Chocolate: The "Candy" with Powerful Medicinal Properties

'Chocolate is clearly one of the most enjoyed foods on the planet, with millions of pounds produced annually, and has one of the oldest documented histories of use going all the way back to the year 1100 BC in South America. And yet, many people still harbor guilt about consuming it because they associate chocolate with "candy" (which logically follows from the fact that it is in the candy section in stores where you will find it), having never been exposed to the impressive body of pre-clinical and clinical research indicating that it may actually be closer to a "medicine" than a candy.'


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Surprise! Chocolate CAN Be Good for You, at the Right Dose

By Dr. Mercola

'It’s a real pleasure to once again interview Beatrice Golomb, MD, PhD, who has a number of diverse areas of expertise, and many in which we share an interest. The subject of this interview is chocolate.

There have been quite a few interesting scientific studies emerging about chocolate over the past few years. There’s also a lot of confusion about chocolate—what type to eat and how much, types to avoid, etc., so I hope to dispel some of the myths on this subject.

Chocolate can be used therapeutically, but only if it’s the right kind. Chocolate is like anything else: garbage in, garbage out. Consuming poor quality chocolate, such as chocolate loaded with sugar and chemicals, is no more beneficial to your body than a drinking a soda.'

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Theobroma Cacao: A Taste of the Fountain of Youth

Photo Credit:quirkycooking.blogspot.com

'Theobroma cacao, the scientific name of the plant from which raw cocoa powder is derived and the main ingredient in chocolate, literally means “food of the gods.” 

It is a famous plant with a lengthy and rich history; a symbol of love that cuts across cultures; a power food packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals and the building blocks of neurotransmitters and other “feel good” hormones; and a medicine backed by modern research with far-reaching implications for treating cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases. 

Some experts are even saying the health-giving properties of cacao will potentially benefit public health equal to or more than antibiotics and anesthesia. The beautiful thing is that raw organic cocoa, a derivitive of the cacao plant, is readily available in health food stores.' 

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Chocolate Flavonols: The Superfood of the Gods…

 

'Far off the coast of Panama, on a remote island, there lives a native tribe called the Kuna, who maintain remarkably good health.

Despite their daily indulgence in decadent treats, they have six times less incidence of heart attack, 17 times less incidence of stroke, and 18 times less incidence of cancer than their mainland contemporaries.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, Kunas that are retirement-age and older have blood pressure rates that rival those of any healthy 20-year old.

So what’s their secret?  Well, it isn’t good genes.  It’s something delicious and nutritious.
The Food of the Gods…

The Kunas’ secret is chocolate.'


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Tea and Chocolate May Deter Strokes, Brain Damage

'Studies link chocolate consumption to reduced stroke and death risk; Antioxidant in tea, cocoa, and dark chocolate guards brains of stroke-stricken mice.'

'Foods rich in antioxidants called flavanols appear to reduce the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease.

This effect is attributed in part to their anti-clotting powers and ability to increase production of nitric oxide, which helps keep arteries relaxed and open.

The only common foods high in flavanols are green tea, white tea, cocoa, and dark chocolate.'

Now, a review of the existing epidemiological (health-and-diet) evidence suggests that habitual enjoyment of tea, cocoa, or dark chocolate may help people avoid stroke.

And a study in mice shows that the key flavanol antioxidant in tea and cocoa can reduce stroke-induced brain damage after the fact.'

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