How often do healthy foods actually taste good? The answer for me sits somewhere between “not often” and “never.” And then, there is cocoa. Not only is it delicious, cocoa is also packed with anti-aging goodness. No wonder that it has been named ‘the drink of the gods’.

After harvest, cocoa beans undergo the lengthy process of drying, fermenting, roasting and breaking into cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground into a paste. After extracting the cocoa butter, the remaining solids are pulverized into natural cocoa powder. It is rich in powerful antioxidants called flavanols.

Aside from the natural cocoa powder, you might have seen a different form called Dutch or dutched cocoa. It is usually much smoother and has a darker, richer hue. Alas, the process of alkalizing the cocoa to achieve better color and taste pretty much strips it of most of the good stuff, the flavanols.

If you use cocoa and chocolate not just for the flavor, but also having health benefits in mind, you may need to put up with the slightly more bitter and astringent taste of natural cocoa.

The health benefits of flavanols are many, all of them relevant to optimizing the aging process.

Let us look at some ways that cocoa or chocolate can assist you.

Cocoa May Improve Memory

How does it work for the memory? Cocoa may significantly improve blood flow to the brain as flavanols seem to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier – a protective layer that keeps our brains from unwanted substances ­– and promote cell growth. Based on studies, you’ll need 500-900 mg of flavanols a day to achieve this effect.

Chocolate May Improve Exercise Tolerance

In a small study, a group of men was given 40 grams of dark chocolate vs white chocolate for the control group. After two weeks, the dark chocolate group noticed a significant increase in the distance they could cycle.

They even improved their VO2max, a common measure of athletic fitness and endurance. 40 grams of chocolate is roughly an equivalent of five small pieces of chocolate.

Cocoa Can Reduce Wrinkles

Skin elasticity and the appearance of ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles improved in a study of 64 Korean women given a cocoa drink containing 320 mg of flavanols. Cocoa may also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation and insulin resistance.

But before you run out to stash on your supply of chocolate bars, there are a few things that you need to know.

Is ‘High Voltage’ Chocolate Always Better?

You have probably noticed the new trend of ever-increasing percentage of cocoa in dark chocolates. The more, the better, right?

We know that the effectiveness of chocolate as an antioxidant depends on its flavanol content. In theory, the more cacao solids you have – the greater flavanol content. In reality, however, that varies widely from product to product – and it is not necessarily reported on the label.

Additionally, you cannot rely on the cacao percentage reported by the manufacturer. That number is a composite of cacao solids, which contain flavanols, and cocoa butter – which does not. As a result, you may see products claiming high cocoa percentage, but providing very little in terms of the active ingredients.

Complicated? Yes. Frustrating? You bet. But there is a way to make sense out of it. ConsumerLabs.com, a supplement watchdog, mentions a top product that can serve as your guide.

As of writing of this article, the product providing the most flavanols per amount of calories was… the most popular brand of unsweetened chocolate bar you can find in the baking section of your grocery store.

Another unpleasant and concerning fact you will have to consider when consuming cocoa products is the contamination of cocoa with the heavy metal cadmium. Cadmium occurs naturally in small amounts in the soil and comes from such sources as forest fires or volcanic eruption.

Recently, the levels of cadmium in the soil have been increasing. It could be due to the fact that cadmium is found in a lot of fertilizers and pesticides. Another factor is the growing acidity of the soil, which increases the cadmium uptake of some plants, most notably cocoa beans.

What Are the Problems Linked to Cadmium?

Cadmium is a trace element, which does not have any significant function in the human body. It is a possible carcinogen, implicated in lung, kidney and prostate cancers.

It can affect and damage the kidneys. It can cause demineralization (softening) of the bones. It has been found to increase the formation of plaque in arteries.

Like other heavy metals, cadmium tends to accumulate in the body over time. The World Health Organization has set a limit of 0.3 micrograms per gram in dried plants consumed as food, including cocoa beans. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to establish a limit.

ConsumerLabs.com, an independent testing lab, has tested the amounts of cadmium in several common brands of chocolate and cocoa powder in the U.S. Not surprisingly, they found that the levels exceed the European norms in many products.

So… Is It Safe to Eat Chocolate?

