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\nSweet chocolate\u2026 like an aphrodisiac, makes you feel so happy when you put it in your mouth.\u00a0 It has generated a lot of media coverage because it is believed that cocoa beans contain polyphenol, which is good for your body.\u00a0 \u201cDiet for beauty with chocolate\u201d was a phenomenon promoted by advertisements.\u00a0 More chocolate products with higher cocoa content began entering the market. I myself used to eat and drink chocolate every day, believing without a doubt that eating chocolate was good for beauty, health and dieting.
\nThen I studied holistic nutritional science and was stunned to find out about the negative effects of chocolate that was not reported by the media. I might confess that I\u2019d rather not know those facts.\u00a0 However I\u2019ve realized that it is necessary to learn the merits and demerits of the food we intake daily.\u00a0 As a result, consumers will be able to make wise and safe choices.
\nI\u2019d like to share with you some merits and demerits of our beloved chocolate.
\nMerits:
\n\u2013 Polyphenol (Flavonoid): Cocoa beans contain a large amount of flavonoids, a substance related to polyphenol that with their strong antioxidants, help improve blood flow, make blood platelets less sticky and thus prevent high blood pressure.
\n\u2013 Theobromine: A kind of an alkaloid, it is found in the cacao plant and a bitter substance in chocolate and cocoa.\u00a0 It helps you to be calm and relaxed.
\n\u2013 In addition, cocoa beans are rich with other minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron and calcium and vitamins such as E and niacin.
\nThere is always the flip side to a coin.\u00a0 Some demerits of chocolate are:
\n\u2013 Cacao is highly addictive: Most chocolate is sweet chocolate, with addictive cocoa and lots of milk and sugar.\u00a0 Especially refined sugar is so-called white narcotics and makes you crave more.
\n\u2013 Harmful sugar in chocolate:\u00a0 Refined sugar contains no minerals.\u00a0 While being metabolized, it depletes calcium and vitamin B, reduces immunity and causes ADHD
\n(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and mood swings.\u00a0 Sugar in chocolate is a real trouble maker.\u00a0 Cacao used to be a medicine for Natives in the Americas and was only consumed in medical emergencies and in religious ceremonies, not as a daily food.\u00a0 (Of course, neither sugar nor milk was added.)
\n\u2013 Burden to liver and kidneys: Cocoa butter is highly toxic to the liver and irritates the kidneys and adrenal glands, and it\u2019s highly possible it can cause insomnia, shivering and apathy. It takes longer to digest and therefore it can be a physical strain.
\n\u2013 The state of cacao farms: A BBC documentary reported that child labour is a serious issue at cacao farms in western Africa.\u00a0 Child labour is not just a problem at farms but it\u2019s deeply rooted in severe poverty, stemming from the unfair trade system.\u00a0 FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organization International) and Fairtrade Foundation allocate their fair trade profits to eliminate child labour, improve living conditions and enhance the education system.\u00a0 We, consumers, recognize the situation and support the fairtrade certificate system.
\n\u2013 The effects on pets: Pet owners should be aware that theobromine in chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats \u2013 because they metabolize the substance more slowly, it remains in their body. Pets can succumb to toxinosis. Indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and become overly excited, develop a slow heart rate, convulsion, seizure\u2026 these symptoms may lead to their death. If your dog mistakenly took a bite of chocolate, take him\/her to a veterinarian immediately.
\nDo you find this information useful? Chocolate is a nonessential food.\u00a0 Enjoy a piece of organic or fairtrade chocolate.\u00a0 I am sure that a good quality cocoa can satisfy your palate, even in small amounts.
\nCarob grain and chips are good substitutes for cocoa. There is no food that\u2019s good for everyone.\u00a0 Even nutritious super food can be harmful to some people. If you would like to find out which foods are best for you, please contact me anytime.
\nYuki Yamazaki
\nR.H.N \u2013 Registered Holistic Nutritionist \/Kinesiology Practitioner
\nholistic nutritional science
\nshizen.cafe@gmail.com
\nReference:
\nBBC Documentary: Chocolate The Bitter Truth
\n2010<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"