Download The Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate ... The #1 food craved by women
across North America. And it’s second only to
pizza among men. Some people swear
they're addicted to it. In fact, North Americans
spend $8.9 billion (US) per year on chocolate
and consume nearly 5.5 kg or 12 pounds per
person each year. Is chocolate the "food of
the gods", an indulgence, or a necessity of
life? Read on to find out about the history of
chocolate and, most importantly, the benefits
of eating chocolate.
• The history of chocolate
traces its roots back to the
Aztecs. During Emperor
Montezuma’s reign, cocoa
beans were so valuable
that they were used as
currency. Cocoa, prepared
as a chocolate drink, was
believed to impart wisdom,
provide great energy and
have aphrodisiacal powers.
• Chocolate has exceptional
nutritional qualities, being a
high energy food in a small
volume. It not only contains
carbohydrates, fats, and
vegetable proteins, but also
has large quantities of
potassium and magnesium,
some calcium and sodium,
and vitamins A1, B1, B2, D,
and E.
• Chocolate contains Theobromine, which
stimulates the central nervous system,
facilitates muscular exertion, acts as a
diuretic and appetite stimulant.
• Chocolate contains
Caffeine, which increases
resistance to fatigue,
intellectual activity, and
watchfulness. An average
size chocolate bar contains
approximately 6 mg of
caffeine, compared to 100150 mg in a cup of coffee.
• Chocolate contains
Phenylethylamine,
which is the
chemical released in
our bodies when we
fall in love and is
chemically similar to
amphetamines,
therefore acting as a
psycho-stimulant.
• Tryptophan, an essential amino acid
that increases the production of
serotonin, an anti-depressant and
natural stress-reducer. In fact, a
decrease in serotonin levels in the brain
may trigger cravings for starches, sweet
foods and chocolate.
• Chocolate also contains Endorphins,
natural opiates that are released by the
brain in increased amounts when eating
chocolate (and exercising!), thereby
elevating one's mood and reducing pain.
• Chocolate contains
Phenols,which are also found
in red wine, tea, fruits and
vegetables, and may help
reduce the risk of coronary
heart disease.
• Catechins, which are
antioxidants that may help
protect the body against
cardiovascular disease and
possibly cancer, are found in
substantially higher quantities
in chocolate than in black tea.
• Chocolate contains Anandamide, which
mimics the effects of marijuana by acting
on the same brain receptors, resulting in a
very mild "high". Plus, chocolate has two
ingredients that inhibit the natural
breakdown of anandamide and hence may
prolong the feeling of well-being.
• Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise
and good rest, moderate amounts of
chocolate may be the tastiest supplement
yet to contribute to a healthy and
productive lifestyle. So, feel a little less
guilty the next time you give in to that
craving!
Submitted by Jared Kramer, University of
Massachusetts Amherst
Resource:
http://www.medscicommunications.com/just_for_fun.htm