How chocolate can help you deepen your love and happiness

Note: This article appeared in the September 2009 issue of The Parents' Journal.

What is your most precious treasure in the world?
The diamond ring from your beloved person on your fourth finger, the business you are owning right now, or your son and daughter? 

Every day, parents pray for good health and happiness for their daughters and sons. Their main aim is to have healthy and happy children. Parents care to make their babies smile and give the best care possible when they grow older. As a parent, one of your greatest treasures is to see and experience your child reach his/her destiny and being able to manage the own life.

Love your family. Love yourself. FRANCESCA love you.

We are all part of a family. Your family cares about you. Appreciate them. Your family cares about healthy choices for you to grow healthy and happily. Chocolate lovers care about healthy choices. Therefore, FRANCESCA offers healthy, Swiss hand-made chocolate to support you and your family.

Do you dream in chocolate? What is your dream? Do you reach for the stars?

Reach for it to magnify the bliss when something good happens. Chocolate is food for your soul. Turn to it whenever you feel for it. It is both a blessing and therapy for life. When you do indulge, you will be able to control the quantity and frequency you take in with more clarity. If you “feel” your emotional heart first, you will be less likely for physical ways, e.g. unhealthy food, to fill that void. Good food is important but equally important to nurture the emotional and spiritual heart. The taste of FRANCESCA chocolate is a metaphor of love, like the love you share and feel with your kids. It is pure, smooth and long-lasting.

Chocolate is an intimate form of communication

It is a sharing of deep secrets. Either as I love you, thank you, I appreciate what you do for me, to congratulate to any success stories or to share happy times with friends.

Health benefits of the beautiful delicacy

Recently studies on chocolate have been published that illustrate the many health benefits it provides. For nearly half a decade, chocolate lovers have been told to avoid this treat.

First, cocoa, the main component in chocolate, contains Phytochemicals called flavonoids also found in red wine, green tea, and fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids contain antioxidants, which are beneficial in that they block arterial damage caused by free radicals. Flavonoids are also associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Chocolate also contains Tryptophan; a chemical the brain uses to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been proven to be an anti-depressant, as well as generate feelings of ecstasy or love, so not only can it benefit you physically, but mentally as well. Other substances, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, have a stimulating effect.

Research also proves that good quality chocolate eaters live almost a year longer that those who abstain. Similarly, a Harvard University study found that men who ate chocolate live longer than those who didn't.

Cocoa contains many vitamins including vitamins A, B1, C, D and E, and is also the highest natural source for Magnesium. A lack of magnesium in diet has been linked to joint problems, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and pre-menstrual tension.

Self-love and Appreciation of oneself and others

Self-love and appreciation of oneself and others are one of the most helpful life lessons for parents to share with their children and to grow their self-love and self-esteem. When children learn about this respectful way, the probability to choose a healthy and happy lifestyle will be much higher.

If parents encourage their children to stay connected to their inner voice and energy, they will remain clear-minded; they will remain optimistic and enthusiastic. The children will remain balanced and flexible as well as remain in a state of grace and of Well-Being. And they will make wonderful choices.

Live Healthy! Live Happy! Live Long!

The three most beloved Chinese proverbs related to Heart and Happiness
To care for the heart
With Happiness comes wisdom into the heart
We can find no wealth above a healthy body and a happy heart
                                     Source: Best-Loved Chinese Proverbs            Theodora Lau