Natural Health and Wellness

Most of us will agree that chocolate is incredibly delicious and a favorite treat. But whether chocolate (or raw cacao) is good for us is a question many experts have yet to agree on. Some say it is the best food ever -- chock full of antioxidants, magnesium, and other great nutrients -- giving it a place high on the ladder of the ultimate super foods list. On the flip side, opponents say chocolate is addictive and contains chemicals, contaminants, additives and poisons that should keep this substance out of our diet entirely. So what is the answer to the question of whether chocolate is healthy or not? Here are some things to consider: Pros: Rich in Antioxidants: Cornell University food scientists found that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times what is found in green tea. Rich in Magnesium: Which is good for our Heart and Circulatory system. Aphrodisiac: This is definitely a bonus! Decreases the appetite in some people: Helps people manag

FRUIT SMOOTHIES Ingredients: Natural plain yoghurt Fruit of your choice (preferably colourful) Honey Granola A dash of pure fruit juice of your choice (no sugar added) Combine the above in a blender Serve with a sprinkling of nuts on top KIDS LOVE THEM! ROLLED DATE BALLS Ingredients: Soft dates without pips Dessicated coconut Form dates into soft balls Roll the balls into the coconut YOU NOW HAVE A DELICIOUS COCONUT DATE BALL. APPLES WITH PEANUT BUTTER (one of my sons favourites!) Sliced apples Spread with peanut butter YUM! A NICE PROTEIN AND HEALTHY ENERGY BOOST!

My children are the kind that just bounce off the walls when they eat sweets made from refined sugar. I have spent a great deal of time thinking up healthy alternatives to their sweet intake. The recipes I post are tried and tested. My kids love them and aren't even bothered that they are not traditional sweets. I think it is because they are getting their sugar fix naturally. I have found that they are far calmer.... I especially have to watch the refined sugar intake of my Mosaic Downs Syndrome son. The sugar has a direct effect on his ears. When he has had a lot of refined sugar he gets ear infections.