Nutrition and Health

Everything has been said, any writing, read all about chocolate. Source of pleasure, an accomplice of all our moments, it is also responsible for many evils and still arouses so much passion and debate. Now is the time to review the images and other ideas, and learn more about this sweet fished greedy! The chocolate, pure happiness!

Chocolate is good for morale

>TRUE
Chocolate contains many substances that may induce positive effects on the psyche. The best known are the effects produced by psychostimulants theobromine. Two other substances, phenylethylamine and tyramine, are involved in the sensation of well-being and have a molecular structure similar to that of amphetamine. As for serotonin, it is used as an antidepressant pharmacology. Chocolate also contains anandamide, brain lipid, which would produce relaxing effects.

Chocolate contains antioxidants, involved in slowing the aging process.

> TRUE
Chocolate contains polyphenols, which belong to the family of anti-oxidants. They have the power to defend ourselves against oxidative attacks by "capturing" free radicals produced in our bodies through various external agents (Physical UV; Chemical pollution; physiological significant physical exertion, etc..) At the origin include the aging of our cells.

The chocolate is rich in minerals.

> TRUE

Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium (110 mg per 100 g) and milk chocolates and white are especially rich in calcium (200 mg per 100 g milk chocolate). Not to mention that there are also iron, phosphorus (230 mg per 100 g milk chocolate), potassium (400 mg per 100 g milk chocolate) and fiber (6 g per 100g) quantities of interest.

"What is health? it's chocolate "(Brillat-Savarin).

Chocolate causes migraine

> FALSE
No study has shown that chocolate causes migraines. Researchers have eaten in 63 women suffering from chronic headaches of chocolate or a placebo to each of them. The results show that the painful episodes were equivalent with chocolate and with placebo.

Chocolate gives caries

> FALSE

Consumed by persons reasonably within the rules of basic dental hygiene (brushing by two days at least with a fluoride toothpaste) and frequencies of food intake limited to six per day, chocolate can be accused of causing cavities. In addition, cocoa polyphenols inhibit the activity of oral bacteria, thus reducing the risk of developing cavities.

Chocolate helps acne

> FALSE
No scientific study is no evidence that there was any negative influence between chocolate consumption and acne (2).

Chocolate causes liver attacks

> FALSE

Chocolate is digested well and does not alter bladder activity, if consumed in moderate quantities (3). For the record, the liver is no crisis! When we complain of suffering from liver, in fact, is often the gallbladder is involved.

Chocolate causes allergies

> FALSE

Results of scientific studies show that chocolate has been involved in 0.8% of a series of 383 adults with allergies (4). However, some people may be allergic to ingredients added to cocoa, such as milk, nuts, etc.. In case of doubt, you should check the list of ingredients in the product appearing on the packaging.

Dark chocolate can not be consumed by people concerned about their cholesterol.

> FALSE

The cholesterol content of dark chocolate is negligible (1 mg per 100 g). In addition, chocolate has neutral effects on cholesterol. It is not forbidden to eat reasonably in case of excess cholesterol.

The chocolate had aphrodisiac qualities ...

> FALSE

Since its discovery, chocolate is associated with sexual activity. It has even been condemned by the church because of this virtue to inspire the "sin".
Captions are generally undermined by science, but it has received the cooperation of laboratory rats, in whom the administration of phenylethylamine (PEA) triggers copulatory behavior. But then to what it is the same with the man or woman, that's another story!



The chocolate would lead to risks of choco-dependence.

> FALSE
If we stick to the strict definition of the word "addiction", it is a psychological withdrawal symptoms, or even physical at weaning. It must be said that this has given rise to any relevant comments regarding the chocolate! No comparison possible with serious illnesses such as drug addiction or alcoholism. Why not then speak of addiction to tomatoes or Cheddar, much more concentrated in serotonin or tyramine?