HAPPY, BUT IS GOOD FOR YOU TOO!

If you’d like to see the author in person, she will be signing copies of Chocolate is Healthy!, on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Le Flour Bake Shop and Market located in the Edison Park section of Chicago from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Contact Pemberley Publishing at 224-422-9982 or Le Flour at 773-631-1400 for further information.

The book is currently available to the public on Amazon and Pemberly Publishing and to the trade by contacting Pemberley Publishing in Chicago, Illinois.  Annmarie Kostyk is currently available for interviews and photo shoots. Phone:  224-422-9982

Annmarie’s recipe below reminds me of the first time I ever saw chocolate incorporated into savory dishes– in southern Mexico where street vendors sold chocolate bars not for candy, but for mole, a wonderful choclate based sauce often used in chicken and turkey dishes.  For a great way to incorporate chocolate into your diet, try Annmarie’s unique recipe below.

Chocolate Chili

Ingredients

•  1 lb lean ground beef, ground turkey or ground soy
• 1 c. yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 T chili powder
• ½ t cayenne pepper
• 1½ oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 t dried oregano
• 2 t ground cumin
• 1 t sea salt
• 1 c. water
• 28 oz can chopped tomatoes with juice
• 1 small can green chiles, drained
• 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• optional:  shredded cheese and sour cream for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the meat, onion and garlic until browned.  Drain excess fat. 

2. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.  Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, dark chocolate, oregano, cumin and salt.  Stirring constantly, cook for one minute.

3. Stir in water, tomatoes with juice, and chiles.  Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 

4. Add meat mixture, cover and simmer 10 minutes. 

5. Add beans, cover and simmer 10 minutes. 

6. Served topped with shredded cheese and sour cream with warm tortillas.

Serves 6