But the surprising news from the scientific community is that this reputedly decadent treat actually has some health benefits, especially if you choose your chocolate wisely.
Is Chocolate A Health Food?
Chocolate contains over 300 chemicals, and has been the subject of a number of studies by universities and other scientific organizations. Here's a quick rundown of the results:
- Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.
- The smell of chocolate may increase the brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
- Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.(I totally agree with this one!)
- The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-
unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.(eh?there is good cholesterol?)
- Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
- Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.(hahaha..read this,men!)
- The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
- Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
- Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
- The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
- Studies show that chocolate is not a causative factor in acne.
- Cacao contains the stimulants caffeine and bromine, but in such small quantities that they don't cause nervous excitability.
- Chocolate is not addictive.(I hope so..=p)
- Chocolate contains stearic acid, a neutral fat which doesn't raise bad cholesterol.(now there is also bad cholesterol..can someone explain to me??)
- Chocolate may trigger headaches in migraine sufferers.
- Milk chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat and sugar.
