The Accidental Scientist - The Science of Cooking

08/09/02 at 17:17:03

bakergirl Ex Member

I read that chocolate was prescribed as a medicine at some point. What were the properties that made it useful?

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Reply #1 - 09/09/02 at 11:02:05

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According to researchers eating chocolate may trigger the same chemical response in the brain as anti-anxiety drugs like Prozac.

Professor Gordon Parker of the University of NSW, published an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry, in which he says that chocolate may be a powerful anti-depressant.

Parker says eating chocolate sets off a hormonal and chemical reactions in the body very similar to Serotonin Inhibitors.In addition, the carbohydrates and sugar in the chocolate can flood the brain with endorphins.

This doesn't mean you should rush out and eat lots of chocolate every time you're depressed, but it could explain that craving for chocolate when you're feeling down..

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Reply #2 - 09/16/02 at 13:04:50

Da Chef Guest

Like I needed an excuse? Chocolate has always made me feel better mentally, but at night it gives me heartburn.

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Reply #3 - 01/26/10 at 23:49:06

Travis Ex Member

Chocolate is a great feel better food. Not only do I get to eat but I truly believe that whatever chemical properties it has really do work. I've read though that dark chocolate (like 75% cocoa) is better for you. Less fat and more health benefits.

I am in love with chocolate!

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Reply #4 - 01/27/10 at 06:46:21

JanieW Offline
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I've read that dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants that protects the body from damage by free radicals which causes aging. Daily consumption of dark chocolate can also help to reduce the blood pressure of people who are suffering from hypertension.

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Reply #5 - 01/27/10 at 20:36:47

Anne Rande Offline
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That would be a small amount of dark chocolate only, unfortunately. But yes, I've read that research as well. And dark chocolate seems to intensify the mood-improving properties of the chocolate, too.

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Reply #6 - 01/27/10 at 20:42:14

Ruth Ex Member

When chocolate was used as medicine, was it prescribed for the mood-improving properties, or was there some other real or imagined medical benefit? (bearing in mind that over the course of history, many things touted as having medical benefits did not in fact work, ie bleeding...)

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Reply #7 - 01/28/10 at 01:05:12

Noodles Ex Member

Real chocolate (dark chocolate, not sugary milk chocolate) has many health benefits. There's also been studies done that show a chemical in the cacao to be beneficial in burning fat and improving mood.

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Reply #8 - 01/28/10 at 02:37:24

Ian Cheow Ex Member

I depend on dark chocolate when I am feeling down... it really improves my mood after eating it. Wink

If chocolate does indeed has medical benefits, I believe this will be great news to many of us chocolate lovers.

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Reply #9 - 01/28/10 at 06:35:12

Kuki Offline
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Yes, organic chocolate is good for you. Here's a quote from David Wolfe, the superfoods guy who has done a lot of research in this area and has written abook about it:

"Every study on chocolate is pointing to the same conclusion: there is something in chocolate that is really good for us. That something is the raw cacao bean, the nut that all chocolate is made from. The cacao bean has always been and will always be Nature's #1 weight loss and high-energy food. Cacao beans are probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food."

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Reply #10 - 01/28/10 at 06:38:50

Rick Wagonn Offline
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OK, I'm convinced (like I needed any convincing)...

Chocolate it is... I'm going to eat it daily... for my health!

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Reply #11 - 01/28/10 at 13:01:37

jimbo Offline
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If i have to......if I am forced into it........if it is for my health......I will throw out the green algee and the carrot juice and force myself to eat chocholate .......what a way to go

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Reply #12 - 01/28/10 at 14:24:30

HarrisR Offline
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Dark chocolate is uniquely high in potent, heart-healthy flavonol antioxidants. Plus, there is less sugar contained in it due to the high concentration of cocoa solids.

I am reading everywhere that sugar is the source of many diseases and premature skin aging that's why I try to avoid it as much as possible. But when I crave for a sweet, dark chocolate is the best way to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Watch out though, dark chocolate could be 40% or 90% I go for over 70% cocoa solids.

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Reply #13 - 01/28/10 at 17:45:32

RPonder Ex Member

Chocalate has always been a feel good food for me anytime of the day. It tastes so good. I personally have noticed that eating chocolate can sometimes make my headaches more mild due to the small amount of caffeine that it contains.

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Reply #14 - 01/29/10 at 03:02:26

Katie Immobilier Offline
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Chocolate as a medicine is just the excuse that my 9 year old (chocoholic) daughter needs (NOT!) so hopefully she will NEVER see this forum and my life will remain liveable

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