Posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:20:34
In reply to Some Possible Reasons » KB, posted by IsoM on April 5, 2002, at 1:43:49
Hi IsoM,
Thanks for the science behind chocolate, my drug of choice. I eat a little every day. I don't just like chocolate, I crave it and am a self-professed chocolate snob. :) The darker, the bitterer, the better. I did kind of wonder if there was a self-medicating aspect. Anyway, anyone want some recommendations for really great hard-to-find brands, just let me know! :)
cheers,
Emme> I thought I'd let others explain as I can run on too much but here's some science behind it.
>
> Chocolate candy isn't good for the teeth (all that sugar) but it contains an anti-bacterial chemical that will stop the bacteria. All that sugar doesn't help though.
>
> Chocolate contains a small amount of a brain chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA). Whether it makes it from our digestive tract into our brain remains to be tested because cheddar cheese & pickled herring also contains PEA & nobody claims to be addicted to those foods. PEA releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Maybe eating cheddar cheese or pickled herring may make a person feel good too, just never tested. I know I love pickled herring! Anway, the amount found in chocolate isn't enough to cause any real euphoria but may be enough to make a person feel a little happier.
>
> Chocolate is also a very good source of magnesium, a mineral used in many enzymatic body reactions. Magnesium & vitamin B6 work hand-in-hand.
>
> Chocolate has anti-oxidants in it - a number of phenolic compounds. Eating chocolate IS good for a person, it's the sugars & fats that aren't. Combine them & the good effects tend to get cancelled out. You could always eat it the way Mexican people do as a mole sauce for meats. No sugar is used in that way.
poster:Emme
thread:101574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101952.html