Chocolate and Your Health*
·Cacao is rich in antioxidants - read more here!
·Many of our products have ingredients that are associated with beneficial properties - learn more here.
·Cacao has been associated with decreased diabetes & blood pressure (American Heart Association)
· Cacao is rich in B1, B2 and D vitamins, and magnesium and iron.
· Cacao is associated with improved vasodilation, helping increase stamina during exercise. (Athens Medical School)
· Cacao is cholesterol free. Its phenolic properties may also block oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
· Chocolate is associated with euphoria and reduced depression – due to phenylthylamine.
· Serotonin, a well-studied neurotransmitter, is thought to instill
calm and relaxed feelings. Chocolate is associated with increased
serotonin levels, a factor that is believed to explain chocolate
cravings.
· Some researchers believe that serotonin is related to premenstrual
syndrome (PMS), explaining premenstrual chocolate cravings.
· Stearic acid, chocolate’s predominant saturated fat, has neutral effects on blood cholesterol.
· The European Board of Health lists chocolate as a pre-digestive aid.
What about caffeine?
· Rest easy - 1.4 oz of chocolate has only as much caffeine as a cup of decaf coffee.
What about allergies?
Jeremy Drelich, MD assessed a group of 20 individuals who reported allergic reactions
after chocolate consumption. After a week without eating chocolate each
individual received skin prick and blood tests for allergies to
chocolate and component ingredients (milk, soy,almonds, peanuts,
vanilla), and consumed unlabeled cacao and non-cacao samples. Sugar
allergies were assessed by giving half the participants unsweetened
chocolate and half chocolate made with cane juice. None showed definite
evidence of a chocolate allergy, though some tested positive for
non-cacao ingredients. By choosing organic products made without
additives or fillers - such as organic dark chocolate made without
refined sugar - you'll may find yourself happily reunited with
chocolate.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.