Short
Arnold
Lara MThe Benefits of Chocolate
April 19th 2006 09:56
I’ve often heard many a defence of chocolate, and these can be as colourful and varied as the pretty foil shells of the eggs themselves. In response I have collected some of the most interesting (and comforting!) factoids that the internet will yield. Below are my top five. I will not vouch for the truth of any of these claims, but there is a substantial presence of pro-chocolate freedom fighters who would be willing to count on it. I’ve included links to where the information was sourced from so you can conduct your own investigations if you wish to find out more.
1. Chocolate is rich in ‘flavonoids’, a kind of anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants help to fight off the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced simply by breathing and can lead to increased cholesterol oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls. However, it is unprocessed chocolate that has the highest flavonoid levels, so try and stick to dark chocolate.
2. Chocolate is full of essential nutrients. It contains high levels of potassium and magnesium as well as vitamins B1, B2, D, and E. This has been attributed to women’s chocolate cravings during PMS. Apparently PMS is exacerbated by low levels of magnesium.
3. Chocolate is not a major cause of tooth decay like sugary sweets and lollies. Researchers have discovered that the cocoa butter in chocolate actually coats the teeth while it's being consumed. This makes it one of the least likely snacks to cause tooth decay.
4. You have probably heard about endorphins. Endorphins are a kind of neurotransmitter in the brain which works to lessen pain and decrease stress. They are responsible for some of the ‘high’ felt when one has consumed drugs such as alcohol and opiates. The good news is it is not necessary to turn to the use of dangerous drugs. Eating chocolate triggers an increase in endorphins in the brain.
5. Chocolate contains around 300 different chemicals which have varying positive (and potentially harmful) effects on the body through the nervous system.
And let’s not forget that it tastes great.
The verdict: Chocolate is good for you!
1. Chocolate is rich in ‘flavonoids’, a kind of anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants help to fight off the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced simply by breathing and can lead to increased cholesterol oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls. However, it is unprocessed chocolate that has the highest flavonoid levels, so try and stick to dark chocolate.
2. Chocolate is full of essential nutrients. It contains high levels of potassium and magnesium as well as vitamins B1, B2, D, and E. This has been attributed to women’s chocolate cravings during PMS. Apparently PMS is exacerbated by low levels of magnesium.
3. Chocolate is not a major cause of tooth decay like sugary sweets and lollies. Researchers have discovered that the cocoa butter in chocolate actually coats the teeth while it's being consumed. This makes it one of the least likely snacks to cause tooth decay.
4. You have probably heard about endorphins. Endorphins are a kind of neurotransmitter in the brain which works to lessen pain and decrease stress. They are responsible for some of the ‘high’ felt when one has consumed drugs such as alcohol and opiates. The good news is it is not necessary to turn to the use of dangerous drugs. Eating chocolate triggers an increase in endorphins in the brain.
5. Chocolate contains around 300 different chemicals which have varying positive (and potentially harmful) effects on the body through the nervous system.
And let’s not forget that it tastes great.
The verdict: Chocolate is good for you!
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Comment by Lia
Oh, and phenylethylamine - "High levels of this neurotransmitter help promote feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness and apprehension. Phenylethylamine works by stimulating the brain's pleasure centres and reaches peak levels during orgasm."
Plus, it tastes good
Thanks, The Science of Chocolate.
Comment by Sara