Chocolate & health

Even the ancient cultures of Olmecs (1500 BC), Mayas (100 BC) and Aztecs (1325 AD) believed in the health benefits of cocoa. It strengthens the body and stimulates the senses. During the 17th century chocolate was considered as medicine against depression, problems with digestion and medicament for chest problems. "The short-term studies shows that a few squares of dark chocolate a day can reduce the risk of death from heart attack by almost 50% in some cases.” says Diane Becker. Further more there are proves that chocolate can decrease blood pressure, improve arterial blood flow and even help people with insulin sensitivity or people with chronic fatigue syndrome (Steve Atkin, PhD.).

Scientists theorize that plants naturally produce antioxidants to help them survive harsh growing conditions and to protect them from environmental stress. These same compounds can aid the humans who eat the plants too. Cocoa and dark chocolate contain high levels of cell-protecting antioxidant compounds. They say that" "Two tablespoons of natural cocoa have more antioxidant capacity than four cups of green tea, 1 cup of blueberries and one and half glasses of red wine." They showld peak two hours after consumption and are cleared from the body after about six hours. It is know that antioxidants are protecting your cells from damaging molecules called free radicals that are changing structure of normally healthy cells. This damage is thought to be an underlying cause of many chronic diseases. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. It is proved that one average dark chocolate bar can contain about 14 percent of the daily requirement for copper, a key component of enzymes that form skin-strengthening collagen. It can deliver nearly 12 percent of daily magnesium requirement.

Studies show magnesium may help reduce the risk of several chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Cocoa is natural sources of potassium, that is a key factor in affecting blood pressure and stroke. Some people say that chocolate can become an addiction. The real question what should ask if we sympathies with this claim, is from what ingredients can the addiction come from? It is known that chocolate contains relatively small amounts of caffeine, about as much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee. The pleasant feelings that are often appear after eating chocolate, are caused by so called Phenylethylamine (PEA), this natural chemical called endorphin is passed to our brain, however even in case of this component, it was not proven that it is additive. So in fact the sugar can be cause of the often-mentioned problems with weight. If you will choose only the good quality chocolate, you can in fact enrich your body and mind. Read more how to recognize good quality chocolate. Resource: http://www.allchocolate.com