The Chocolate Story

Continued from Yesterday

Agents of Bliss and Love

Chocolate is a complex material possessing numerous compounds that act upon the the brain, producing a sense of delight that no other substance can replicate. Chocolate is surprisingly good for health, especially for the heart. Cocoa, the primary ingredient in finished chocolate, is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, a group of protective chemicals found in many plant foods including red wine and tea. The polyphenols in chocolate help to reduce the oxidation of LDL or so-called bad cholesterol, a major risk factor in coronary disease. Additionally, polyphenols inhibit blood platelets from clumping together, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.

“After water, cocoa is the single healthiest substance you can put in your mouth. It can easily replace a number of psychiatric drugs for mood, plus it produces the same chemistry in the brain that occurs when we fall in love.” - Chris Kilham, WellBella

From a cardiovascular health standpoint, the very best ways to benefit from the heart-enhancing effects of chocolate are either to consume cocoa powder or to eat a moderate amount of semi-sweet dark chocolate. Cocoa powder can be used liberally to make hot cocoa, with milk or water and can be added to blender drinks and baked goods. Cocoa powder contains little fat, and no sugar. Sweeten lightly, but keep the sugar content down. If you go the finished chocolate route, keep your consumption to about half a 3.5 ounce bar of semi-sweet dark chocolate daily.

Our interests here concern enhancement of mind and mood, and the experience of love. In this regard, the first two compounds in chocolate to consider are caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine, an alkaloid, is the most widely consumed stimulant on earth. According to numerous medical studies caffeine is beneficial to overall health,. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, stimulates the flow of blood in the brain, and increases secretion of the very important neurotransmitter serotonin. Caffeine enhances alertness, facilitates thought formation, and decreases fatigue. This alkaloid also improves mood overall, lifts the spirits, and enhances both cardiovascular function and respiration.

Taken by adults at a dose of 300 milligrams or less per day, caffeine is safe and beneficial. Chocolate is a modest caffeine source, with a 50 gram piece of dark chocolate yielding between 10 and 60 milligrams of caffeine, as compared with a five ounce cup of coffee, which can yield up to 180 milligrams. Modest amounts of caffeine in chocolate provide a healthy stimulant effect, suitable for consumption by all adults and children, except for the unusually sensitive or hyperactive.

“While there are a great many agents in nature which boost libido and enhance sexual function, chocolate alone actually promotes the brain chemistry of being in love.” - Chris Kilham, Fox News

Theobromine, caffeine’s chemical cousin, occurs at a greater concentration, about 250 milligrams in a 50 gram bar of dark chocolate. Like caffeine, theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant, though it is milder in its effects. Theobromine is a stronger cardiac stimulant than caffeine and not nearly as well studied. This compound has a different chemical structure, and is presumed to possess unique mood enhancing effects.

Continued Tomorrow:

http://www.medicinehunter.com/chocolate_love_drug

http://www.depsyl.com

http://back2basicnutrition.com

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com