“Chocolate for Health”

G.S. Rudolph, PhD, CNS

Legends from many cultures claim that cocoa and chocolate provide health, strength and passion. Recent research has stimulated this sweet surge of excitement, just in case we need our indulgence validated!

Studies done by the Mayo clinic, University of California, and Pennsylvania State University are finding that chocolate is a potential source of nutrients—not simply calories. For instance, cocoa is rich in polyphenols; some of these are powerful antioxidants and help to decrease the body’s inflammatory immune responses.

Antioxidants help to prevent or delay certain types of damage to the body's cells and tissues as well as fight against free radicals. Not all chocolate contains an equal health benefit potential, however, which can be seen when comparing dark chocolate to milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains more than twice the amount of antioxidants that milk chocolate does and has fewer calories.

The amount of flavonoids responsible for health benefits is dependent on bean harvesting and processing. A bar (1.3 oz) of dark chocolate can offer more antioxidants (catechins and epicatechins) than 4 oz of red wine. A small apple, with skin, or 6 oz of black tea offers still less. Why is this important to your health? More antioxidants in your blood mean less LDL oxidation, more blood vessel flexibility and even less platelet clumping. This effect is similar to that of aspirin---well touted for prevention of stroke and heart disease.

Epidemiological studies suggest that drinking red wine may help to maintain cardiovascular health. This has prompted debate about what is popularly known as the "French Paradox." A review of the studies concludes that red wine flavonoids appear to "favorably influence multiple biochemical systems, such as increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antioxidant activity, decreased platelet aggregation and endothelial adhesion, suppression of cancer cell growth, and promotion of nitric oxide production". Cocoa and chocolate are believed to be operating by the same mechanisms.

Although chocolate is high in calories, it is not high in cholesterol. In fact, a recent study done by the Mayo clinic showed that flavanoids, such as those found in chocolate's antioxidants, help decrease "bad" cholesterol while raising the levels of "good" cholesterol. Chocolate and cocoa butter contain a saturated fat (stearic acid), which is a neutral fat and does not raise LDL,”bad" cholesterol. The mono-saturated fat found in chocolate and cocoa butter (oleic acid) may actually raise "good" cholesterol levels.

Nor does chocolate have a high glycemic index; its glycemic index is classified either low or

moderate---thus not eliciting the high peaks and valleys of glucose and insulin in your blood. And of course sugar-free chocolate has a very low “GI” thus is useful for diabetics.

Cocoa and chocolate contain phytonutrients, those nutrients often found in fruits, vegetables, and bitter foods such as coffee, green tea and chocolate. Phytonutrients have been linked to cancer prevention, the prevention of heart disease and have been thought to have an effect on one's long-term health. (A study done at HarvardUniversity showed that men who ate chocolate lived about one year longer than men who did not.)

Another natural cocoa component is theobromine. This is in the class of compounds called methyl xanthines, which include caffeine (in coffee) and theophylline (in tea). Theobromine acts as a mild stimulant. It can treat high blood pressure (as a vasodilator) and persistent coughs.

Chocolate may also offer natural analgesic properties. Research indicates that eating chocolate may trigger the brain’s production of natural opiates. Independent of the fat and sugar, compounds in chocolate enhance the sense of pleasure and well being.

All chocolates are made at Dynamic Chocolates in Delta, BC, Canada.

Nutritional INFO:

1. Choco-Omeg CARDIO FORMULA

Dark chocolate with raspberries

  • Omega-3 fatty acids 200 mg Reduces inflammation thus helps with heart disease, blood pressure, arthritis, proper brain and neural development. We usemarine and flaxseed sources. One serving providesas much Omega-3 as a serving of tuna or cod.One servingis an excellent source of DHA.
  • Flaxseed provides additional omega-3's plus lignans and fiber.
  • Coenzyme Q 10 mg An essential part of the electron transport chain to make energy. Antioxidant protection.
  • Vitamins---selected specifically for heart health
  • Low-glycemic and trans fat free chocolate.
  • Real raspberries and natural flavor
  1. Choco-Omeg CALCIUM FORMULA

Milk chocolate with Crispies

  • 100 mg of Omega-3; an excellent source of DHA.
  • Calcium 50% Daily Value; Vitamin D, Magnesiumand Phosphorus-- more than in an 8 oz glass of skim milk
  • Low glycemic Provides sustained energy and increased satiety Modulates your blood glucose response.

3. Choco-Omeg MEMORY FORMULA

Milk chocolate with orange bits

  • 100 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive function.
  • Choline from soylecithin. One serving of chocolate delivers 55 mg of Choline. This level is clinically proven for brain development and memory enhancement
  • Low glycemic Provides sustained energy and increased satiety. Modulates your blood glucose response.
  • Real orange bits and natural orange flavor

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.