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Chocolate has been called an antidepressant, tonifier, stimulant, euphoriant, and
even aphrodisiac.
What is chocolate in reality?
Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and sugar. Nowadays, we know its
precise chemical composition. It is considered as a complimentary food, since all
three organic substances exist (although not well balanced): carbohydrates (starch,
diverse sugars), fats (cocoa butter), and vegetable proteins.
Minerals can also be found in chocolate: potassium and magnesium in large amounts, calcium
and sodium in small amounts, and iron in trace amounts. Chocolate also contains vitamins
A1, B1, B2, D, and E.
HIGH-ENERGY IN TINY SQUARES
Considering its ingredients, chocolate has exceptional nutritional qualities. It is,
therefore, a high-energy food in relatively small volume; athletic people are among those
who eat chocolate regularly , since it offers rapidly available energy. It is
considered a food for effort whether intellectual or physical. What, however, is accurate
concerning its other attributed
properties mentioned above?
THE BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE
The pharmaco-dynamic substances (those whose action is similar to medications) found
in chocolate are responsible for its reputation concerning its abilities. Four of
these such substances can be found in chocolate: theobromine, caffeine,
phenylethylamine, and serotonin. They appear in a negligible quantity, but each in
infinitely small quantities plays an important role. Theobromine stimulates the
central nervous system, facilitates muscular efforts, as well as having diuretic and
cardiotonic action. It is an orexigan (appetite stimulator). Caffeine increases
resistance towards fatigue, favorises intellectual activity, and increases
watchfulness. Concerning phenylethylamine, it has a chemical structure similar to
amphetamines and therefore contains psycho-stimulating properties. Serotonin, on the other
hand, is a neurotransmitter (substance freed by the nerve endings) in the cerebral
cortex--its quantity is often found to be lower during certain nervous depression states.
The serotonin found in chocolate helps correct its initial loss. Likewise, the caffeine
and saccharose stimulate the body's stimulation of serotonin. Finally, due to the pleasure
it offers, chocolate stimulates endorphin secretion thus procuring naturally the same
effects as opium. With this description of chocolate's chemical composition, it's
never-ending list of vertues are easily explained.
SWEET OR APHRODISIAC?
Yes, chocolate can be a stimulant, euphorisant, and anti-depressor. Is it an
aphrodisiac as well? No scientific response has been offered to date. Nevertheless,
this idea goes back to the beginnings of civilization, even before its arrival in
Europe: it was the 16th century, while the Aztecs prepared a drink called tchocoatl
(made of cocoa nibs) known for its
nourishing, fortifying, and even aphrodisiac qualities...
Source: www.worldnet.net/fitness/sweet.html
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