Hola from Playa del Carmen Mexico! Recent research confirms what the Mayans already knew -- chocolate has some amazing health benefits.- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Chocolate contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and the vitamins A. B1, C, D, and E. Cocoa is the highest natural source of Magnesium. A diet high in this mineral protects against the symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and pre-menstrual tension. The drop in progesterone levels is mainly responsible for the mood swings associated with PMS. This drop in progesterone is significantly lessened by boosting magnesium in one's diet.
- High in antioxidants
Chocolate contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are part of a group of antioxidants known as polyphenols and are found naturally in foods such as tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are believed to neutralize or delay the processes that age to the body's cells and tissues. They attack the free radicals in our bloodstream, chemicals that cause damage to our cells, especially through oxidization. It should be noted that milk binds to antioxidants, inhibiting their absorption. Therefore, milk chocolate is not an antioxidant source (it is also higher in fat and calories). Also, avoid drinking milk with dark chocolate to get the full benefits of antioxidants.
- Good for cholesterol
Chocolate may also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. It consists mainly of stearic acid, a neutral saturated fat that doesn't raise your bad cholesterol (LDL). The cocoa butter contains oleic, a mono-unsaturated fat like the kind found in olive oil, which may even raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
- Good for Cardiac Health
Recent research shows that the flavonoids in chocolate and cocoa actually encourage vascular wall improvement and the function of blood vessels. A Mayo Clinic report suggests that moderate amounts of dark chocolate may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots and platelet formation in the arteries that can lead to stroke - similar to low-dose aspirin.
- Chocolate as a mood enhancer
Contrary to myth, chocolate is not an aphrodisiac, but does contain small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA) that is a mild mood elevator. This is the happy chemical our brain naturally produces in response to elevated emotions like feelings of joy and love. Chocolate has also been shown to boost the neurotransmitter serotonin - our brains own antidepressant - as well as endorphin levels in the brain. Endorphins are what flood the brain during times of peak physical exertion, creating a sensation of permeating bliss, sometimes called "runners high".
My favorite sources of chocolate
- Dagoba chocolate bars -- pick the one that is 87% pure, 100% pure (if you like very bitter) or Xocolatl (74% with chiles added!)
- Cocoa Hx Powder -- from InVite Health
- Raw Cocoa beans -- from Whole Foods or Natural Frontier
- Roasted Cocoa beans -- from Ah Cacao, Playa del Carmen
What to avoid
- Milk chocolate -- milk binds to antioxidants, inhibiting their absorption
- Any chocolate with more than 15g of sugar per 2oz bar
