Article: "The Benefits of Dark Chocolate"

To add to the chocolate debate and for all you chocolate lovers! I have an article from the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association on the BENEFITS of DARK CHOCOLATE written by Professor Avni Sali head of Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Australia (read about him: http://www.swin.edu.au/gsim/gsmed_who.html#sali).
Summary:
* Dark chocolate (70%~100% cocoa)is best,not milk choc which contains only 10% cocoa
* most cocoa grown in countries where pesticides are unregulated so organic chocolate is best
* recommended up to 50gm/day-men, 30gms/day-for women
* high mineral content - more iron than any vegetable
* excellent source of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese (low sodium)
* helps PMS possibly due to high magnesium content
* contains endorphin (phenylethylamine PEA) (anti-depressant, mood lifter)
* rich in flavenoids (polyphenolics)
* due to antioxidant content, its fats don't go rancid easily
* 50gms of dark choc contains almost 5X the amount of antioxidants found in a cup of green tea
* helps to normalise blood fats such as cholesterol and converts dangerous cholesterol to non-dangerous form
* 3 types of dietary fatty acids: 1/3 stearic, 1/3 oleic acid (found in olive oil), 1/3 saturated fats
* cocoa can decrease platelet activation like low dose aspirin
* 50gms of dark choc has less calories than 4 small sweet biscuits
* fewer calories than most nuts
* Glycaemic index (GI) is 40 compared to potato which is 90!
* Low GI foods help body to use up energy rather than store as excess fat. High GI foods lead to high insulin levels.
* Chocolate contains 2nd highest content of chromium in our diets. Chromium is essential for normal glucose metabolism.
* Cocoa contains natural chemicals that inhibit the bacteria which are responsible for dental decay
* several studies have not been able to prove a connection between chocolate and acne
* studies can't prove connection with migraines either
* it is cocoa and not dairy that is beneficial, so the higher the cocoa content, the better
* mass produced milk chocolate contains only 10% cocoa
* carob is prepared using dangerous hydrogenated vegetable fats.

He says that he has not received any grants from chocolate companies.
References in the article:
Ashton, et al. A chocolate a day keeps the doctor away. Thorsons Australia
Somer E. Food and mood. Lowl Books, New York 1999
Atrens D. The power of pleasure DS Books, Sydney, 2000
Weil A et al. From chocolate to morphine. Houghton Mifflin, Boston 1998
Heinerman J. MIracle healing foods. Prentice Hall, London 1999

Now obviously, Sugar and dairy content etc may not be good. So if you are off sugar, buy organic cocoa powder and make your own smoothies. My health food shop stocks organic 70% cocoa dark chocolate from Italy, Germany and France as well as organic cocoa powder.
So indulge yourself - guilt free!! Tweet