Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Feb 14, 2013
An ode to your one true love
Happy Valentine’s Day, bitches.
Whether you've been shot by Cupid or are planning a romantic date with your DVR, we applaud you. But the only saints we’re interested in today, melt in your mouth. Let’s take a look at why we love chocolate and how we can get the most health benefits out of the mighty cocoa bean.
Food of the Gods
Contrary to popular belief, cacao (or cocoa) beans are technically not beans or legumes, but rather the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. The Aztecs of Central Mexico believed that wisdom, power, nutrition and aphrodisiac benefits came from eating these seeds. Even famous loverboy Casanova was said to drink chocolate before his romantic escapades.
Natural High
We’ve all experienced the natural high from eating a chocolate bar. This euphoric feeling is caused by phenylethylamine and serotonin—mood-boosting chemicals found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets and the central nervous system. Bonus: the sensual pleasure of chocolate melting in your mouth is an aphrodisiac. If it worked for Casanova, it can work for you.
Health by Chocolate
Cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain relatively high concentrations of epicatechin—a group of heart-healthy compounds known as flavanols, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
New research shows that compared to other fruits, dark chocolate and natural cocoa powder contain more antioxidants than blueberry, cranberry, and pomegranate juice. Damn, Gina.
Other studies have shown that flavanols have a cardio-protective benefit for heart disease patients by lowering blood pressure, and researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a compound in dark chocolate may protect the brain after a stroke. In addition, Sally Scroggs, M.S., R.D., L.D., health education manager at The University of Texas' Cancer Prevention Center, says “moderate amounts of dark chocolate may play a role in cancer prevention." The high concentration of antioxidants in dark chocolate is thought to help combat cell damage that can lead to tumor growth.
Bitter Is Better
Flavanols are what give cocoa its strong, pungent taste. Because people prefer their chocolates on the sweeter side, the bitter taste of cocoa is frequently reduced through processes such as fermentation, alkalizing and roasting. Therefore, less processed, or darker chocolates will tend to have higher levels of flavonoids. Your best choice in terms of healthiness is to go with natural, unsweetened cocoa powder followed by bittersweet and semisweet chocolate.
Everything In Moderation
One shouldn’t forget that chocolate also contains fat, sugar and is high in calories. The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter, and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid—a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil—and two forms of saturated fat, one of which can adversely affect cholesterol levels.
Buy This, Not That
If you plan on giving chocolates for Valentine’s Day, make sure you stick with dark chocolate varieties that are also organic and fair trade. Some good options include:
Theo Chocolate Confection Connection. Organic and fair trade specialty chocolate made in the US of A. Visit Theochocolate.com.
Equal Exchange Organic Mint Chocolate with a Delicate Crunch. Made with cocoa from the farmer co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and Peru. Visit Equalexchange.coop/chocolatebars.
Endangered Species Organic Dark Chocolate with Goji Berry, Pecans and Maca. Antioxidant and fiber-rich bar that also boosts energy. Visit Chocolatebar.com.
Nicobella Organics. Vegan Organic Dark Chocolates. Munch on the organic truffles made with a creamy ganache center that is infused with high antioxidant ingredients such as green tea, blueberries and pumpkin. Deelish. Visit Nicobellaorganics.com.
No matter what your plans are for tonight, soothe your sweet tooth by indulging in a moderate amount of dark chocolate. Just don’t forget to add other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, cherries, grapes, red wine and tea to your daily diet.
How are you celebrating today?? Let us know in the comments below.
Susan Emmer, FOOD Feature Editor
Susan is a certified whole health educator and coach treading on both wellness and green terrain. Earning an environmental studies degree before green was the new black, Susan is the co-owner of the boutique sustainability marketing and PR firm, Farmacy Agency. Follow her on Twitter at @wellnewsnetwork.
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