Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate


Due to my recent moods and events, I am now indulging in a comfort food, dark chocolate. Did you know that 300 chemicals that compose chocolate have numerous and varied effects on our bodies through the nervous system? Yes a good excuse to indulge in it….but truly, it does have good effects …especially dark chocolate..and I LOVE Dark Chocolate

I decided to research on chocolate and it’s effects on our system.

One study found that people who rated themselves highly stressed to begin with had lower levels of stress hormones after eating chocolate every day for two weeks. The study's subjects ate 1.4 ounces (40 g) of dark chocolate daily, or a little less than a regular-sized Hershey's bar, which contains 1.55 ounces (44 g)

1. Anti Depressant - Eating chocolate increases the levels of endorphins released into the brain, giving credence to the claim that chocolate is a comfort food. The endorphins work to lessen pain, reducing the stress levels and enhancing the feelings of ecstasy. Another common neurotransmitter affected by chocolate is serotonin. Serotonin is known as an anti-depressant. One of the chemicals which causes the release of serotonin is tryptophan found in, among other things, chocolate. 

2. Love Drug - One of the more unique neurotransmitters released by chocolate is phenylethylamine. This so called "chocolate amphetamine" causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels leading to feelings of excitement and alertness. It works like amphetamines to increase mood and decrease depression, but it does not result in the same tolerance or addiction. Phenylethylamine is also called the "love drug" because it causes your pulse rate to quicken, resulting in a similar feeling to when someone is in love.


4. Mental and Physical Relaxation - Theobromine is another chemical found in chocolate that can affect the nervous system. Besides having properties that can lead to mental and physical relaxation, it also acts as a stimulant similar to caffeine. It can increase alertness as well as cause headaches. There is much debate as to whether or not caffeine even exists in chocolate. Some scientists believe that it is the less potent theobromine which is solely responsible for the caffeine-like effects

5. Lower risk of Heart Desease, Lower Blood Pressure - Dark chocolate is a rich source of the flavonoids--epicatechin and gallic acid--both of which have cardio-protective effects, and is also high in cocoa content. Moderate intake of dark chocolate has also been shown, through previous studies, to lower the risk of heart disease, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and protect from skin cancer.

6. Relieves Chronic Fatigue - A more recent research finds dark chocolate helps relieve some symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue which does not go away after you rest. It limits one’s ability to perform even the routine activities.

7. Cancer Prevention - Dark chocolate contains certain antioxidants called polyphenols that could help fight chronic inflammation of tissues in the circulatory system. Moderate amounts of dark chocolate might also play a role in cancer prevention. 

It is fascinating that a food such as chocolate can have such an effect on the operations of our brain and thus our perceptions of the world. My mood is way better now too since my last post. Go ahead, grab a chocolate bar. New evidence is in that eating dark chocolate every day can reduce stress.


Sadness, Feeling so Alone.
Sorrow that brings forth tears.
Tears that cannot be held back.
An emotional breakdown within. 
Depression that cannot be controlled.
Heartache that numbs the whole being.
Soul feelings that cannot be expressed.

Sadness is inevitable in our lives. Most people remember God the most when they are feeling sad and when going through rough painful times….and that is why sadness brings us closer to God. It is most definitely an undesireable feeling but it is God’s way of teaching us humility. 

We should thank God for our blessings but sometimes sadness strikes during significant or sentimental moments. I have friends who are going through depression and friends who are battling for their lives with terminal illnesses. What do we say to people in these circumstances, and what do we want to hear from others when we ourselves are inflicted with the pain of life’s trials?  “I’m Sorry” sounds so passive and inadequate. ”It’s meant to be and God’s will” or similar, though true, is not what anyone wants to hear really; and “You are in my prayers” just simply goes without saying. Saying  “I am here for You” and really genuinely meaning it is what anyone would really feel good knowing and hearing. If you do not mean it and are not willing to really go all the way when needed, then saying nothing at all and giving your comforting presence whenever you can is all that is required.  

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