CHOCOLATE
Typical serving size:
Varies; in general, 1 oz (28 g)HOW IT HARMS
High in sugar and fat MigrainesWHAT IT HEALS
High blood pressure Heart disease Mood disorders CHOCOLATE FACTSS
armed forces as a “fighting food” during World War II
Chocolate is made from beans found in the pods of the cocoa tree, an evergreen that originated in the river valleys of South America
Native Central and South Americans valued cocoa so highly that they used cocoa beans as currency
Cocoa powder is low in calories and fat, but most chocolates contain refined sugar and milk
Cocoa does contain antioxidants but they can be destroyed in processing
Choosing dark chocolate is best—look for bars with at least 60% cocoa
Although chocolate’s aphrodisiac qualities have been debunked, it is an endless temptation and a culinary source of pleasure in its myriad forms
Health Benefits
Helps lower high blood pressureResearchers at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, gave 44 people with borderline or mild hypertension 30 calories a day of dark or white chocolate
After about 4 months, the number of dark chocolate eaters diagnosed with hypertension dropped from 86% to 68%
Researchers attribute this to the antioxidant effects of dark chocolate
May help lift mood
Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that bring on feelings of pleasure
It also boosts levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which acts as an antidepressant
Health Risks
High sugar and fatMany commercial chocolates contain milk fat that is highly saturated and high amounts of sugar
It’s better to opt for dark over milk chocolate
Migraines
Chocolate is rich in PEA, which can trigger headaches in some people
Canker sores
Chocolate can cause or exacerbate canker sores
Allergies
Buying Tip
s
Storing Tips
Old School
Chocolate is a good source of caffeineNew Wisdom
Commercial chocolate products contain no more than about 01% caffeine, less than a cup of decaffeinated coffee