R.C. Anderson
Chocolate - not such a bad guy
September 4th 2006 23:58
Okay, so we all know that fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, those wonderful little beasties that protect our cells from free radical attack. Well, as I'm sure you've heard, dark chocolate has now been added to the list of antioxidant-rich foods.
As well as being tasty, dark chocolate has potential health benefits from the flavonoids it carries, originating from the cocoa beans used to manufacture everyone's favourite sneaky treat. But, before you go rushing off to consume that 250g bar of Cadbury's chocolate, there are a few things you should know.
First of all, to reap the rewards offered by chocolate, it's important to choose the right bar. The essential ingredient, flavonoids, are what gives cocoa its bitter taste, so it's vital to select chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa. Also, processing reduces the flavonoid content in chocolate, so the more processed your favourite bar is, the less benefits you will get.
As already mentioned, dark chocolate is better for you as it has a higher percentage of cocoa and is less processed.
What about the fat?
Don't panic! Cocoa butter fat is comprised of both good and bad fats. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat which is beneficial for your heart. Stearic acid, although saturated, seems to have a neutral effect on the bodies cholesterol levels, neither raising or lowering them. The main saturated culprit seems to be palmitic acid, which can raise cholesterol levels. However, of the total fat in chocolate, only around a third is palmitic acid.
A lot of the fat or calories in chocolate bars comes from the other ingredients added, such as caramel and marshmallows. So try to select dark chocolate with minimal flavour additions.
So, what can chocolate do for us?
Well, initial studies have indicated a potential link between endurance in physical activity and drinking chocolate milk. Research may show that it is actually the milk component that is most beneficial, rather than the chocolate, however chocolate milk, surprisingly, made more difference to bike rider's endurance than so-called sports drinks.
Pretty good, huh?
Chocolate is high in magnesium which protects against hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and pre-menstrual tension. It is also an important source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin A, B1, C, D, and E.
The flavonoids in chocolate have been shown to be good for the health of your heart with moderate consumption of dark chocolate potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Oh yes, and don't forget that eating chocolate can make you feel great. It contains small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine, a mood enhancer, that works by stimulating the production of other chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which are the body's own antidepressants.
Just be aware that dark chocolate, in moderation, can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet, however, like all good things, eat too much and you will get fat.
As well as being tasty, dark chocolate has potential health benefits from the flavonoids it carries, originating from the cocoa beans used to manufacture everyone's favourite sneaky treat. But, before you go rushing off to consume that 250g bar of Cadbury's chocolate, there are a few things you should know.
First of all, to reap the rewards offered by chocolate, it's important to choose the right bar. The essential ingredient, flavonoids, are what gives cocoa its bitter taste, so it's vital to select chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa. Also, processing reduces the flavonoid content in chocolate, so the more processed your favourite bar is, the less benefits you will get.
As already mentioned, dark chocolate is better for you as it has a higher percentage of cocoa and is less processed.
What about the fat?
Don't panic! Cocoa butter fat is comprised of both good and bad fats. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat which is beneficial for your heart. Stearic acid, although saturated, seems to have a neutral effect on the bodies cholesterol levels, neither raising or lowering them. The main saturated culprit seems to be palmitic acid, which can raise cholesterol levels. However, of the total fat in chocolate, only around a third is palmitic acid.
A lot of the fat or calories in chocolate bars comes from the other ingredients added, such as caramel and marshmallows. So try to select dark chocolate with minimal flavour additions.
So, what can chocolate do for us?
Well, initial studies have indicated a potential link between endurance in physical activity and drinking chocolate milk. Research may show that it is actually the milk component that is most beneficial, rather than the chocolate, however chocolate milk, surprisingly, made more difference to bike rider's endurance than so-called sports drinks.
Pretty good, huh?
Chocolate is high in magnesium which protects against hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and pre-menstrual tension. It is also an important source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin A, B1, C, D, and E.
The flavonoids in chocolate have been shown to be good for the health of your heart with moderate consumption of dark chocolate potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Oh yes, and don't forget that eating chocolate can make you feel great. It contains small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine, a mood enhancer, that works by stimulating the production of other chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which are the body's own antidepressants.
Just be aware that dark chocolate, in moderation, can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet, however, like all good things, eat too much and you will get fat.
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