Source of Good AntioxidantsChocolate contains the same type of disease-fighting
phenolic chemicals as red wine and fruits and
vegetables, says Andrew Waterhouse of the University of California at San Diego. He found
205
milligrams of phenolics in a 1.5 ounce chocolate bar; that's about the same as in a
5-ounce glass of
cabernet. Two table- spoons of cocoa powder has 145 mg of phenolics. Dark chocolate
has the most; white chocolate has none.
The antioxidant phenolics combat cell damage leading to chronic disease such as cancer
and heart disease. New Japanese tests show that phenolics extracted from chocolate
suppressed cell-damaging chemicals and boosted immune functioning in human blood samples.
Boosts Brain Chemicals
More Americans crave chocolate than any other food. Some explanations: chocolate's melt
in the mouth consistency and mood lifting chemicals such as caffeine and obromine.
When mixed with
sugar and fat, chocolate appears to boost feeling good chemicals in the brain (endorphins
and serotonin), thus promoting euphoria and calm. Some women use chocolate candy to
self-medicate for premenstrual syndrome,studies have found. Also, researchers at the
Neurosciences Institute in San Diego recently found that chocolate contains anandamide, a
chemical that mimics marijuana’s soothing effects on the brain.
Helps Lactose Intolerance
Chocolate makes milk easier to digest if you are lactose-intolerant. Researchers at the
University
of Rhode Island found that adding1 ½ teaspoons of cocoa to 1 cup of milk blocked
cramping,bloating
and other signs of lactose intolerance in half of 35 subjects. Cocoa stimulates
lactase enzyme activity,
they found.
Also:
Chocolate, notable dark chocolate, is one of the few foods with a high content of
chromium, ironically thought to help control blood sugar.
In tests, some animals tend to reduce intake of alcohol when given a chocolate drink as an
option.
Tests show chocolate contains antibacterial compounds that may discourage, not promote,
tooth decay.
Chocolate is more nutritious when combined with fruit or wrapped around nuts or raisins.
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