Chocolate
As good as gold? Theobroma cacoa Wisdom Energy Aphrodisiacal powers Food of the Gods Wisdom Energy Aphrodisiacal powers
Long Ago…. Used as a medicine since 1,500 BC Mayan & Olmec societies Cocoa, chilli & cornmeal GI upset, fever, cough
Today $9.8 billion spent in US £3.8 billion/yr in UK 5.5kg/year Women buy 2/3s Men don’t share £350 million/yr on easter eggs
What’s inside? Carbs/fats/proteins…. Potassium Magnesium Calcium Sodium Vitamins A/B1/B2/D/E
And all of this…. Caffeine Theobromine Phenylethylamine Typtophans Endorphins Phenols Catechins Anandamide
Falling in Love? Phenylethylamine (PEA) Stimulant Similar to amphetamines But its short lived….
Getting high? Anandamide Mimics marijuana Acts at same receptors 2 other chemicals prolonging the sense of wellbeing
Playing with your mind? Caffeine Tryptophans (serotonin, dopamine) Endorphins Theobromine (cousin of theophylline)
Looking after your heart Phenols (fancy a cuppa?) Flavonoids Catechins
The magic in flavonoids Polyphenols Antioxidant properties Anti-inflammatory Glucose control Promote vascular health Lowering BP - ?ACE like properties Improving blood flow (NO) Lowering cholesterol Reducing platelet aggregation
The Kuna, Panama
So what’s the evidence? Nature – Serafini et al JAMA – Taubert et al Dark gave the highest antioxidant levels & catechin JAMA – Taubert et al 2w of chocolate therapy Average of 2/5mmHg reduction in BP
My advice…. Dark wins the day Europeans beat the US Moderation Go for >70% And most importantly ENJOY….its good for you!
Happy Easter!