Chocolate and Your Health
The Latest Health Extracts From The World Of Research Via The Web
Chocolate lovers have a new reason to indulge. Recent studies show that the antioxidants in cocoa are linked to improved cardiovascular function. Danisco Sweeteners’ new Mind Body Chocolates have the added health benefits of 1/3 less sugar and fiber for improved digestive health. The candies are made with Litesse[R] polydextrose, a high-fiber, low-glycemic ingredient and new “wellness” combinations of Danisco flavors: Peppermint Ginger Chocolate and Cinnamon Rosemary Milk Chocolate. 23
Other forms of this candy have been tested, like milk chocolate and white chocolate. These do not show any signs of improvement for the well-being of an individual. Also, it is unhealthy to consume anything in large amounts. Other types of ailments may not be suitable to eat or drink dark chocolate. Diabetics may not want to risk the effects with their illness to the health benefits of this type of candy. Nevertheless, if an individual can eat sugar in moderation, this is an excellent tool for particular health matters. 34
Expert studies have done extensive research on dark chocolate and the effects it has on an individual’s body. In recent years, many doctors and scientists have calculated the consequences of eating more dark chocolate. They have found amazing results concerning this type of candy. These professionals used individuals for their findings with dark chocolate against the milk and white chocolates. They asked people in the test groups to do various things. One of the studies placed individuals on a strict diet of dark chocolate and foods that do not have the same elements for one week. Another test was preformed on certain individuals eating dark chocolate against white and milk chocolates. The people were not allowed to consume the dark with milk of any form. The results were outstanding. 34
The magic word here is flavonoids, the same kinds of antioxidants that make tea so potent a health brew. Research shows flavonoids have a role in helping lower blood pressure and in keeping your arteries from clogging — both good news for your heart. Only dark chocolate does the trick, not milk or white and the more cocoa solids the better. 5
Catechins are known to be present in abundant quantities in cocoa, and in minimally processed chocolates as well. Dark chocolate in particular has been found to contain more than three times the number of catechins as green tea, making it a potential blockbuster health food as well as a great treat. The catechins contained in dark chocolate are thought to be able to boost the immune system and help prevent heart disease and other chronic problems. 45
Many health professionals, including myself and Susan Love, MD, author of “Susan Love’s Menopause and Hormone Book,” consider chocolate a vegetable. After all, it is made from the cocoa bean, which provides dietary fiber and is full of antioxidants that keep cells healthy. Compared with milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate provides the greatest benefit because it contains the most cocoa butter. Read labels carefully to choose chocolates that have “cocoa,” “cocoa mass,” and “cocoa butter” as the leading ingredient and the least amount of sugar and other additives. 33
Recent research has uncovered a new side of this dark miraculous substance. Though chocolate lovers all over the world swear by the fact that consumption of dark chocolate can elicit feelings of general well-being, euphoria and romance it is becoming evident that eating chocolates is not the only way to have similar experiences. Now one can indulge in a chocolate bath. There are several different kinds on offer. Besides relaxing the body it makes the skin smooth and glossy. 30
To make chocolate “sugar free,” sugar alcohols, usually maltitol, are used in place of sucrose or table sugar. These sugar alcohols, known as polyols, have fewer calories and tend to have less of an impact on blood glucose than does regular sugar. However, many people’s digestive systems can tolerate only a small amount of these foods before they experience a laxative effect. Children, the elderly and anyone with a sensitive gastrointestinal system (for example, people with irritable bowel syndrome or gastroparesis) may find that these products exacerbate their symptoms. Some sugar-free chocolates also contain calorie-free artificial sweeteners such as Splenda or Equal. 33
Though much has been said about the benefits of eating chocolates dietitians caution against over indulgence. Secondly, one needs to remember that the darker the chocolate the better it is for you. So, try avoiding white chocolate and candy bars. 30
So, is sugar-free chocolate recommended for diabetics? This question requires further consideration. Is your goal to eat less carbohydrate? To use less insulin? Eating a moderate amount of chocolate isn’t usually a problem. In fact, one secret of longevity may be to savor small amounts of chocolate a little bit at a time. 33
Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa to sugar ratio may actually inhibit tooth decay and lead to fewer cavities as well as potentially whiter teeth. Milk chocolate is also on the list of least likely to cause tooth decay because of the combination of phosphate and other minerals in its structure. 20
Chocolate is also a good source of carbohydrates as well and is an excellent source of quick energy and a powerful fighter of fatigue. On the other hand, pediatricians are saying that there is no link between the sugars found in chocolate and restlessness or attention-deficit-hyperactivity type disorders (ADHD) found in children. 20
Chocolate can even offer more than pleasure, great taste and indulgence. Barry Callebaut developed a special range of chocolates designed for your customers’ well-being: with no added sugar, sugar free, functional chocolates. 44
Barry Callebaut also presents ACTICOA™chocolate, the ultimate healthy indulgence. ACTICOA™chocolate is the result of a special process that retains the very high levels of naturally occurring active polyphenols in the cocoa bean. These health inducing ingredients enable ACTICOA™chocolate to strengthen and protect the human body and mind. At the same time it preserves the true flavor of highest quality dark and milk chocolate. Experience the delicious and unique revitalizing effects of ACTICOA™ chocolate! 44
In addition, cocoa contains many vitamins including vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, and is also the highest natural source for Magnesium. A lack of magnesium in diet has been linked to joint problems, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and pre-menstrual tension (PMT or PMS), just more reasons to increase your chocolate intake. 20
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
Important posts in Food and Eatables
comments
One Response to “Chocolate and Your Health”
Leave a Reply
Can you provide more information about Chocolate and Gastroparesis? My 2 year old daughter suffers from Gastroparesis.
THANK YOU!