Two New Studies - Chocolate can lower stroke risk

I love it! The more they study dark chocolate, the more health benefits they find!

These studies are hot off the press and are about to be released to the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) 62nd Annual Meeting, being held in Toronto, Ontario between April 10 and 17.

In a press release dated February 11, 2010, the AAN said that an analysis of three studies contributed to this conclusion. Two studies focused on chocolate, the other focused on strokes. To quote the release:

"The first study found that 44,589 people who ate one serving of chocolate per week were 22 % less likely to have a stroke than people who ate no chocolate. The second study found that 1,169 people who ate 50 grams of chocolate once a week were 46% less likely to die following a stroke than peple who did not eat chocolate."

It's the flavinoids found in chocolate that are so healing. The study said, "Chocolate is rich in antioxidants called flavinoids, which may have a protective effect against stroke, but more research is needed."

Smith Organic Chocolates had a customer with Lou Gehrig's disease who felt better if she ate chocolate every day. I think it was also the gentle stimulation that chocolate provides. For more information on the non-caffiene stiumulant that chocolate is - see a previous post.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in chocolate news, information, and nutritional help. What do you think? Post a comment and let us know.

SPRING is on the way - Cleaning

Valentine's Day is over - and we had a great one! We shipped out 42 orders the week of Valentine's - and we survived an 18" snow in the middle of the week to boot!

As you can see, we're cleaning up and organizing. This was actually a 'staged' picture to show our 'inside' facility for Chocolate.com.

More pictures to follow - as we are totally revamping and re-organizing our chocolate "office" (Mom's old bedroom/old guestroom). We're not re-decorating yet - I think that might come in the late Spring. I still like having reminders around here that Mom was with us those six years (two in this house).

But there's very little left to make it appear that it was once a bedroom...just a chest of drawers (which we use for storage of ribbon, doilies, party supplies, etc. and a bookcase that also 'stores' things.

The only thing we don't do from this office is produce chocolate. That's done in the kitchen. But the administrative, packing and shipping is all done in our "office." Pictures to follow - when I've got it the way I want it.

And - we're planning for Easter - only seven weeks away! More info on those specials coming in about 2-3 weeks.

Valentine's Day 2010

We've finally found a way to get a good "red" to dye our white chocolate. We've been scouring the world and finally found Non FD&C organic colored cocoa butter! It works and the result is spectacular - as you can see!

This cameo heart box sells for $9.99. It comes packaged in cello with a bow. A beautiful and tasty gift for someone who loves chocolate and romance.

You can order this box any way you want. There are a number of ways this box can be ordered. Please see our website for ordering information. Our website is: www.smithorganicchocolates.com.

Order early and order often. Check out our website for complete product and cost information. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of our Facebook page for additional news and information.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest nutritional and product information.

Candy in Moderation is OK

(Pictured: Our new Cranberry Almond Bark, made with organic semi-sweet dark chocolate, organic roasted/chopped almonds, and organic chopped dried cranberries)

A new study compiled of long-term findings from a U.S. government funded study says that candy in moderation is OK, and does not contribute to obesity.

In article published in the November 2009 Gourmet News, the study says, "...candy consumption is not associated with chronic negative health outcomes, such as overweight and obestiy, in children and adults. Children who consumed candy had lower body weights than children who reported eating no candy."

The study, conducted by Nutrition Impact, LLC, "found that children who eat candy had statistcally significant lower body weight and a lower body mass index than children who eat no candy."

"Candy consumption was not associated with increasd body weight in adults either" the study said.

These finds also correlate with the American Dietic Association's psoition that, "the total diet or overall pattern of food eaten is the most important focus of a healthful eating style. All foods can fit within this pattern."

Soooo.....that means that a piece of candy a day, won't hurt you. Go ahead and indulge - just be controlled. Two ounces a day of dark chocolate is like drinking that proverbial glass of wine - the same type of health benefits apply. See the post from February 2009 for information on the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

Holiday Specials

Holiday specials! Check 'em out on our website - www.smithorganicchocolates.com !

Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas from Smith Organic Chocolates!

Here's a simple way to give organic chocolate this year! Our Holiday Holly box holds up to one pound of truffles, barks, or clusters...or even white chocolate peppermint pretzels!

We were again able to get ahold of organic candy canes and organic peppermint pinwheels that we crush up and use to drag our white chocolate covered pretzels in or - make White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.

We have holiday gift giving ideas for everyone and every budget! This particular item is great for parties, gift exchanges, hostess gifts, or for any chocolate lover on your list!

Check us out at www.smithorganicchocolates.com and click on Holiday Items. You can order this box under the box, then tell us what to put in it - OR - order it through the chocolate and select this as your packaging!

We have a Local Pick-Up & Delivery Option on our website for those who live in Lancaster County, PA. That was created to save shipping charges.

Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on our Facebook page! And...post a comment and let us know what you think!

Holiday 2009 Catalog Available

It's time for our Holiday Catalog! Smith Organic Chocolates is pleased to announce that our Holiday 2009 catalog is complete and ready to go.

If you would like a copy, please email us at smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com. It is available in hard copy or in Microsoft Publisher. The catalog was created in Publisher 2007, but it can be saved in Publisher 2003. A Word catalog is in the works, but may not be ready until mid-November.

We have several new packaging options this year, as well as our Snowman Tin tower from last year.

Some of our new packaging options include:

A Holiday Holly box for candy

Reindeer Tower Set

Peppermint Lovers Open Box set - shrink-wrapped

Some of our new candy offerings include:

• Peppermint Lovers Package


• Almond Lovers Assortment


• Peanut Lovers Assortment

We have gift options ranging in price from $2.99 to $54.99.

Check out our website at http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/ for product information.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to providing you with the latest nutritional chocolate and product information.