Chocolate: More than Just a Sweet Tooth’s Delight
January 27th, 2009
By Roberto Garabell
It could even mend a broken heart they say. Cheesy huh? But surprisingly however, this phrase could actually serve its literal meaning.
Recent studies have shown that chocolate, dark ones particularly, if taken in regular amounts, promotes better blood circulation due to a substance present in it called epicatechin. A saturated fat called stearic acid present in chocolate as well, meanwhile lowers the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Another cool thing about chocolates, since they are made from plants, is that the dark veggies’ nutritional benefits are contained in them too. That is, the antioxidants in them are similarly found in chocolates mainly because of the flavonoids in them. Antioxidants in these flavonoids rid our body of free radicals that cause damage to the cells. Since chocolate also contains caffeine, it then acts as a stimulant.
So how is it then that they say chocolates make you feel better? Besides the attractive and delectable packages in which they come and for the countless mushy reasons they are given, their chemical ability to stimulate endorphin production is what’s responsible in giving off a sense of pleasure. Endorphins are compounds produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus and work like opiates in creating a sense of well-being.
Chocolate in its many kinds cater to every choco-lover’s selection. Milk chocolate, not to be confused with white, contains additional milk powder or condensed milk, hence the name. White on the other hand, besides being what it is as its color has cocoa butter, sugar, milk but without cocoa solids. Dark is concocted by mixing fat and sugar with cocoa. These basic kinds have been enhanced by chocolate makers who have invented many ways of jazzing up chocolate products to accommodate each and everyone’s fancy, adding other food products to vary and complement their flavors.
With all these in mind, would it now make you change the way you look or taste, that oh so yummy chocolate bar or those cute, tiny shaped truffles? So go and get yourself one today and spruce up your day or maybe share it with someone who might need a good treat like you.
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