The Health Benefits of Chocolate
Good for the spirit and the body, both stimulating and relaxing, chocolate has exceptional nutritional and uplifting properties. Here are some of the best known of some 600 physical and chemical compounds found in chocolate.
Trace elements
- Potassium: helps muscular and cardiac function.
- Magnesium: good for the nerves and muscles, relieves tension, fatigue, insomnia and constipation.
- Calcium: vital for healthy cellular function and strong bones and teeth.
- Phosphorus: helps the calcium to make bones.
Vitamins: B1, B2, B5, B6, PP, B9 and E
Unsaturated fatty acids : Chocolate has three of them in equal proportions
- Oleic acid (1/3) is known for positive effects on the cardiovascular system by lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol and increasing ‘good’ cholesterol.
- Stearic acid (1/3) rapidly desaturated in the body to form oleic acid.
- Palmitic acid (1/3) is the only one that stays in the body without increasing dietary imbalance of saturated and unsaturated fats
Polyphenols : 13 % of food polyphenols come from chocolate. Research shows that polyphenols are beneficial, reducing stress and lessening the risk of cancer, cardiac and other chronic conditions.
Flavonoids: Those in cocoa are antioxidant. They limit oxidation of blood lipids Dark chocolate helps avoid hardening of the arteries and reduces risk of strokes.
Theobromine : stimulates the cardiac and central nervous systems.
Phenylethylamine: aids alertness.
Anandamide : is a substance which stimulates a sense of well-being.
Seratonin : loccurring naturally in the brain, it acts as an anti-depressant.
Caffeine: Combats fatigue, provides mental stimulus and increased awareness.
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