Chocolate!
February is the month for valentines, flowers and lots and lots of CHOCOLATE! There was a time when we might feel guilty for indulging, but over the past few years most of us have at least heard rumors of the potential health benefits of this luscious, time-honored treat. I thought you might like to know some of the particulars -- the positives and potential negatives -- so you can declare to the world that you are merely using it for 'medicinal purposes' (assuming you really care what the world thinks)!
For a bit of historical background, Chocolate (aka: Cacao) was discovered at least 4000 years ago by the people of ancient Central and South America.
It was initially used as a drink in Mesoamerican religious ceremonies, mixed with other spices to give it a 'kick'
The Spanish conquistadors brought some of the seeds back to Spain, and the drink was an immediate hit. So much so that for about 100 years, only Spanish nobility were permitted to enjoy it. The secret couldn't be kept forever though, and eventually chocolate's yummy goodness had spread all over Europe. By the mid-1800s, chocolate was available to the general public, and though the recipe changed a bit over time, cocoa and chocolate had achieved the status of being one of the world's favorite treats.
No doubt you've heard that some types of chocolate -- especially the darker varieties - may actually be good for you, especially for us girls. The health benefits generally stem from flavonoids which are beneficial for many things, including keeping blood flow and blood pressure under control
The flavonoids in cocoa (from which we derive chocolate) help to prevent plaque build-up in the arteries and veins, which also helps to prevent formation of clots. The darker the chocolate, the higher the cocoa content, and therefore the higher the concentration of flavonoids.
And how about antioxidants? Both dark and milk chocolate have higher anti-oxidant values than prunes or blueberries! So those chocolate-covered strawberries could really be super-antioxidants...well, it's a good rationalization anyway. There can be some drawbacks, however. Cocoa has a caffeine-like effect, which is not good for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post-Polio Syndrome, or who have a history of irregular heartbeats.
In addition, while there is a small increase in alertness from chocolate, it's equal to only about 1/3 of a cup of coffee, so if you're feeling sluggish, that chocolate-covered caramel will probably only give you a mini-boost, not to mention the low you'll feel when the sugar-high wears off. Some studies have shown that chocolate can aggravate migraines too, especially if taken in more than small amounts.
Expecting moms have both positive and negative issues when it comes to chocolate. A 2004 study seemed to show that it can actually make for a happier baby .
On the other hand, excessive amounts, because of the caffeine-like effect, can make Mommy and Baby-to-Be jumpy and irritable. If you have a history of miscarriage, it's best to avoid chocolate -- and all caffeinated substances -- during pregnancy .
If you find you are having chocolate cravings (I did, for several months) it may be that you are actually low in iron or magnesium.
Above all, consult with your obstetrician if you have any doubts or concerns. Nothing is good for you when it's over-done.
All that being said, for most of us, moderate amounts of smooth, velvety chocolate is perfectly safe, so go ahead and enjoy those tasty treats, remembering Ben Franklin's admonition to keep to 'moderation in all things'. Hey, if it was good enough for Aztec royals and the Queen of Spain, it's good enough for you!
If you have any questions, please write in and ask! I'll do my best to give you the help you need, or direct you to a good source for more information.
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
Looking for more Nurse Nancy? Read her feature column on "Happy Holidaze"!
