http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/ Ideas, innovations and discoveries from the world of science Thu, 23 May 2013 23:31:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7534 Peter M. Lutterbeck, M.D. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:00:21 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7534 Discussing the benefits or potential harmful effects of "chocolate" in general terms, one must be a bit more differential. There are "Dark" chocolates and "Milk" chocolates. Considerable benefit is derived from the former. A vital neurotransmitter, serotonin, is increased in the brain by consuming the "Dark" variety. Serotonin is vital in many mental disturbances, esp. depression and other mood affections. It functions to regulate arousal, regulates temperature, increase and elevate mood in a positive manner and alleviate pain. "Milk" vs. "Dark" is based on the processing of cocoa. It must be at least 35% of cocoa liquor, the essence of the cocoa bean. The higher the amount, the lower the percentage of sugar. Dark chocolate is said to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. It also contains several potent anti-oxidants that capture harmful free radicals. All in all, "Dark" is best! But be cautious as too much of a good thing can also be problematical as it is with anything that is desirable. Discussing the benefits or potential harmful effects of “chocolate” in general terms, one must be a bit more differential. There are “Dark” chocolates and “Milk” chocolates. Considerable benefit is derived from the former.
A vital neurotransmitter, serotonin, is increased in the brain by consuming the “Dark” variety. Serotonin is vital in many mental disturbances, esp. depression and other mood affections. It functions to regulate arousal, regulates temperature, increase and elevate mood in a positive manner and alleviate pain.
“Milk” vs. “Dark” is based on the processing of cocoa. It must be at least 35% of cocoa liquor, the essence of the cocoa bean. The higher the amount, the lower the percentage of sugar. Dark chocolate is said to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. It also contains several potent anti-oxidants that capture harmful free radicals.
All in all, “Dark” is best! But be cautious as too much of a good thing can also be problematical as it is with anything that is desirable.

]]> http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7533 Les Borean Mon, 24 Sep 2012 04:39:16 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7533 Anita Cole: Chocolate candy is mostly sugar! It takes a lots of sugar to tame the bitter renderings of the cacao bean. Anita Cole: Chocolate candy is mostly sugar! It takes a lots of sugar to tame the bitter renderings of the cacao bean.

]]> http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7532 RJ Gamble Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:49:41 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7532 Just wondering if the rats had a choice of foods. Given the same stimulus/situation but with a choice of something rat-healthy AND m&ms, would they eat the unhealthy sweets over healthier food? Just wondering if the rats had a choice of foods. Given the same stimulus/situation but with a choice of something rat-healthy AND m&ms, would they eat the unhealthy sweets over healthier food?

]]> http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7530 Mike Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:12:38 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7530 I meant "Sunday". I'm sorry about the mistake. I meant “Sunday”. I’m sorry about the mistake.

]]> http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7529 Mike Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:11:01 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7529 Interesting! I hope that everyone's Snday is going safe and great! I also wish that I had some M&M's right about now. Interesting! I hope that everyone’s Snday is going safe and great! I also wish that I had some M&M’s right about now.

]]> http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/09/what-makes-chocolate-so-irresistible-a-new-study-hints-at-an-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-7528 Anita Cole Sun, 23 Sep 2012 17:05:03 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/?p=12194#comment-7528 Why M&Ms? They are mostly sugar, they have nothing to do with chocolate!! Why M&Ms? They are mostly sugar, they have nothing to do with chocolate!!

]]>