buy custom Ergot Poisoning essay

buy custom Ergot Poisoning essay Problems in Salem started in January 1692, during the cold winter in Massachusetts, when eight young girls started getting ill. The first one was Elizabeth Paris who was nine years old, followed by eleven-year-old Abigail Williams. Their symptoms were an odd skin sensation, violent convulsions, deliriousness, and incomprehensible speech. The village said the girls were bewitched, after desperately searching for an explanation to no avail. After this, they started accusing people, beginning with Tituba, a slave from Parriss Caribbean. Together with Tituba, were Sarah Osburn and Sarah Good, whom the village arrested on 29 February. After that, the village arrested more than one hundred and fifty witches. The village had put to death more than twenty men and women by September 1692, without a confession from them, while others died in jail. These trials ended in October 29, after an order by Governor Sir William Phips of Massachusetts. Ever since then, historians and scholars have struggled to explain the problem in Salem. Some thought it was sexual repression, mass hysteria or dietary deficiency, while others blamed a simple fungus, Ergot, for the conditions. Linnda Caporael, presently a behavioral psychologist made the latter realizations. Linnda detected a link between certain drugs hallucinogenic effects and the symptoms the eight Salem accusers reported. The drug she identified was LSD, which is Ergots derivative, and affects rye grain. Ergotism refers to poisoning that result from this fungus. Earlier, the poisoning had been accused in the bizarre outbreaks of behavior in several areas such as Pont-Saint-Espirit. Caporael raised questions over the possibility of Ergot being the causes of those conditions in Salem. Toxicologists confirm that consuming ergot-contaminated meals may result into convulsive disorders (Douglas 175). Among the symptoms that characterize the disorders are delusions, vomiting, crawling skin sensations, hallucinations, and violent muscle spasms. It could have been possible that this was the cause of the girls conditions as they all reported these symptoms. Additionally, the fungus flourishes in warm and damp rainy summers and springs. These were exact weather conditions in 1691. Almost all of the accusers resided in Salem villages western section, a place of swampy meadows. Swampy meadows are an ideal breeding condition for the fungus. Keeping in mind that almost all the accused resided in this area, it is ordinary to conclude that they may have been innocent in their accusations,and that the death sentences were unjust. During this, rye was also a staple in the village, and was first consumed in the 1691-1692 winter, when the village reported its first symptom. This cou ld have been an easy explanation for the symptoms as there were large consumptions at the start of the season. In the 1692 summer, the village experienced a dry spell, after which the witchcraft suddenly stopped (A Chronology of Events). A number of theories have merged to explain mental illness relating to the above symptoms. Psychologists classify the symptoms that the girls exhibited under hysteria. However, scholars from various fields suggest illness such as mass hypnosis, mass hysteria, and delusions as possible explanations of the girls conditions. Mass hypnosis is highly questionable because it does not affect everyone. One other theory that scholars contended for this explanation was that the villagers wanted to get rid of merchants from Salem town. This is not a plausible argument because most of those people who were accused of witchcraft resided on the western villages of Salem. Other theorists said that the Puritan Church had started to feel as though it was losing its management over the parishioners. Because of these, the church needed to accuse people of the happenings in order to stay powerful. Though it is true that the church was gradually losing its power, the theory does not explain why the churc h would incriminate poor women such as Sarah Ousborne. Other suspicions pertain to the common individual greed at that time (Hall 89). The theory argues that those who accused the witches were jealous of the witches social positions and their possessions, and the only way for them to acquire their possessions or taint their popularity was to accuse them of the witchcraft. Jealousy, especially over wealth, has always been present in societies hence, could explain some for the accusations. However, this argument remains incredible in other cases, especially against the poor accusers such as Sarah Ousborne. Other theories relay the conditions to the Puritan lifestyle, which was extremely strict. This theory argues that the girls are overwhelmed with certain emotions but lacked outlets for releasing them. During that time, normal life meant working harder and harder, with little recreation time. Due to this rigorous routine, it could have been possible for the girls to unleash the overwhelming feeling through hysteria. However, this argument also holds little doubts because if that was the routing, then most girls could have been affected.. Additionally, the conditions seem to have started appearing at a particular time, and ended almost immediately. The lifestyle had been present even before the conditions, therefore, cannot explain the symptoms. An interesting realization that one makes by analyzing these theories is that none, except Egortism. Poisoning, exclusively explains Salems situation. Most of the theories relate the events with the happenings in the world of psychology and human services. It would be feasible to combine two or more theories in the explanation of the occurrences. This would yield a better and comprehensive explanation of the condition in Salem. The understanding derived is important in building of the future concepts. For example, Ergot poisoning could have affected the victims sound judgment. Consequently, there were good chances that the girls were overwhelmed, therefore, seeking a release of their emotions. The theories would hold more weight when they are incorporated into one another and viewed as a whole (Malcom 76). Despite these theories, the most credible explanation has been the Ergotism as it contains facts that coincide with the seasons and symptoms. However, this theory also has loopholes. Considering that a family contains other people other than the girls who could have consumed the grain, how could it be that they were the only ones who got ill? For example, in the Parris household, there were eight people. Despite the family consuming the same meals, only the poison affected Abigail and Betty. Additionally, it is confusing how all the girls hallucinated, without any of them getting back to their senses. It is hard to believe that the condition would spread as it did, and fail to get better. In conclusion, it is important to note that some of the current explanations of Salems conditions such as hysteria, physiological explanations, psychiatric disorder and fraud could have meaningful importance in understanding the case. However, there have been monumental reasons and proof that point to the credibility of Egotism as the primal explanation of the situation in Salem. Amongst them are the localization and growing conditions of the village and its weather conditions. Other theories contain major loopholes, some explaining instances that have no proof or those are difficult to control. For example, the issues of jealousy are a difficult one to evaluate. However, the issue of different growing seasons, staple food, weather and the symptoms, are verifiable facts, which add credibility to the ergotism theory. Buy custom Ergot Poisoning essay

