CHOCOLATEHow 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 Chocolate White 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 PropertiesFlavanols Dilate blood vessels Boost blood flow to the brain

for 2-3 hours Protect against build-up of

plaque in arteriesVitamins D&E Reduce high blood pressure

Stimulating PropertiesAnandamide 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 PropertiesAnandamide 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 PropertiesSerotonin 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 Chocolate does contain sugar and fat

which provide a lot of calories Weight gain from excessive chocolate

consumption cancels any health and especially heart benefits

MODERATION 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!

Picture References http://groovyfoody.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/densely-dark-chocolate-brownies-with-

salted-caramel/ http://www.longbeachstuff.com/2012/02/the-belmont-shore-chocolate-festival-spring-

sweets-march-24-2012.html http://lumdimsum.com/tag/holiday/ http://getupandgodog.blogspot.com/2012/04/dogs-and-chocolate-truth.html http://www.lindalife.org/2011/09/13/dark-chocolate/ http://beaugureaufood.com/blog/?p=51 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_chocolate http://www.realage.com/food/flavonoids http://tpe-cannabis-1es2.e-monsite.com/pages/i-what-explains-the-popularity-of-

cannabis/cannabis-on-the-brain.html http://www.5deal.net/itunes-c-17.html http://www.mnartists.org/event.do?rid=280337 http://www.anxietyandstress.com/exerciseandanxietydisorders.html http://www.darkchocolatehealthbenefits.org/dark-chocolate-cholesterol-benefits.html http://www.topnews.in/health/eating-chocolate-cuts-heart-failure-risk-among-women-

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