As a declared chocoholic myself, I have looked into this question in great detail. At this point, there is no reason to avoid chocolate. But keep these few caveats in mind:

• Limit your intake of dark chocolate to 40 grams (five pieces) a day.
• If you are a hot cocoa enthusiast, limit your cocoa powder to one cup a day.
• Remember that cocoa contains quite a bit of caffeine (230 mg per 100 g). Avoid drinking it at night or risk a great deal of tossing and turning!
• Dutch cocoa powders (processed with alkali) contain minimal amount of flavanols. Use natural cocoa powder and check the ingredients’ label on your chocolate.
• To maximize your flavanols and minimize the cadmium exposure, you could enjoy hot chocolate by dissolving unsweetened baking chocolate in water or milk. Plant-based milk is also an option.
• Another way to get your flavanols in is supplements and cocoa extract. I do not recommend them. They are relatively free of cadmium, but their flavanol amount is often surprisingly low. Not to mention that getting your chocolate in a pill form completely misses the point!

I wonder if you could share any creative ways you have found of incorporating cocoa/chocolate into your day? Which brand/product do you buy? Do you look for organic? How often do you read the label? Please join the conversation below!

Recently, I heard two different people explain how they
used their personal narrative to change their reality. They designed new
narratives that changed the way they and others thought about them.

How They Did It

One of the women had suffered a serious brain
injury. During the healing process, she would wake up unable to remember what
she needed to do to get ready for the day.

She found that developing a metaphor around what
she had to do and then adding more words gave her a starting point. She developed
a narrative to help her through the healing process.

The second woman suffers from a mental illness, but she decided that she wasn’t her diagnosis. Concentrating her narrative on what she is and what she wanted to accomplish relegated the illness to a condition that needed to be managed.

She concentrated on being a singer, a performer,
and a writer who also manages a chronic condition. This new narrative gave her
the confidence to begin singing publicly and produce programs talking about her
experience with mental illness.

The Problem with Our Narrative

Our lens on the world and ourselves often is
influenced by our narrative about how and what we are experiencing. If the
narrative is negative:

• I am too old to [fill
  in the blank];
• I am not important
  anymore;
• I am ignored
  because of my age;
• I am [this disease],

then the person becomes that narrative. The brain
is a fearsome machine. It follows your thoughts and makes them come true.

Your narrative becomes your reality. You feel that
you are too old, not important, ignored, and ill. That is a very difficult and
depressing state and can lead to other problems.

The Possibilities Are Endless

But what would happen if the narrative was
different? Consider these statements:

• I am going to learn [fill in the blank];
• I am experienced, wise, and have much to share;
• I will interact with people of all ages;
• I have a chronic condition, but I manage it and exercise appropriately.

In this narrative, you are learning new things,
finding ways to help others, participating in social interactions, and
exercising. These are the main elements for remaining healthy physically and
mentally as you get older.

The brain understands these thoughts and uses or
designs pathways to make these things happen. Your narrative becomes your reality.

Outside Influence

Others’ opinions can also affect our internal
narrative. One of the benefits of aging is, I believe, less reliance on others’
opinions. The public narrative, however, is pervasive; older adults’ stories
are often only about their illnesses, care needs, and death.

Under these circumstances it can be difficult to
maintain a positive narrative, especially if society at large only emphasises
the problems with aging and not the contribution older people make on the
younger generations.

This attitude towards seniors seems to be an aspect
of Western society only, where emphasis is placed on the young.

Having travelled to Japan, I am aware of a subtle but noticeable difference in the local people’s attitude towards older members of their community (and older tourists like myself). There was a responsibility to help and support an older person because of their innate worth.

How Do You Establish a Positive Narrative?

The first step to establishing a positive narrative
for yourself is awareness of your internal story. What are you saying about
yourself and your situation? How are you interpreting others’ actions and
words? Are your thoughts negative or positive?

If you are negative about yourself or your
condition, consciously stopping yourself from making negative judgements is the
first step.

For a while, I wore a rubber band on my wrist. Every
time I noticed a negative thought pop in my mind about a certain topic, I
snapped the rubber band. Within a short period of time, I taught myself to stop
thinking of that topic when it tried to occupy my mind.

Replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts
is the second step. As an example, instead of saying that you are too old to
exercise, say, “I will find a class that is appropriate for me and meet some
new people there.” Our reality is how we think about ourselves and our
environment.

Building a positive life narrative has benefits. Concentrating on the positive will result in a better quality of life and a better physical and emotional health. We are all aging, every day. Adopting a positive narrative can make it a better experience.

