Finally I can justify my chocolate craving.
Turns out that dark chocolate has a ton of medical benefits. But it has to be dark. I'm eating Lindt 85% Cocoa.
It's not easy at first but as your palate gets used to it things change. Now it just tastes like creamy rich chocolate. Plus, because it's lower in sugar it's lower in calories.
Heck, even the Mayo Clinic has good things to say about dark chocolate.
Just what the doctor ordered!
Dark chocolate is primarily composed of cocoa solids (the non-fat part of the cacao bean), cocoa butter (the fat part), and a sweetener, typically sugar. Its unique characteristics and potential health benefits come from the high concentration of bioactive compounds found in the cocoa solids.
Key Active Compounds
1. Polyphenols (Antioxidants). These are the most prominent beneficial compounds, giving dark chocolate its characteristic bitter taste.
Flavanols: A specific subgroup of flavonoids and the most significant polyphenols in cocoa. The main flavanol is Epicatechin. Flavanols are linked to improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and better heart health due to their ability to promote nitric oxide production.
Procyanidins: Polymers of flavanols that also act as powerful antioxidants.
2. Methylxanthines (Stimulants). These alkaloids contribute to the taste and stimulating effects of chocolate.
Theobromine: The primary stimulant in dark chocolate, present in much higher amounts than caffeine. It is a mild, long-lasting diuretic and heart stimulant that contributes to a feeling of alertness without the jitteriness of high caffeine doses.
Caffeine: Present in smaller quantities than theobromine.
3. Fats and Sugars. These form the bulk and structure of the chocolate bar.
Cocoa Butter: The natural fat of the cocoa bean, consisting mainly of Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, and Oleic Acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat but is considered to have a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Sugar (Sucrose): Added to offset the bitterness of the cocoa solids. High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains significantly less sugar than milk chocolate.
Other Notable Components
Dark chocolate is also a source of essential minerals and trace mood-altering compounds:
Minerals: It is rich in Magnesium, Iron, Copper, and Manganese.
Tryptophan: An amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is associated with improved mood.
Phenylethylamine (PEA): A compound that can affect mood and is sometimes called a "love drug" for its association with the feeling of excitement. However, it is quickly metabolized, so its direct psychoactive effect from consuming chocolate is likely minor.
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Content written and posted by Ken Abbott abbottsystems@gmail.com
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