Dark chocolate consumption improved leukocyte adhesion factors and vascular function in overweight men Consumption of the high–cocoa flavanol drink modified the gut microflora, reducing the plasmatic triacylglycerol and C-reactive protein concentrations. In pigs, cocoa consumption, in addition to determining changes in metabolites in biofluids and tissues, as the increase in O-methyl-epicatechin glucuronide conjugates in serum, urine, and visceral adipose tissue, induced a significant increase of the abundance of Lactobacillus species from the casei group in feces and Bifidobacterium species in proximal colon contents [ 83]. Theobromine in cocoa was responsible for systemic and intestinal antibody concentrations and for modifying lymphocyte composition in young healthy rats

A study reported a significantly greater and dose-dependent weight gain over time in subjects with more frequent chocolate consumption. However, no information was provided about the consumer profile of enrolled subjects and the type of chocolate consumed (in particular, the specific amount of dark chocolate) [ 69]. Participants with higher chocolate consumption and higher flavanol intake from cocoa products experienced a lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes Regular consumption of chocolate bars containing plant sterols and cocoa flavanols as part of a low-fat diet supported cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure Having a major chocolate retailer placing the focus on the chocolate bar, rather than the truffle, is a significant moment in the UK chocolate scene. Danish chocolate maker Mikkel Friis-Holm (well represented in the Selfridges Chocolate Library) is a noted exponent and champion of the chocolate bar format. “The ‘bar format’ gives me the same possibilities as a bottle does for the wine-maker,” he tells us. “We have made an extensive range of single bean chocolate in this range – we can express the difference in taste between the different varities. We have also made the Chuno 70% bar in two different formats, where the difference is in the post-harvest fermentation process. The potential for working with the final taste of chocolate is endless.”The observed effects on glucose homeostasis seem to be strongly dependent on the amount of polyphenols. In fact, a single-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study showed, after 4 weeks, negative metabolic effects (i.e., raised fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and salivary cortisol) in subjects consuming 20 g/day dark chocolate with negligible polyphenol content but not in those consuming the same amount of polyphenol-rich (500 mg) chocolate [ 54]. A meta-analysis showed that, in the short term (2–12 weeks), dark chocolate/cocoa consumption can significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, but has no effect on high-density lipoprotein HDL and triglycerides [ 73]. Similar results derive from a placebo-controlled cross-over study, in which daily consumption of cocoa flavonol-containing dark chocolate bars with added plant sterols significantly reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol [ 74]. We are a creative force, coming up with fun, quirky gifts for any occasion. To make the cut at the Quirky Gift Library, our products have to be as good on the inside, as they are on the outside. They must be something we would genuinely be happy to receive ourselves (or give a loved one) -And above all- be Quirky! Recently, some studies have investigated the preventive or therapeutic effects of cocoa and cocoa constituents against obesity and metabolic syndrome [ 66]. Administering cocoa to rats decreased visceral adipose tissue [ 67]. DNA analysis conducted on the liver and mesenteric fat tissue provided interesting clues. In that study, the authors observed decreased expression of various genes associated with fatty acid transport and synthesis in the liver and mesenteric fat as well as increased expression of genes associated with thermogenesis [ 18, 67]. By Christmas 2015 the demand for our chocolate sprouts became so high that it was impossible for our local chocolate supplier to make enough. This led to the decision to invest in our very own chocolate manufacturing facilities in Edinburgh. That decision has led to us being able to make our delicious handmade chocolate in small batches every day. This ensures our chocolate is always lovely and fresh and we can play around with seasonal special edition flavours.

The business launched in 2008 with one simple mission: To make well designed quirky gifts that would be a pleasure to give. In 2014, working alongside our talented local chocolate partner, we invented the world's most delicious chocolate brussels sprout - made entirely from chocolate of course! No support to association between chocolate consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation among male physicians Dark chocolate might also operate in combination with other nutraceuticals, and have positive effects on lipid profile. Our group has recently reported distinct effects of 24 g almond varieties on organoleptic features and on gastrointestinal function (gallbladder and gastric emptying, orocecal transit) in healthy subjects [ 71]. One 4-week crossover feeding trial among 31 overweight or obese adults determined that daily consumption of almonds (42 g/day) alone or combined with dark chocolate was beneficial for total cholesterol, low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B concentrations. The authors concluded that incorporating almonds, dark chocolate, and cocoa into a diet without exceeding energy needs could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease [ 72].

