Chocolate, you are simply divine
If God had wanted women to be perfect, he wouldn’t have invented chocolate. Creating a food as sumptuously soothing, as voluptuously velvety as chocolate was a rotten trick to play, especially on us nutritionists who are supposed to abstain at all times. Apart from Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Unbirthdays and… I’m sure I’ll think of something.
There is no end to our wickedness where chocolate is concerned. We shamelessly turn out our partners’ pockets, not for signs of infidelity but the tag-end of an antique chocolate bar. And are prone to making rash promises if only he will go out to replenish our dwindling supplies at all hours and in all weathers. Real heroes always comply, just like the chap in the famous Milk Tray ad, for there is no greater fury to behold than a woman deprived of her favourite chocolate.
But is it good for us, can we delude ourselves that candy is dandy? The cocoa bean contains several important minerals including magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. Women suffering from PMS are notoriously deficient in magnesium and often can’t control their cravings for chocolate at that time. It also contains phenylethylamine, a potent stimulant which produces a sense of euphoria, lending some credence to the view that chocolate is an effective aphrodisiac.
In addition, it’s an excellent source of flavonoids, a group of plant chemicals with powerful antioxidant properties. Flavonoids reportedly decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which is a major risk factor for heart disease. The oxidation of cholesterol contributes to a build-up of arterial plaque and may clog up our arteries. Flavonoids can slow down the process and help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels themselves.
Having explored the many positive aspects of my heavenly confectionary, I’d better come clean about its dark side: it’s choc-a-bloc with sugar as well as saturated and hydrogenated fats. These ingredients only serve to increase dietary risk factors for heart disease and obesity, not to mention PMS. So, always look at the labels: products containing a minimum of 70% or more cocoa solids are the healthiest. Whenever cocoa is listed after sugar and fat, it is best avoided.
If, like me, you cannot envisage life without the occasional chocolate fix and when you do, intend to make the most of every morsel, try the award winning organic chocolates by Booja-Booja. All varieties are dairy and gluten free, vegan and GMO free. These tasty little treats are ideal as gifts, and beautifully arranged in exquisite gift boxes that have been hand painted by struggling artists in war torn Kashmir, using traditional methods and local materials.
The Aztec Emperor Montezuma (1480-1520) said chocolate is “the divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.” Perhaps God knew what he was doing after all.
Sophie and Michael Coe's book “The True History of Chocolate” is the ultimate reference book:
".Have no doubts - this book really does cover the entire history of chocolate, and in incredible detail "
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Martina is a qualified nutritionist practising at The Dolphin House Clinic, Brighton (Tel: 01273-324790). email: martina@thehealthbank.co.uk
Article first published 2004, Brighton Argus.
Copyright 2005 Martina Watts All Rights Reserved www.martinawatts.com
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