‘Theobroma cacao’, Latin for ‘food of the Gods’ – Chocolate, surely the Gods didn’t have to worry about calories and cholesterol…perhaps, the Gods are fat, the greatest one being obese! Some might choose to abstain from one of those supreme pleasures while the rest of us, the chocoholics, continue to fret over our waist lines; here are a few words of consolation.
We are familiar with the three variants of chocolate; dark, white and milk each containing varying proportions of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Components of chocolate liquor i.e. pure chocolate in fluid form. A high energy nibble; not only does chocolate have fats, vegetable proteins and carbohydrates but also potassium and magnesium in large amounts, some calcium and sodium, along with vitamins A1, B1, B2, D, and E.
This infamous confection also contains effective traces of the following stimulants;
• Theobromine: Stimulates the central nervous system, facilitates muscular exertion, and acts as a diuretic and appetite stimulant.
• Caffeine: Increases resistance to fatigue, intellectual activity, and watchfulness. An average size chocolate bar contains approximately 6 mg of caffeine, compared to 100-150 mg in a cup of coffee.
• Phenylethylamine: The chemical released in our bodies when we fall in love, 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 chocolate cravings.
• Endorphins: Natural opiates that are released by the brain in increased amounts when eating chocolate, thereby elevating one’s mood and reducing pain.
• Phenols: Also found in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Catechins: 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.
• Anandamide: Mimics the effects of marijuana by acting on the same brain receptors, resulting in a very mild ‘high’. To add to that, chocolate has two ingredients that inhibit the natural breakdown of anandamide and hence prolong the feeling of well-being.
In short/That Means/For Dimwits
Chocolate…that sinful delight improves kidney and digestive functioning; minimizes risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke; improves circulation and counters poor appetite. In literal terms it also keeps you happy and increases endurance for pain.
Quick FAQ
Post-exercise consumption of low fat chocolate milk provides equal or possibly superior muscle recovery compared to a high-carbohydrate recovery beverage with the same amount of calories.
Psycho
Ever wondered why the incessant chocolate cravings before a menstrual cycle? Partially due to its rich magnesium content, a deficiency of this mineral only worsens PMS. In case you’ve been considering an asylum it might do you good to simply satiate those cravings, magnesium is also known to ease menstrual cramps.
Iron it out
Used to cure anaemia, chocolates are found to hinder iron-absorption; you ought to keep a decent gap between meal time and indulgence.
Love Me Do
Although there isn’t much proof chocolate has been viewed as an aphrodisiac for centuries. The Aztec’s thought it invigorated men and made women less inhibited. Today it’s what I call a clichéd Valentine present.
Bittersweet
Consuming cocoa in its crudest form is perhaps the healthiest alternative, if that’s a ‘No way!’ for you, then you could stick to dark chocolate, an amalgamation of cocoa paste and minimal sugar. Known to reduce the risk of heart disease, bitter chocolate lowers blood pressure and increases HDL (High-density Lipoprotein) levels in layman’s terms good cholesterol. HDL can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries and transport it back to the liver for excretion or re-utilization. Sweet!
Watch it!
While you might have an excuse to binge on your favourite dessert now, it’s advisable rather imperative that you exercise discretion (especially if you don’t exercise). Ultimately, it’s still sugar and fat, size matters be it your ‘not even close’ to beach bod or that bar of chocolate. Eat small quantities for big benefits. Also watch the label, ensure that chocolate is the first ingredient under nutritional facts, healthy dark chocolate should have less sugar grams per serving than fat grams, stay away from hydrogenated fats, preferably stick to chocolates that have no added fat except cocoa butter.
Propaganda
Cocoa farms often treat workers as slaves, hence; grab a bar that reads Fair Trade, guaranteeing that farmers and workers are paid fairly and treated in a humane manner. Surely you could use some good karma along with good health.
Tags: cacao, chocolate, cocoa, health-benefits-of-chocolate
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