Marketing Plan Assignment Sample

Marketing Plan Assignment Sample Marketing Plan Assignment Sample Marketing plan assignment sample is worked out to provide an example of the plan that will help to define the further directions of the company and identify its primary needs to achieve the stated aims. Marketing plan consists of the particular sections that include: market research (gathering and classifying the current data about the market of the the organization as well as its dynamics, customers, competition, and the current sales volume for the industry as a whole), market plan strategies (include advertising, direct marketing, training programs, trade shows, website), marketing plan budget (means that top managers need to review their current financial situation), and marketing goals (monitoring of the marketing plan results). Besides, the organization needs to identify the strategies that are working and those that are not working. Before performing the marketing analysis, an understanding of the core term has to be achieved. Thus, market research means gathering and classifying the current data about the market of the organization. Besides, a short introduction to the company itself has to be performed. The company PeopleAhead works with the improvement of the career advancement. Particularly, it provides a basis for the potential employees to find, advance, and develop the careers they already have by sharing their aims, holding conversations on their professional opportunities and development plans, and communication with other professionals in the related areas. On the basis of the examining of the market dynamics, customers, and the current sales volume for the industry as a whole, it has been revealed that the company currently helps people with the career advancement and improve the human capital in the organizations. The website of the company acts as a networking platform for the professionals and career matching. The market dynamics is reported to be positive. Besides, the company has its constant customers and productive sales. The examining of the competition will be focused on the small and medium businesses as these entities are underserved by the great competitors in the online recruitment market. Simultaneously, such choice stems from the fact that this demographic has a less effective recruitment procedure that would cause advantages mostly from the services of PeopleAhead. Within this segment, the HR managers are responsible for the sourcing of the applicants. The market plan strategies are the following: the company will become the leader of the career advancement online service where people would create a history and establish the connections in the place that would make the company a staple among the chosen websites. The company will deliver the professional development and the career opportunities to provide people with the opportunity to create the professional records and useful career advancement instruments. The marketing plan budget is the following: the overall cost structure would include the administrative and general operating expenses, the sales agent salaries, and marketing. The first year, marketing monthly costs are considered to be $6,250. Monthly overhead is expecting to achieve $24,750 and be constant. The marketing goals are: to use the brand matching technology; to establish a critical mass of the customers; to drive the traffic to the site through the marketing blitzes; and to start using the word-of-mouth advertising from the satisfied customers. Monitoring of the marketing plan results has to be performed as well. At you can buy a custom marketing plan online. All you need is to fill in the order form at your site.

