Get ready: there’s a new holiday to celebrate! July 4th may have its parades and fireworks, but July 7th is National Chocolate Day and it’s a great excuse to indulge while not reversing all that hard work it took to look great in your swimsuit!
This guilt-free pleasure loaded with flavonoids and anti-oxidants packs such a powerful healthy wallop, so scientists around the world conduct research to discover what it is about the humble cacao bean that is so good for us! For menopausal women who search for ways to feel better, the good news couldn’t come a moment too soon.
Columbus Discovered America, but Who Found Out About Chocolate?
Chocolate has close ties to America’s beginnings. It was Christopher Columbus who when offered a sip of chocolate drink or ‘xocoatl’ by the Aztecs, declared he didn’t like the taste. Really Chris?
Spanish conquistador Don Hernan Cortes had quite the different reaction—thank you Don! He not only loved the taste, but also understood the commercial value and stashed a plantation’s worth of cacao beans on board his ship for transport back to the Old World. Those precious beans were then hidden in Spanish monasteries and served to only the very rich. It wasn’t long until chocolate was served in the top salons of Europe, gradually finding its way back to America.
Mass Consumption Leads to Medical Research
The popularity of chocolate has prompted hundreds of medical studies to examine the effects on the human body. The results are in…and the news is good! Dark chocolate, containing at least 70% cacao, possesses seemingly magical powers in opening arteries, minimizing insulin resistance and reducing morbidity. And that’s just for starters.
For menopausal women facing the double whammy of increased cardiovascular risk and runaway diabetes, there are encouraging results. In one study the test subjects strictly adhered to the program—a clever way of saying they didn’t mind eating chocolate every day of the testing period! The results showed that flavonoids, the active ingredient in chocolate, reduced insulin resistance while minimizing the risk of heart disease in post-menopausal diabetic women, actually prolonging their lives over the next 10 years of daily consumption. How much better can it get? As it turns out—a lot!
The bioactive-mechanistic properties of chocolate and nitric oxides assist in vascular dilation, which is a fancy way of saying that chocolate helps with stiff arteries, and reduces LDL or ‘lousy’ cholesterol, particularly in overweight older adults. A sweet morsel not loaded with post-consumption guilt. What’s not to like?
My personal favorite involves ‘cocoa intervention’ as a means to fight heart disease. In this study there were two control groups: one given skim milk and cocoa and the other just skim milk. Surprise! The group given the chocolate milk showed that the 39 compounds linked to the intake of cocoa minimizes free radicals, known to cause cancer and raise the risk of heart disease.
But Wait—There’s More!
There are mental benefits, too! Plagued by losing that thought before it drifts out of your mouth, feel free to pop a bite of dark chocolate while it’s still open! Doctors now know the absorbed flavonoids impact the parts of your brain connected with learning and memory. When these flavonoids interact with brain cells, neuroprotective and neuromodulatory proteins kick into high gear to assisting with brain connectivity through increased blood flow. This reaction has been shown to slow aging, dementia and disease-related cognitive decline.
From a psychological standpoint, another study looked at people who took the time to savor chocolate and actually tied in ritualistic behavior with goal-oriented benefits. In other words—relaxing and enjoying said chocolate works about as well as anything else!
Just Plain Fun!
Most important of all: chocolate has a tendency to bring on the fun. We channeled our inner Lucille Ball in Menopause Mondays with a clip of Lucy and Ethel stuffing chocolates in their mouths when they get behind at the factory! Who among us hasn’t laughed out loud at that?
So, here is some good advice for this unexpectedly special day in July: eat your chocolate—doctor’s orders!
Suffering in Silence is Out! Reaching Out is In!
18 thoughts on “Chocolate is the Gift that Keeps on Giving!”
All things in moderation, including chocolate. I had a bad binge a few days ago. I’m off it. LOL
Been there….done that, too! Once in awhile a girl has to go wild!
So timely. A neurologist friend mentioned to my husband about the benefits of chocolate and all of a sudden he loves the stuff. This is from a guy who doesn’t enjoy dessert…now he’s all about chocolate. Good for me (I think!).
I wish I had gotten the “I don’t enjoy desserts gene!”
You have brought so much happiness to my life today! Now, more reasons to hide my chocolate!
Haha….. no need to hide anymore! Chocolate has come out of the closet!
Oh you know how much I love this post Ellen! Chocolate for the mind, body, and soul!
YES, Yes and YES!!!!!
Sadly all the studies point to the health benefits of dark chocolate, which I abhor. I love my milk chocolate, though. Love it. Of course I do. I love everything that’s bad for me, LOL!
I was a milk chocolate person, too…..BUT — I am enjoying guilt free- dark chocolate now !
This good news made me VERY happy! I think I need to incorporate a little dark chocolate in my daily dietary needs!
Marcia, I was pretty excited to read all the BENEFITS about chocolate! Happy chocolate eating to you!
Oh Chocolate you are my friend!
I hear ya, Haralee!!!!
Hi Ellen:)
Interesting article! On the 4th of July I bought healthy ingredients for smores. Dark chocolate chips, gluten free marshmallows, gluten free graham crackers. No one new the difference!
This is good to know….. my son and son-in-law are GF…..thanks for the GF dessert idea!
Dark chocolate has always been my favorite. I keep nice dark chocolate in the house and have a tiny bit now and then. I’ve also started adding cacao nibs to cereal and yogurt to further boost the benefits.
That sounds yummy, Walker.