Why I Prescribe Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most complex foods in the world.

It contains ingredients which can enhance mood, concentration, energy,

sleep, muscle flexibility, digestion, bone strength, hormone regulation,

sexual arousal and function.

An ounce (30g) of dark (70% cocoa) chocolate a day can be beneficial to health.

Anandamide

Called the “bliss chemical”. It’s name is derived from Sanskrit word “ananda” meaning bliss.

Receptor in brain can be filled by THC found in cannabis. Anandamide, made by our bodies, normally fills this receptor site.

Helps regulate mood, memory, appetite and pain perception.

as well as helps control cognition and emotion.

High levels of anandamide may be found in people after moderate exercise.

It is likely associated with the euphoria people feel when they exercise, sometimes called “runner’s high”.

Antioxidants

Fresh cocoa beans contain 10 0000 mg (0g) per 100g of flavonol antioxidants.

ie. 10% anti-oxidant level, thus it very rich in anti-oxidants.

(regular processed cocoa and chocolate ranges from 500 to 5000mg / 100g).

This is up to twice the anti-oxidants of red wine, and three times that of green tea.

Cacao has a high concentration of phenolic phytochemicals or flavinoids:

Dark chocolate 13120 mg / 100g

Milk 6740 mg / 100g

Prunes 5770 mg / 100g

Kale 1770 / 100g

Strawberries 1540 / 100g

Magnesium

Increases Brainpower

Activates almost all key enzymes needed for neurons to produce energy from glucose.

Builds protective myelin sheaths that insulate nerve fibers.

Abundant Mg: brain works with clarity and focus.

Low Mg may be with symptoms similar to ADHD:

Low concentration, and memory, confusion and disorientation, irritability and apathy, muscular restlessness.

Supports heart

Increases overall vigor of heart muscle,

Can decrease blood coagulation, thus lowers BP.

Balances hormone levels

Mg helps pituitary gland function well, thus regulating adrenal gland to produce appropriate amounts of hormones, maintaining good homeostasis.

Muscle Relaxation

Mg increase flexibility and strength.

Soothes menstruation

Mg can help relax muscles, regulate hormones and increase endorphins (anandamide).

Bone building

Mg may build bone strength by transmuting to calcium.

Metylxanthamines:

Theobromine and Caffeine:

Theobromineis found in coffee, tea, yerba mate (combines well with cacao)

and kola nut , a close relative of cacao, famous in soda.

It is milder, about 1/4 stimulating power of caffeine.

Caffeine

1.4 oz = same caffeine as one cup decaffeinated coffee.

50g dark chocolate contains 10 – 60mg caffeine.

Average cup coffee has average of 175 mg caffeine.

Tryptophan

Cocoa powder consists of 0.2 – 0.5% tryptophan.

Once in the body, tryptophan reacts with vitamin B6 and B3

in the presence of Magnesuium to produce serotonin.

Serotonin helps our ability to deal with stress.

It also helps produce nerotransmitters, such as

melatonin and dimethyltryptamine, both associated with sleep.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Dubbed “love chemical”

Seems to create feelings of attraction, excitement, euphoria

Brain releases PEA when sexually aroused.

PEA levels can peak during orgasm.

Arginine

An amino acid that acts in a similar way to Viagra

in that in increases blood flow to the penis and

amplifies sexual desire.

Why I Prescribe Chocolate

June 23, 2014

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