CHOCOLATE How It affects the human body

Popularity  The average American citizen eats over 12 pounds of chocolate per year  Chocolate Industry claims that 90% of Americans consume some form of chocolate every day  Chocolate is associated with Valentine’s Day  In 2000, the total chocolate sales approached $1 billion for Valentine’s Day alone

Types of Chocolate  Adds about 12% milk to dark chocolate  Has no cocoa solids  Cocoa butter + milk + sugar Dark ChocolateWhite Chocolate  Unsweetened chocolate + sweeteners + cocoa butter Milk Chocolate

Nutritional Information  Chocolate contains over 300 naturally occurring chemicals  Contains potassium, iron, folic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium  Vitamins D, E, B6  Slight caffeine content  Cocoa butter  High in saturated fat, but one third is converted to a heart-healthy fat that helps increase levels of good cholesterol

HEALTH BENEFITS

Heart-Protecting Properties Flavanols  Dilate blood vessels  Boost blood flow to the brain for 2-3 hours  Protect against build-up of plaque in arteries Vitamins D&E  Reduce high blood pressure

Stimulating Properties Anandamide  Neurotransmitter  Dark chocolate = best source of anandamide  Derived from “ananda” meaning “bliss”  Binds to cannabinoid receptors  Same as the active ingredient (THC) in marijuana but has a much milder effect

Stimulating Properties Anandamide  Slips easily across the blood-brain barrier  Anxiety relief, appetite enhancement  Form of forgetfulness that may be part of the brain’s system of getting rid of unimportant or unpleasant memories  Chocolate also contains two chemicals that slow the normal breakdown of anandamide so that it has a prolonged effect

Stimulating Properties Fun Fact! Endorphins are also triggered by music and laughter. Endorphins  Hormone  Binds to opiate receptors  Controls pain, stress, frustration  Generates feelings of pleasure

Stimulating Properties Serotonin  Neurotransmitter  Chocolate is a good source of tryptophan, amino-acid that is the precursor to serotonin  Serotonin causes feelings of pleasure and relaxation  Serotonin further broken down in melatonin, important for causing sleep Tryptophan Serotonin Melatonin

Stimulating Properties  Tryptophan naturally found in proteins; body cannot manufacture its own  Carbohydrates actually best for serotonin production  Tryptophan scarcest of all the amino acids  Carbohydrates increase ratio of tryptophan in bloodstream Tryptophan Serotonin Melatonin

Tryptophan Serotonin Melatonin Stimulating Properties Fun Fact! The best way to raise serotonin levels is through vigorous exercise  Melatonin  Hormone that assists in sleep  When eyes stop detecting light, serotonin is broken down into melatonin

Stimulating Properties Fun Fact! Dog’s don’t have enzyme needed to metabolize theobromine; Become highly over stimulated Phenylethylamine  Quickens pulse and makes you feel alert  Feelings similar to falling in love Theobromine  Mild, natural stimulant  Molecular “cousin of caffeine  Cough suppressant

HEALTH RISKS

Health Risks CChocolate does contain sugar and fat which provide a lot of calories WWeight gain from excessive chocolate consumption cancels any health and especially heart benefits MODERATION RRecommended daily dose is 3 oz or less of DARK CHOCOLATE

IS CHOCOLATE ADDICTING?

Is Chocolate Addicting?  Acts like a drug on a small scale  Influences same parts of brain as morphine, marijuana, and opiates  In a study by University of Michigan researchers, volunteers’ desire for chocolate was diminished after taking an opiate-blocking drug

What Causes Chocolate Cravings? 1)Low blood sugar  Brain sends a signal telling body it needs fuel  Body often misinterprets as cravings for sugary foods  Chocolate provides a “quick hit” of sugar 2)Low serotonin levels  Brain recognizes it needs more serotonin  Chocolate boosts serotonin levels

What Causes Chocolate Cravings? 3)Stress!  Serotonin calms anxiety 4)Culture  Especially American women Complex carbs are best to eat in all these situations!

Why Do Women Crave Chocolate More Than Men?  40% of women experience chocolate cravings  10% of men experience chocolate cravings  7-10 days before menstrual period, women often have lowered serotonin levels  Increased hormone and insulin production lead to low blood sugar

Does Chocolate Relieve Pain From Menstrual Cramps?  Cramps are caused by release of hormone called prostaglandin from lining of uterus  Prostaglandin causes uterus to undergo contractions  Inflammatory effect and constriction of blood vessels cuts off the oxygen supply to uterine muscles, causing pain  Despite chocolate’s pain-relieving properties, its caffeine and theobromine content is thought to aggravate symptoms more than relieve them

THE END!

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