Importance of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 Assignment - 1

Importance of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 - Assignment Example The two acts are important legislations, in that they limited the powers and the privileges wielded by the House of Lords, and sought to give the common person more powers through the empowerment of the House of Commons. The legislations are however not without issues, as demonstrated in the Jackson v Attorney General [2005] case regarding the legality of the application of Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 to pass the Hunting Act, making it illegal to hunt wild animals using dogs, except in very limited circumstances. 6The case was heard by a Divisional court and later passed on the court of appeal. The court of appeal decision was that constitutional changes could not be passed under the parliament act of 1911. 2The legal issues raised in this case is that any legislation done under the parliament Act of 1911 was not primary, but a subordinate one. The legislative power wielded by the Act was not limited, and thus was open to statutory interpretation. Upon reaching the decision, the judges raised the issue that the Act did not authorize the House of Commons to change or remove any conditions on which the law-making power is based. 6 The judges observed that the 1911 Act was wide to authorize some amendments of the commons law making power, contrary to the 1949 Act, which was observed to be substantial and significant. 6The discussion by the judges was that it was highly unlikely that the House of Commons could contemplate to use the Act to enact a legislation that the House of Lords had not consented to or to abolish the House of Lords completely. 2 If however, the House of Commons had such intentions, then it would be seen as contrary to the intentions of the parliament, when it was enacting such legislations.

Building Accommodation for Horses, Sheep and Laying Hens Essay

Building Accommodation for Horses, Sheep and Laying Hens - Essay Example It is a vital skill for farmers and, in some countries, a form of art. Other countries have strict laws on the qualifications needed to treat animals and ensure that scientific methods are used to care for them. The science of animal husbandry, called animal science teaches us to care for the animals in relationship of their nutrition, habitation and reproductive physiology. Historically, certain sub-professions within the field of animal husbandry are specifically named according to the animals that are cared for. The common features of these animals are measured from their utility point of view. Horses are mainly used for aristocratic sports in modern times. Sheep cater the need of our clothing as well as meat and indigenous milk. Similarly domestic; no mechanized hens give us natural egg and meat. They all supply chemical free natural manure to grow vegetation when reared in a single sight. They need enough air through ventilation, adequate food management, water and other medical care in the farm. Frequent grazing in the wilder pesture land for both horses and the sheep yield natural ambience of their development each horse need at least ten by two metre space for their housing with enclosed food stock. A domestic hen needs minimum of two square feet area with hey ricks for living and similar area for laying eggs and hatching. They need to be taken care from reptiles and cats through adequate fencing. An Ideal site of accommodation of Horses, sheep and Hens surrounded by open areas Partitioned storied baskets for hens to live in The half walled with light grilled airy home of the 500 laying hens in the common nestle Stable of 50 horses in individual rooms of half walled accommodation with separate doors for each through the out side walls There are contrasting views on the ethical aspects of breeding animals in captivity, with one debate being in relation to the merits of allowing animals to live in natural conditions reasonably close to those of their wild ancestors, compared to the view that considers natural pressures and stresses upon wild animals vindication for captive breeding. The production of livestock industry has been practiced for centuries but is controlled by legislation today. Animal rights groups are playing vital role in the protection, welfare and conservation of the ever needed friends of humans HORSE BREEDING Horse breeding refers to reproduction in horses and particularly the human-directed process of planned mating of animals. While feral and wild horses breed successfully without human assistance, it can be beneficial to domesticated horses. Humans can increase the chances of conception, a successful pregnancy, and successful foaling. The male parent of a horse, a stallion, is commonly known as the sire and the female parent, the mare is called the dame. Both are genetically important, as each parent provides 50% of the genetic makeup of the ensuing offspring, called a foal. The word "colt" refers to a young male horse only; "filly" is a young female. Though many amateur horse owners may simply breed a family mare to a local stallion in order to produce a companion animal, most professional

