1. Chocolate

2. As good as gold? Theobroma cacoa Wisdom Energy Aphrodisiacal powers
Food of the Gods
Wisdom
Energy
Aphrodisiacal powers

3. Long Ago…. Used as a medicine since 1,500 BC Mayan & Olmec societies
Cocoa, chilli & cornmeal
GI upset, fever, cough

4. 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

5. What’s inside? Carbs/fats/proteins…. Potassium Magnesium Calcium
Sodium
Vitamins A/B1/B2/D/E

6. And all of this…. Caffeine Theobromine Phenylethylamine Typtophans
Endorphins
Phenols
Catechins
Anandamide

7. Falling in Love? Phenylethylamine (PEA) Stimulant
Similar to amphetamines
But its short lived….

8. Getting high? Anandamide Mimics marijuana Acts at same receptors
2 other chemicals prolonging the sense of wellbeing

9. Playing with your mind? Caffeine Tryptophans (serotonin, dopamine)
Endorphins
Theobromine (cousin of theophylline)

10. Looking after your heart
Phenols (fancy a cuppa?)
Flavonoids
Catechins

11. 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

12. The Kuna, Panama

13. 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

14. My advice…. Dark wins the day Europeans beat the US Moderation
Go for >70%
And most importantly
ENJOY….its good for you!

15. Happy Easter!