Chocolate is healthier than you thought
September 29, 2008
Historically, chocolate has been in use since 1100 BC. Then, by Mesoamericans it was used to make a drink by the name of Nahautl which meant “bitter water”.
Today, it is much loved for its sweet taste and has been one of the most popular gifts all over the world. Be it the Valentine’s Day, Easter or Christmas. Chocolates are popularly made available in variety of shapes like eggs, bunnies, coins and hearts. But did you know that chocolate is as healthy as sweet it can be?
It is primarily the alkaloids phenyl amine and theobromine, the vitamins and the amino acids which contribute towards making chocolate as a health booster. Used as an aphrodisiac since ages, chocolate was eaten every night by Giacomo Casanova, an Italian libertine. The Phenyl ethylamine present in chocolate produces the similar effect in body as that of falling in love. It is therefore also known as a better
alternative for men.
The good news for chocolate lovers is that they can actually live longer by eating chocolates. With presence of Vitamins like A, B, C and D and potent antioxidant capacity, chocolate, especially dark chocolate helps in rejuvenation of healthy cells in the body. Chocolates have also been observed to contain good levels of copper, phenol, zinc, phenols, calcium and iron which aid in building of a strong immune system and a healthy heart.
Fermentable carbohydrates are also found in chocolates. Therefore chocolates are actually good for your teeth. Researchers in Japan have discovered that chocolate can help prevent dental cavities. This is because the cocoa beans from which chocolates are prepared have been observed to contain anti-bacterial ingredients.
You can either eat as solid bars or make hot and cold beverages as a seasonal reference. One serving of hot milk chocolate doesn’t carry much caffeine either. For comparison, we would need to eat 12 standard bars of chocolates to get the same amount of caffeine as present in one serving of caffeinated coffee mug.
Great articles and pictures. I LOVE chocolate, so will keep this site on my favorites.