Chocolate, produced from the seeds of the cacao tree, has been enjoyed since at least two thousand years ago when the Maya drank it in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The process of production has not changed a great deal over time and even today when 43% of the world's production comes from the Cote d'Ivoire in Africa the techniques used are virtually the same, as the seeds are still harvested, fermented, dried, cleaned and roasted largely by hand.
The smooth creamy chocolate bars which we eat today may be very different to the bitter frothy drink used in social and religious ceremonies by the Maya and the Aztecs, yet the positive health effects are exactly the same.
Many myths have surrounded the eating of chocolate. It has been said to be the cause of pimples, obesity and lassitude yet modern research is uncovering a different picture, and the results will encourage us all to become chocoholics.
Current research investigates the effects of dark chocolate and if you are a milk chocolate eater you might like to reconsider your preference. . Dark chocolate contains 100 times more theobromine than milk chocolate and research has shown that theobromine can improve the circulation of the blood; make arteries more elastic; soothe coughing; increase brain activity; increase heart rate; act as an anti-diarrhoeal and may even slow the effects of ageing on the brain and have anti cancer qualities. Look at what we have learned about the benefits of chocolate.
First, Some Research
Heart. The flavonoids in dark chocolate contain epicatechin and gallic acid which appear to be beneficial to the cardio-vascular system and to keep blood vessels elastic.
Brain. The smell of chocolate can increase theta waves in brain activity which leads to greater relaxation and improved stress tolerance.
N.b.There is however some evidence that chocolate can trigger headache in migraine sufferers.
Energy levels. Cacao the base ingredient of chocolate has high calorie content as well as containing both theobromine and caffeine so chocolate is ideal for energy production.
Being high in calories, too much chocolate will of course make you fat. Moderation is the key as is balancing chocolate intake with exercise.
Mood. Chocolate is a mood elevator owing to the presence of small amounts of phenylethylamine the neuro chemical which is released at moments of emotional euphoria, raising our blood pressure and heart rate. This explains the "rush" that some people feel on eating chocolate.
Studies in the UK have shown that people who eat chocolate are happier than those who don't.
Cellular repair. The flavonoids in chocolate may also work as anti-oxidants, preventing or delaying damage to cells and tissue
Animal research. Pet owners need to know, and remember, that cats and dogs lack the ability to metabolise and excrete theobromine and can be poisoned or even die if they ingest too much dark chocolate.
Some Surprises
Teeth. There is some evidence that cacao contains anti- bacterial agents which inhibit tooth decay. Sadly, much of their good work is probably undone by the sugar and other additives in modern chocolate bars.
Cough remedy. One study showed that eating dark chocolate was nearly a third more effective than codeine in reducing coughing.
And Now the Myth Busters
Acne. There is no evidence linking chocolate eating to the development of pimples or acne which is thought to have quite different causes.
Cholesterol. Chocolate does not raise cholesterol. The facts are simple. Chocolate contains stearic acid which as it is a neutral fat does not increase our bad cholesterol (LDL) In addition it contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may actually increase our good cholesterol (HDL).
Caffeinism. Although chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, the quantity is not enough to cause the shakes, the jitters or to increase feelings of anxiety.
Aphrodisiac. There is absolutely no evidence that chocolate acts as an aphrodisiac. The notion that it could probably arose from its traditional association with events which we celebrate such as Christmas, Easter, Hannukah and birthdays.
Addiction. Chocolate contains minor mood altering substances which can trigger physiological and psychological responses similar to those produced by THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. However these are not present in the quantity necessary for them to affect the brain or the nervous system or to become habit forming and cause addiction.
Our liking for chocolate is probably a cultural or learned one rather than anything with a physiological basis.
The Aztecs said that the cacao tree was stolen from Paradise. They may well have been right and further research may unlock all the secrets of the health benefits of chocolate.
Welcome to chocophilia.