Migration: Pros and Cons :: essays research papers

Migration has been an on going phenomena from past to present. Individuals, families, or groups of people may leave a country voluntarily or involuntarily because of events: harsh environmental or economic conditions (disease, crop failure, excess population), religious persecution, "ethnic cleansing," war, genocide. Or they may be enslaved and taken to a foreign country. Migrants may seek better jobs, freedom, or to preserve their very lives. There is a wide spread perception shared by big business and the government that a country needs immigrants, first to take certain low paid jobs which the existing population decline to take, second, and more importantly, to overcome skill shortages in the country. Immigrants are then, seen as playing an important part in enabling the Government to achieve sustainable economic development. The effect of immigration on unemployment is negligible and that migrants create at least as many jobs as they fill. Migrants may increase unemployment in certain areas, but this is compensated by their raising the overall level of demand, like housing and household-related goods, needs etc. This promotes both a higher level and a wider range of goods and services produced, stimulating the economy and job growth. Migrants also bring new skills and experience to the recipient country. They help to reduce labor shortages for skilled personnel, and also attract international traders through their fore ign knowledge and language skills. Skilled migrants also do not earn a cost to government in education or training, because most migrants come in their youth (20-39), means that they pay the taxes that will help sustain ageing population (mostly in MEDC’s). One main problem is that the movement of skilled personnel from LEDC (developing countries) to MEDC (developed countries), termed the â€Å"brain drain†, can have a harmful effect on the donor countries, this emigration deprives the donor country of the skilled manpower that they need. Emigrants can however, assist their country of origin in various other ways: a) bank deposits – external accounts maintain in the donor country which are financial investments in the donor country economy. Migration: Pros and Cons :: essays research papers Migration has been an on going phenomena from past to present. Individuals, families, or groups of people may leave a country voluntarily or involuntarily because of events: harsh environmental or economic conditions (disease, crop failure, excess population), religious persecution, "ethnic cleansing," war, genocide. Or they may be enslaved and taken to a foreign country. Migrants may seek better jobs, freedom, or to preserve their very lives. There is a wide spread perception shared by big business and the government that a country needs immigrants, first to take certain low paid jobs which the existing population decline to take, second, and more importantly, to overcome skill shortages in the country. Immigrants are then, seen as playing an important part in enabling the Government to achieve sustainable economic development. The effect of immigration on unemployment is negligible and that migrants create at least as many jobs as they fill. Migrants may increase unemployment in certain areas, but this is compensated by their raising the overall level of demand, like housing and household-related goods, needs etc. This promotes both a higher level and a wider range of goods and services produced, stimulating the economy and job growth. Migrants also bring new skills and experience to the recipient country. They help to reduce labor shortages for skilled personnel, and also attract international traders through their fore ign knowledge and language skills. Skilled migrants also do not earn a cost to government in education or training, because most migrants come in their youth (20-39), means that they pay the taxes that will help sustain ageing population (mostly in MEDC’s). One main problem is that the movement of skilled personnel from LEDC (developing countries) to MEDC (developed countries), termed the â€Å"brain drain†, can have a harmful effect on the donor countries, this emigration deprives the donor country of the skilled manpower that they need. Emigrants can however, assist their country of origin in various other ways: a) bank deposits – external accounts maintain in the donor country which are financial investments in the donor country economy.