Ingredients

The company was originally called The Chocolate Library and the first product range was a set of chocolate bars aimed at Scottish tourists. Today The Chocolate Library has over 1000 unique designs and now has its own separate online shop specifically for all things chocolate - www.chocolatelibrary.co.uk In a clinical study, smelling dark chocolate was assessed to evaluate an appetite response. Chocolate produced a satiation response and reduced appetite; thus, it could be helpful in preventing weight gain [ 68]. Further, flavonoids can produce metabolic events that induce reduction of lipogenesis, induction of lipolysis, and increased adiponectin secretion; such events reduce lipid deposition and insulin resistance, thus mitigating obesity [ 17]. Sweetpea53 Not another book to mark Bought for a friend's husband who has just retired from being a teacher. Step into our virtual sweet shop and you'll find luxury confectionery brands from around the world. Take a taste of nougat from the Swiss mountains, or try a mouthful of stuffed dates with Saudi Arabian spices. For those who love a hint of savoury, you'll find notes of sea salt, basil and chilli to undercut your chosen sugary sensation. Partial to a little crunch? Look out for options with caramel chunks or nut-filled centres. Keep an eye out, too, for our green Project Earth stamp of approval, highlighting the most planet-friendly delicacies from among our favourites.

Cocoa intake affected the growth of certain species of gut microbiota in rats and changes in the toll-like receptor pattern and in the intestinal immune system

MJA10 Wonderful gift - for yourself! A sheer delight! I bought it as a gift but ended up keeping and eating it myself. Cocoa polyphenols interfered with polyamine metabolism, showing an important anti-proliferative effects Regular cocoa consumption could be related to preventing or improving health imbalance induced by allergic processes [ 89]. The positive effects of cocoa flavonoids on the immune system (related to several allergic mechanisms) are known, such as reducing the release of mediators, restoring the balance of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cells [ 90], and down-regulation of IgE production [ 89, 91]. By contrast, chocolate is one of the main potentially allergenic foods that is also capable of causing hypersensitivity reactions, manifesting different clinical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, irritability, insomnia, headache, asthma, and diarrhea) which appear in a few hours or days after food intake [ 92].

Therefore, the daily consumption of small quantities of flavonols from cocoa or chocolate, associated with a dietary intake of flavonoids, would constitute a natural and economic approach to prevent or potentially contribute to the treatment of T2D with minimal toxicity and negative side effects [ 47]. However, most commercially available soluble cocoa products or chocolates contain low amount of flavonols and are rich in sugar and calories. Therefore, high consumption of chocolate will induce paradoxical consequences, i.e., weight gain and impaired glucose homeostasis, especially in T2D patients and obese individuals [ 48]. Chocolatey Central Management (more components will need to be installed and additional configuration will need to be set) - https://docs.chocolatey.org/en-us/features/paid/chocolatey-central-management Cocoa enhanced several measures of endothelial function (nitric oxide-dependent) to a greater degree among older, in whom endothelial function is more disturbed, than younger healthy subjects Cocoa and chocolate act as functional foods, since both carry a number of substances contributing to beneficial health effects. Chocolate combines some organoleptic characteristics with aphrodisiac and antidepressant properties, extending its effects beyond the cardiovascular system, metabolic diseases, CNS diseases, and psychological profiles. Habitual chocolate consumption was associated with long-term weight gain, in a dose-response manner

Cocoa flavanol and procyanidin supplementation significantly increased plasma epicatechin and catechin concentrations and significantly decreased platelet function Lavierose Great gift. I bought this as a gift. The recipient was thrilled and said the chocolate was lovely. In the last years, the treatment of different ovarian cancer cell lines with various concentrations of cocoa procyanidin-rich extract, inducing cytotoxicity and chemosensitization, showed a significant percentage of cells in sub-G1/G0 (hypodiploid) phase, which increased with increasing concentration, and a significant accumulation of cells in the S phase was seen [ 62]. This effect is probably due to an increase in intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 63]. In an animal study, a diet containing dark chocolate reduced the total number of aberrant crypt foci in the colon. The effect was associated with down-regulation in the transcription levels of both COX-2 and ReIA [ 64]. In addition, cocoa significantly decreased the tumor incidence and size in mice with colitis-associated cancer [ 65].