Chocolate Lovers

Recently studies on chocolate have been published that illustrate the many health benefits it provides and for nearly half a decade chocolate lovers have been told to avoid this treat but as we further our research on the everyday foods we eat we begin to realize that we have been misled about the health-related risk-reward ratio of chocolate and first cocoa the main component in chocolate contains Phytochemicals called flavonoids also found in red wine, green tea, and fruits and vegetables. Flavanoids 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 contains stearic acid which is a neutral fat that does not raise bad cholesterol and a recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association also shows that dark chocolate might lower your blood pressure and improve insulin resistance. 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 and contrary to popular belief chocolate only contains small amounts of caffeine. A cup of decaffeinated coffee actually contains more caffeine than the average serving of chocolate though the misconception might stem from a popular combination of coffee or espresso beans with chocolate in many desserts and beverages. Research also proves that candy eaters live almost a year longer than those who abstain. Similarly a Harvard University study found that men who ate chocolate live longer than those who didn’t. Dark chocolate with its higher cocoa to sugar ratio may actually inhibit tooth decay and lead to fewer cavities as well as potentially whiter teeth. Milk chocolate is also on the list of least likely to cause tooth decay because of the combination of phosphate and other minerals in its structure. Chocolate is also a good source of carbohydrates as well and is an excellent source of quick energy and a powerful fighter of fatigue. On the other hand pediatricians are saying that there is no link between the sugars found in chocolate and restlessness or attention-deficit-hyperactivity type disorders ADHD found in children and probably the leading misconception about chocolate is that it causes acne. This has been disproved however by the University of Pennsylvanias study of 65 acne sufferers. All were instructed to eat large amounts of chocolate 46 showed no change in their condition 10 got better and 9 got worse results showing no direct correlation between chocolate consumption and acne. In addition 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 PMT or PMS just more reasons to increase your chocolate intake.

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