science and nutrition | Simplychocolate

Science & Nutrition

"Quick disclaimer; I'm not a scientist or a medical practitioner so please don't quote me as being an expert."

Chocolate is good for you! But...… in moderation and of good quality.

Unfortunately the average chocolate bar we know and love tends to have low cocoa solid ingredients and high sugar and fat content... therein lies the problem.

According to a number of studies, a small amount of good quality chocolate every day or so can lower blood pressure, in turn preventing heart problems. However, this isn't a cure-all and eating more doesn't increase the benefits!

I guess it's time to educate our taste-buds and learn to love the good stuff. Here are a few nutritional facts about chocolate that may or may not get you in the mood. These notes were mostly found in a book called, yes you guessed, 'Chocolate' by Margaret Briggs. (Great book, btw!)

Cocoa and chocolate may contain:

Caffeic Acid
This is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods, including coffee. It's not the same as caffeine though. Caffeic acid has shown in studies to be a carcinogenic inhibitor, and antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Caffeine
Present in small amounts. A 6oz cup of cocoa may contain 13mg of caffeine whereas an expresso coffee could contain as much as 300mgs

Copper
Copper is essential for normal growth and maintaining and building red blood cells. Too much copper in chocolate can affect the strength of the flavonoids which are antioxidents. Dark chocolate has the highest number of flavonoids but also the highest amount of copper.

Calcium
Calcium is resent in milk chocolate and calcium is important in our diet, but milk chocolate doesn't really come under the heading of 'healthy foods'

Flavonoids
Big subject. Basically flavonoids are known to be anti-carcinogenic and a subclass of flavonoids are flavanols which are abundant in cocoa beans.

Magnesium
Magnesium helps keep muscles relaxed. A deficiency of magnesium can lead to cramps, migraine and high blood pressure.

Manganese
Manganese is also an essential element for digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. It's also an important element in helping break down amino acids and producing energy

Phenylethylamine
I don't even know how you say this but it's normally shortened to PEA which has been shown to relieve depression. PEA is found in chocolate and the brain. It can also be found in other foods such as cheese and pickled herring!

Phosphorus
Phosphorus works with B vitamins and is present in every cell of the body. The main sources of phosphorus are found in protein food groups. Normally a diet which is sufficient in calcium and protein will also be sufficient in phosphorus.

Potassium
Potassium helps contract muscles and is essential for heart function and maintaining blood pressure levels.

Selenium
Selenium is a trace element and is thought to act as an antioxidant preventing cancer cells from multiplying

Sodium
Sodium occurs naturally in most foods and is essential for healthy body functions. The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and is critical for the functioning of muscles and nerves.

Theobromine
Theobromine is a mild stimulant and is similar to caffeine. There are many plant species containing this alkaloid molecule. In humans, the effects wear off in 6-10 hours after eating. In animals, the effects last longer and they can keep theobromine in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours which can cause harmful effects to their internal organs... which is why you shouldn't give your dog chocolate!

There are also a number of vitamins present in chocolate, in varying amounts, depending on the quality of chocolate.

Vitamins present include:
Vitamin A, 5 of the B vitamins, vitamin E and zinc.

**Please do your own research if you're considering using chocolate as a health food!