Life is like a box of chocolates...

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"Life is like a box of chocolates..."
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The
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Ben
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efi
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Of
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Cho
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The Food of Gods?

• Chocolate ... The 1 food craved by women across
  North America. And its second only to pizza
  among men. Some people swear they're addicted to
  it. In fact, North Americans spend 8.9 billion
  (US) per year on chocolate and consume nearly 5.5
  kg or 12 pounds per person each year. Is
  chocolate the "food of the gods", an indulgence,
  or a necessity of life? Read on to find out about
  the history of chocolate and, most importantly,
  the benefits of eating chocolate.

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History

• The history of chocolate traces its roots back to
  the Aztecs. During Emperor Montezumas reign,
  cocoa beans were so valuable that they were used
  as currency. Cocoa, prepared as a chocolate
  drink, was believed to impart wisdom, provide
  great energy and have aphrodisiacal powers.

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Nutritional Qualities

• Chocolate has exceptional nutritional qualities,
  being a high energy food in a small volume. It
  not only contains carbohydrates, fats, and
  vegetable proteins, but also has large quantities
  of potassium and magnesium, some calcium and
  sodium, and vitamins A1, B1, B2, D, and E.

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What else can
Chocolate do for you?
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Stimulates the Nervous System

• Chocolate contains Theobromine, which stimulates
  the central nervous system, facilitates muscular
  exertion, acts as a diuretic and appetite
  stimulant.

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An alternative to coffee

• Chocolate contains Caffeine, which increases
  resistance to fatigue, intellectual activity, and
  watchfulness. An average size chocolate bar
  contains approximately 6 mg of caffeine, compared
  to 100-150 mg in a cup of coffee.

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Love Chemicals

• Chocolate contains Phenylethylamine, which is the
  chemical released in our bodies when we fall in
  love and is chemically similar to amphetamines,
  therefore acting as a psycho-stimulant.

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Stress Relief

• Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that
  increases the production of serotonin, an
  anti-depressant and natural stress-reducer. In
  fact, a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain
  may trigger cravings for starches, sweet foods
  and chocolate.
• Chocolate also contains Endorphins, natural
  opiates that are released by the brain in
  increased amounts when eating chocolate (and
  exercising!), thereby elevating one's mood and
  reducing pain.

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Overall Health

• Chocolate contains Phenols,which are also found
  in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables, and may
  help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Catechins, which are antioxidants that may help
  protect the body against cardiovascular disease
  and possibly cancer, are found in substantially
  higher quantities in chocolate than in black tea.

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The Safe, Feel Good Treat

• Chocolate contains Anandamide, which mimics the
  effects of marijuana by acting on the same brain
  receptors, resulting in a very mild "high". Plus,
  chocolate has two ingredients that inhibit the
  natural breakdown of anandamide and hence may
  prolong the feeling of well-being.

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So What?

• Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise and
  good rest, moderate amounts of chocolate may be
  the tastiest supplement yet to contribute to a
  healthy and productive lifestyle. So, feel a
  little less guilty the next time you give in to
  that craving!

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• Submitted by Jared Kramer, University of
  Massachusetts Amherst
• Resource
• http//www.medscicommunications.com/just_for_fun.h
  tm