2008 Woodie Awards
The Good News About Chocolate…
Source: CandyUSA.com
Issue date: 3/5/02 Section: Features
Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world, long enjoyed for its wonderful cocoa butter taste and the way it melts in one's mouth, slowly releasing rich chocolate flavor. In addition to its savored taste, research continues to support the notion that chocolate can be enjoyed as an important part of a healthful as well as pleasurable diet…
STEARIC ACID:
Stearic acid, the main saturated fatty acid in chocolate, does not raise blood cholesterol levels. A 1.4-ounce chocolate bar eaten in place of a high carbohydrate snack does not raise LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) levels as once was thought. It actually increases the body's HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels.
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS:
Chocolate's benefits are similar to those found in red wine. Cocoa powder and chocolate contain a relatively high amount of phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant properties that may be beneficial in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.
SEROTONIN:
Serotonin and endorphins are two of the better-understood neurotransmitters. Serotonin is thought to help people feel calm and relaxed. It is believed that low levels of serotonin lead to craving for starches and for sweet foods like chocolate. Researches believe serotonin is related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and may explain premenstrual cravings for foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches).
ENDORPHINS:
Endorphins are believed to be "feel-good" neurotransmitters. In contrast to serotonin, endorphin levels appear to be affected by dietary fat — thus, it has been suggested that eating fat-containing foods – like chocolate – might increase endorphins and lift a person's mood.
CHOCOLATE DOES NOT CAUSE CAVITIES:
Candy alone does not cause cavities. A triad of other elements (susceptible teeth, dental plaque, and food) causes cavities, dentists agree, the cavity-causing potential of food is not related to sugar content. So eat Cocoa Puffs to your heart's content — just brush your teeth afterwards.
CHOCOLATE DOES NOT CAUSE HYPERACTIVITY:
Nor does sugar. The Food and Drug Administration supports this finding. Excitement surrounding a party or celebration causes the exaggerated behavior, not the foods (chocolate birthday cake anyone?) that people consume.
STEARIC ACID:
Stearic acid, the main saturated fatty acid in chocolate, does not raise blood cholesterol levels. A 1.4-ounce chocolate bar eaten in place of a high carbohydrate snack does not raise LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) levels as once was thought. It actually increases the body's HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels.
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS:
Chocolate's benefits are similar to those found in red wine. Cocoa powder and chocolate contain a relatively high amount of phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant properties that may be beneficial in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.
SEROTONIN:
Serotonin and endorphins are two of the better-understood neurotransmitters. Serotonin is thought to help people feel calm and relaxed. It is believed that low levels of serotonin lead to craving for starches and for sweet foods like chocolate. Researches believe serotonin is related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and may explain premenstrual cravings for foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches).
ENDORPHINS:
Endorphins are believed to be "feel-good" neurotransmitters. In contrast to serotonin, endorphin levels appear to be affected by dietary fat — thus, it has been suggested that eating fat-containing foods – like chocolate – might increase endorphins and lift a person's mood.
CHOCOLATE DOES NOT CAUSE CAVITIES:
Candy alone does not cause cavities. A triad of other elements (susceptible teeth, dental plaque, and food) causes cavities, dentists agree, the cavity-causing potential of food is not related to sugar content. So eat Cocoa Puffs to your heart's content — just brush your teeth afterwards.
CHOCOLATE DOES NOT CAUSE HYPERACTIVITY:
Nor does sugar. The Food and Drug Administration supports this finding. Excitement surrounding a party or celebration causes the exaggerated behavior, not the foods (chocolate birthday cake anyone?) that people consume.