What is your narrative? Do you have positive or negative thoughts about yourself? How do you communicate that to people around you? Have you consciously tried to change your narrative? What was the result? Please share your thoughts and experiences with our community!

It’s officially summer, and you know what that means — It’s time to stop and smell the roses. ICYMI, June is National Rose Month, which means it’s the perfect time to bask in this romantic floral fragrance. If you’re like me, then you might not live by a rose garden and are probably missing out on one of the best parts of summer. While that might be true, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate the fragrance and benefits of roses into your life and beauty routine, just indulge yourself in some of the best rose beauty products. 

Over the past few years, many beauty brands have hopped on the trend of taking advantage of rose oil because of its natural anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties including lifting redness and calming irritation. Some of its other skincare benefits include brightening skin, alleviating oxidative stress, and promoting better circulation. 

Not only does rose oil have beauty benefits, but it’s also got other benefits from others that can improve overall health. For example, a study has shown smelling the scent of roses may actually help improve cognitive function and information retention among children when studying for a test. 

Not a fan of the smell of roses (we know, it’s not for everyone) but still want that coveted rosy look? While you can grab your favorite blush or highlighter to get the look, there are other makeup products like lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and highlighters. 

Whether you’re looking for a lengthening mascara to enhance your eyelashes or a plumping lip gloss, here are a few of our favorite rose-infused and rose-inspired products that you need to get your hands on this month (and any time, for that matter). 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of Cocokind.

Cocokind Rosewater Toner 

Settle for nothing less than plump, glowy skin with this rosewater toner. Made with Rose Hydrosol (steamed rose petals), this toner hydrates, smooths, cleanses and balances the skin’s pH levels to prep for moisturizer. This spray toner even can serve as a setting spray for those makeup looks you want to last all day. Spray directly onto skin and wipe all over the face for optimal results. 

Courtesy of James Read.

James Read Tan H2O Illuminating Tan Body Mist

Forget spending hours in the skin-damaging sun to achieve the sun-kissed tan you want thanks to this UV-free body mist. Infused with sparkling 24K gold flecks, this self-tanning mist slowly creates a natural-looking tan in minutes. This self-tanner contains a blend of organic rose water, this spray boasts anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Oh, and it also lasts up to five days, which is obviously a huge plus for short vacays.

Courtesy of Maybelline.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Create a full fan look with your lashes using this top-rated Lash Sensational mascara. This formula is nfused with Rose Hip Oil, which helps to condition lashes and promote more length and volume over time with continuous use.

Buy: Lash Sensational Mascara $16.99

Courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Gloss – Refresh Rose

You can achieve the plump lips you’ve been wanting forever with this premium collagen-infused lip gloss. Made from skincare ingredients to add a glow to the lips and collagen to enhance the look, this lip gloss is a must-have. Available in Rosy Glow, this shade will have your lips looking like rose petals perfect for National Rose Month. 

Courtesy of HUDA Beauty.

Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Vegan Skin Tint Foundation

Forget the full coverage foundation with this vegan skin tint. Formulated to brighten skin and leave a radiant finish, hydrate skin and achieve a light coverage look with a few pumps. Formulated with Damascus Rose Oil, this product soothes, clarifies, and locks in moisture. 

Courtesy of Maria Nila.

Maria Nila Hair Mist Spray

Achieve a beachy look this summer with this salty mist hair spray from Maria Nila. Free from sulfates and parabens, you can feel confident with spraying some on your mane for sun-kissed locks. Plus, formulated with its Colour Guard Complex, this spray protects hair from harmful UV rays which can damage hair.

Buy: Maria Nila Hair Mist $28.90

Courtesy of Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works Rose Eau de Parfum

Spritz some of this perfume on your pulse points and behind your ears for a clean, playful and light rose scent that will lift your spirits. With notes of breezy rose water blended with jasmine petals and creamy musk, this perfume is ideal for a night out or a special occasion. With a price tag of $39.50, experience the feeling of luxury at an affordable price.

Courtesy of Amala Beauty.

Amala Beauty Rose Moisture Mist

Soothe irritated skin with this replenishing rosewater moisture mix. This lightweight and refreshing spray contains 60 percent alcohol-free Bulgarian rosewater designed to hydrate skin and deliver nutrients to the skin’s moisture barrier.