Bouncers Essay

BOUNCERS BOUNCERS John Godber’s play, ‘BOUNCERS,’ was written and performed in the year 1977 and captures the generalised stereotypes of a group of Bouncers, Girls and ‘Lagalads’ on a night out in the town. With only four members in the cast, Godber cleverly directs the performance to be comedic and easily understandable through the actors’ characterisation and clever use of lighting and set. The play takes you through a typical Friday night in town at a club called ‘asylum,’ which creates a strong reference suggesting it is a place where all the ‘crazy’ people go.It begins with each of the four bouncers individually walking on stage with a solid posture as a Bouncer. Each one would then suddenly break out into a dance move; the first bouncer was able to ‘lock and pop’ really well and as each one came out, the worse they got, immediately connecting with the audience as they found it hilarious. This is one of Godber’s techniques to keep the audience engaged at all times, as jokes are told that the audience understand and can relate to, ultimately making the performance more enjoyable for both the actors and audience.The play then continues on to tell the story in episodes due to its episodic structure, about a group of four girls who are preparing for a night out. Godber’s use of clean transitions allowed the plot to unfold fluently; the only four objects on stage (four beer barrels), were collected by the actors whilst they spoke, and two actors collected a beer barrel each to be placed into the centre of the stage acting as chairs and then would continue on to the next scene, making it clear to the audience that there was a scene change by introducing the characters they were representing.This is one of Godber’s techniques that was influenced by Bertolt Brecht, which is used to stop the audience thinking about what the characters are like and just concentrate on the performance. The lighting between transitions also indicated that there was a scene change, as it would either the whole stage would either be brightly lit or dimmer and more intimate, which is another influence of Brecht’s, as he would contrast and juxtaposition scenes. I found that by introducing the characters, the audience were able to enjoy he performance as they were constantly told who the actors were representing and didn’t get confused. However, I found that because the characterisation between each of the character’s they played was so different and you were able to differentiate between each one easily, the constant introductions were unnecessary. The acting style for all of the actors was very comedic throughout the play. This was portrayed extremely effectively, as their slick comedic timing between lines was fast and sharp making it very humorous.The characterisation of each of the characters also added to the comedy, especially when they were representing the female characters, as their bodies were very relaxed and they used exaggerated feminine gestures. Additionally, their versatile use of vocals created even further humour, as they could be loud and raucous ‘lagalads,’ contrasting to soft and gentle women and this created a lot of enjoyment for the audience, keeping them engaged throughout the whole play. Godber’s choice of a completely open setting worked effectively for this type of performance.The entertainment in the play was purely created by actors themselves, and the set didn’t detract away from this but emphasised it. By being completely open, the audience are able to see the good quality of acting the actors could do as they didn’t have any support from any sort of set. The lighting however, set the scene as much as the actors, as the flashing and changing lights indicated that they were dancing in the club, whereas the solid flickering lights positioned on each actor clearl y and effectively indicated that they were portraying a scene on a bus.This scene was also clear due to the actors jiggering up and down and miming holding on to a handle bar above their heads. This effective scene was one of my personal highlights of the play as it was a very clever technique used by Godber and was clearly recognised. My other favourite scene was the hairdressers near the beginning, and particularly in that scene one of the actors using their hands and clicking their fingers behind someone’s another actors head representing a pair of scissors cutting someone’s hair. I found this extremely effective and easily recognisable.I particularly liked the transition between the hairdressers scene into the barbers immediately after, as all of the actors simply stood up out of character and said ‘Barber’s,’ indicating the scene change, and this was emphasised by the physicality dropping from the women into loud and scrambling men. I thoroughl y enjoyed ‘BOUNCERS’ due to it’s comedy style and the actor’s excellent acting. As it was very up to date with the choice of music and clubbing scenes, I could engage with the play easily as it is what I am being brought up around in society today and this slowed me to enjoy it even further.

