Chocolate!

Biology Blog Post
Kong Eng Hong (14)
3 Service
27th March 2007

Chocolate is, to many, one of the most heavenly treats known to man. The reputation of Chocolate has been negative in the past, with decayed teeth and failed diets blamed on Chocolate. However, upon recent research, the many negative myths and beliefs about Chocolate have been dispelled, with the many health benefits of Chocolate being gradually uncovered, much to the delight of the any Chocolate lovers out there.

The Benefits of Chocolate:
* Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course, this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate. So, it can be seen that Chocolate is not all to blame for decayed teeth!
* The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
* Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
* Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.
* The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
* Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
* Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
* The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

What Chocolate Won't Do:
There are many myths and half-truths about the effects of chocolate on the human body. Here are the latest findings on several of them.
* Studies show that chocolate is not a causative factor in acne.
* Chocolate is not addictive.
* Chocolate contains stearic acid, a neutral fat which doesn't raise bad cholesterol.

But On The Negative Side...
1. Chocolate may trigger headaches in migraine sufferers.
2. Milk chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat and sugar.

Therefore, it can be sent that Chocolate is not all that bad, but not entirely wondrous either. Like any other foods, Chocolate is to be eaten in moderation.
Information taken from http://www.momscape.com/articles/chocolate.htm