The Chocolate Diagnosis
- Author Malo Alvarez
- Published November 7, 2007
- Word count 673
Eating chocolate is one of the world's most popular passions. The typical Swiss eats more than 21 pounds of this chocolate each year. Even the average Belgian or Brit downs some 16 pounds annually. In the United States, consumption weighs in at roughly 11.5 pounds per year. The earliest record of chocolate was over fifteen hundred years ago in the Central American rain forests, where the tropical mix of high rainfall combined with high year round temperatures and humidity provide the ideal climate for cultivation of the plant from which chocolate is derived, the Cacao Tree.
The Cacao Tree was worshiped by the Mayan civilization of Central America and Southern Mexico, who believed it to be of divine origin, Cacao is actually a Mayan word meaning "God Food", hence the tree's modern generic Latin name "Theobrama Cacao" meaning 'Food of the Gods’. Cacao was corrupted into the more familiar "Cocoa" by the early European explorers. The Maya brewed a spicy, bitter sweet drink by roasting and pounding the seeds of the Cacao tree (cocoa beans) with maize and Capsicum (Chilli) peppers and letting the mixture ferment. This drink was reserved for use in ceremonies as well as for drinking by the wealthy and religious elite, they also ate a Cacao porridge.
Chocolate is full of mood-enhancing chemicals. To start with, it is loaded with sugar, which is a carbohydrate and triggers the release of seratonin. Chocolate also contains fat, which in itself provides a feeling of satisfaction since it answers the urge for calories. Chocolate is also said to have the same mood-enhancing chemical that is found in marijuana, although in much smaller quantities. To test the theory that chocolate enhances mood, a study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Students who felt the urge to eat chocolate were given either milk chocolate, white chocolate (which contains no cocoa, just cocoa butter and flavoring), and pills containing stimulants found in chocolate.
Researchers say the findings were predictable. The pill didn't do the trick, but both the white and milk chocolates did satisfy the students. The results suggest that it is not some secret chemical ingredient in chocolate that provides the euphoria, but the sensory experience such as the taste, the smoothness and the aroma. While some may be using chocolate as an energy booster, a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has found a link between chocolate cravings and personality. Results suggest certain personality types are not only more likely to crave chocolate, but it may also improve their mood.
Researchers from the Black Dog Institute correlated results from an online survey completed by nearly 3,000 people. Of the respondents, 54 percent reported food cravings during bouts with depression, of which 45 percent specifically wanted chocolate, and 61 percent of these said chocolate improved their mood and reduce stress. It's believed substances in chocolate called endorphins and opioids, may be responsible for the mood enhancing effect. These compounds may make one feel more relaxed, thereby reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
Chocolates can also play a major role in a number of disorders, including bulimia, binge eating, and obesity. There's some hints that chocolate may possess natural analgesic properties. Studies indicate that eating high-fat, chocolate foods can trigger the brain's production of natural opiates. During the study, it showed that when a physician used a drug to block the brain's opiate receptors, a binge-eater's desire for sweet, fatty foods such as chocolate, dropped down. Still, there are questions left unanswered on the experiment, such as: Does the body simply desire anything sweet and fatty, or men naturally feel some special craving for chocolates?
The potential health benefit of chocolate is a popular area of study. Previous research has shown dark chocolate may be good for cardiovascular health and some scientists recommend them for reducing heart disease risk. The down-side is, of course, the calories. Chocolate is full of fat and sugar. While small amounts can be beneficial to your health, larger quantities are not so good. When using chocolate, even as medicine, moderation is the key.
Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at Online Medicines
Enjoyed Reading this article? More here: Pharmacy Articles
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Popular Chinese New Year Snacks to Include in Your Corporate Gifts
- From Pizza to Apps: The Evolution and Future of Online Food Delivery
- Exploring the mechanisms behind the impact of alcoholic beverages on social behavior and health
- Discover the Top Affordable Pasta Catering in Perth
- How Acidic Foods And Drinks Can Erode Your Enamel And How To Protect It
- Is brown sugar good in coffee?
- Conquering Perth's Dinnertime Dilemma: How Tommy Sugo Saves the Day
- Against Molecular Mixology and the Cancer-Causing Powders
- How To Cater To Diverse Dietary Needs And Preferences
- Discovering Central Asian Food: A Culinary Journey
- Nutritious and delicious: 10 remarkable health benefits of eating Alphonso mangos
- Fishing Rod Rental Panama City Beach
- Deep-Fried Everything: The Glorious Food Creations of a County Fair
- Authentic Nigerian Spices and Where to Find Them in the UK
- FutureCommPR Talks with Three Female Entrepreneurs
- The Art and Joy of Latte Art: How to Draw on Latte
- How to Grow Healthy Tomatoes from Seeds
- Unlock the Secrets Behind Our Christmas Dinner Traditions!
- Affordable Ways To Eat Healthy: How To Nourish Your Body Without Breaking The Bank
- Cooking as a Form of Self-Care
- Title: Nutrition and Diet: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Delightful World of Food: Exploring Flavors, Cultures, and Nourishment
- Processed Foods and Their Implications for Public Health in Western Societies (Western Diets vs Eastern Cuisine)
- Zanti Cucina Italiana
- The Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Spicy Food
- 3 Food Experiences To Try Before You Die
- Why is Cardamom "The Queen of Spices"?
- Valentine’s Day Cooking Love: 4 Romantic Meals to Cook
- Mabroc Tea
- Is Spanish food really all that?