Fourth Ray Beauty Rose Lip Mask

Forget dry, cracked lips with this rose-infused lip mask. Formulated with Rose Hip Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, rub some onto your lips to lock-in moisture and leave them feeling soft, nourished and healthy each day. With a price tag of $10, your lips will thank you, trust me. 

Courtesy of Jaclyn Cosmetics.

Jaclyn Cosmetics Rouge Romance Matte Blush Palette

No need to pinch your cheeks to achieve a rosy look with this matte blush palette. Available in six shades from nude pink to bright coral, apply with an angled fluffy brush to the outer cheekbones. With a price tag of $45, you’ll save in the long run from not buying multiple separate blushes. 

We continue to explore the three pillars that support you creating a life of meaning and purpose. The first pillar is strengthening your relationship with your own wisdom and guidance. The second is aligning yourself with the abundance of life.

Now, drum roll, we will examine how your relationship with others can help you attract, recognize and accept the support you need to create the life you want. Claire Zammit of Feminine Power says it all – You can’t become yourself by yourself.

Isolation Is Not the Truth

Sometimes women have a way of disappearing, resulting in a sense of isolation. One way is to always focus on others and deflect any personal attention. Another way is to buy into the story that to receive support is weak, thus our work is to not ask for – or even look like we need – support. So, our focus is on ourselves appearing to be “all put together” and not needing a thing.

Have you ever been in a social situation and, when all is said and done, you know about everyone else, but they know nothing about you? Then you are disappearing by deflecting away from you. Or, in contrast, perhaps you have presented yourself in such a way that others perceive you a fortress of competence and strength, with no visible softer areas of vulnerability or need. How can they connect?

In either case, how in the world can life offer you the support you may need to move in the direction of what you want to create when you are not making yourself authentically present to receive it? What if you were so connected with, and truly loved, your inner wise woman that you could show up as yourself, both strong and vulnerable?

In what relationships can you do that? How can you expand the moments when you are that powerful and grounded?

The Key Is Connection

Start by embracing the practice of putting your attention on both the other person AND you. Primarily the space between you. That space has been called a field, an energy, a connecting. What does that mean?

Here is an example. When I walked with my friend Les this morning, I practiced moving my focus back and forth between us as we talked.

As time passed, I began to notice the flow between us and the quality of it. Simply try that with a friend and see what happens regarding your authentic presence in the relationship. What you will find is the space/field/energy between you. Actually, this is what a relationship really is.

What does this have to do with asking for and receiving support, you might ask? If you are fully present in connection with others, you are both powerful and vulnerable. If there is flow between you, you may see where the other person is or could become an ally to help you move toward what you want in your life.

You may discover how you are their ally. If you are vulnerable, you are willing to ask for support and the other person is likely to see and perhaps offer the support you need.

In my conversation with Les, I needed confirmation support around a tough conversation I had earlier in the week. I received that support as part of the natural flow. Les is one of my trusted allies.

Choose Your Allies with Care

Just as when choosing who to share your most precious dreams with, choose wisely the people with whom you decide to become more visible and more vulnerable. This is changing your story about how you show up in your relationships. Being present to receive support is important because relationships are one important way that life offers you opportunity.

You might play with this – perhaps your partner, or a good friend. Just begin to expand yourself and your connections so opportunities can flow in and support you.

A Poem – Breathe and Absorb Its Gift

The great Persian poet Rumi wrote the perfect poem that touches on this space between you and the other. Below is the relevant excerpt. Notice how it also addresses that it is in this field that you ask for what you really want. Life gives you full permission to do this.

The poem is called “A Great Wagon,” found in The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other”
doesn’t make any sense.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.”

Do you think you might be isolating yourself, blocking opportunities for support? How often do you think you are self-sustainable and don’t really need anybody else? Have you noticed a deeper connection with others? With whom is this strongest and why is this so? I am curious how you have or might expand receiving support from your relationships.

Dorit Kemsley’s Checked Louis Vuitton Bodysuit

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 6 Fashion

On tonight’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Dorit Kemsley is dressed up in a checked bodysuit and ready to race…to the nearest Louis Vuitton store to scoop up all of their inventory. She’s got the LV Sporty Damier collection on lock this season and it really works for her. And while the price doesn’t work for me, you can find me racing down to check out all of the cute Style Stealers below.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Louis Vuitton Sporty Damier Bodysuit

Originally posted at: Dorit Kemsley’s Checked Louis Vuitton Bodysuit