Dark Chocolate - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1459 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/09/12 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? Why is Dark Chocolate Healthy? : Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. 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. Heart Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are: * Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. * Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent. Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Dark Chocolate" essay for you Create order Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart: * it tastes good * it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure * it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant * it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants Doesnt Chocolate Have a lot of Fat? : Here is some more good news some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid: * Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol. * Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. That means only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you. Chocolate Tip 1 Balance the Calories: This information doesnt mean that you should eat a pound of chocolate a day. Chocolate is still a high-calorie, high-fat food. Most of the studies done used no more than 100 grams, or about 3. 5 ounces, of dark chocolate a day to get the benefits. One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories. If you eat half a bar of chocolate a day, you must balance those 200 calories by eating less of something else. Cut out other sweets or snacks and replace them with chocolate to keep your total calories the same. Chocolate Tip 2 Taste the Chocolate: Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it. Professional chocolate tasters have developed a system for tasting chocolate that include assessing the appearance, smell, feel and taste of each piece. Chocolate Tip 3 Go for Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate has 65 percent or higher cocoa content. Chocolate Tip 4 Skip the Nougat: You should look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts, orange peel or other flavorings. Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings. These fillings are just adding sugar and fat which erase many of the benefits you get from eating the chocolate. Chocolate Tip 5 Avoid Milk: It may taste good but some research shows that washing your chocolate down with a glass of milk could prevent the antioxidants being absorbed or used by your body. Next Anti-Aging Food: Avocados While chocolate is regularly eaten for pleasure, there are potential beneficial health effects of eating chocolate. Cocoa or dark chocolate benefits the circulatory system. [49] commonly comes in dark, milk, and white varieties, with cocoa solids contributing we use the luxuriously smooth Belgian chocolate, and it is organic too. Belgian chocolate is very different to common chocolate, in that Belgian chocolate uses all the cocoa bean rather than substituting other ingredients. The result is a smooth and full flavoured chocolate that is actually good for your health. once described as the food of the gods Chocolate is such a wonderful thing, healthy and pleasurable. the secret is to eat better chocolate, not more chocolate. FOR skin: Chocolate increases the skins ability to block the damaging rays of sun light. Chocolate doubles the blood flow to the skin. elp protect it from sun damage skin that is moister, smoother, better-looking, and more resistant to damage from the sun’s burning UV rays. eating dark chocolate can help you lose weight   FOR children: What is more important than your childrens health? And as a parent how difficult is it to make sure what your child is eating is healthy? With obesity statistics hitting record highs, we need to think differently on how to provide the healthiest pro ducts for our children. A daily supply of one of these dark chocolates is the equivalent to your child eating 13 lbs (5. kg) of tomatoes or 7 lbs of spinach. Feel Good Benefits In addition to preventing chronic illness and being healthy for your heart, dark chocolate also makes you feel good. One way it makes you feel good is simply from the way it tastes – most people think its delicious! However, dark chocolate also stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure and contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. Some people report that the feel good benefits of dark chocolate are incredibly strong and immediate upon consumption. A significantly large There are significant health benefits to dark chocolate. According to research studies, chocolate provides clues to fighting disease. Your health and well-being can be enhanced while you savor and enjoy chocolate. Below, you’ll see how research involving chocolate consumption can help conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure. Chocolate and Cancer The same antioxidants found in wine and green tea are found in raw cacao and dark chocolate. Antioxidants protect cells from toxins, slow the growth of cancer cells, and help reduce cancer risks and heart disease. The greater the amount of cacao contained in chocolate, the more antioxidants it has. (Note: White chocolate does not contain antioxidants, so look for dark chocolate instead). Chocolate and Cholesterol While many foods high in saturated fats are known to raise cholesterol levels, studies have shown that chocolate consumption does not. This is due to the type of saturated fat   chocolate contains. Less harmful saturated fat in one’s diet means plaque that can gather in the arteries. In fact, studies have shown that dark chocolate may in fact boost good cholesterol. Chocolate and Depression The fat naturally found in chocolate helps provide a feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction, releasing mood-enhancing endorphins. Chocolate also may help relieve symptoms of anxiety. It   is thought to have an opiate effect   that may help improve mood. A study conducted on patients who were depressed showed that the dark chocolate provided relief from their symptoms. Chocolate and Circulation Since the chemicals in dark chocolate help prevent the formation blood platelets, the chance of blood clots is minimized. In addition, blood pressure may be lowered with a regular consumption of dark chocolate each day. This is a result of the flavonoids present in cacao that help with circulation. Keep in mind that flavonoids are lower in milk chocolate than dark chocolate. How Much Chocolate Can You Have? Include 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day to your diet. Select your chocolate carefully, ensuring that there are no refined sugars or hydrogenated oils, which have undesirable health effects. Also, look for   a high percentage of cacao (70% or above). Remember that chocolate does have calories, so make necessary modifications to your calorie intake A Dark Chocolate a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Eating a small, 1. 6-ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you. Very good for you Many people dont realize that chocolate is plant-derived, as are the fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy heart While a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better. Chocolate still is loaded with calories. If youre going to eat more chocolate, youll have to cut back somewhere else. And remember that a balanced diet and plenty of exercise is still the key to heart health. Do you live  a dark chocolate life, like I do? Do you feel that if the chocolate is not dark, its not worth it? Or that the darker the chocolate, the better? Does every day usually include at least one little piece of the dark stuff? If this describes you, then you have arrived at the right place! If youre trying to lose weight, or maintain your health and just simply love chocolate say this means eating dark chocolate may be an efficient way to keep your weight down over Christmas.