Chocolate, Serotonine, Chocolate Antioxidants, Cocoa, Theobromine, Swiss chocolate, fine chocolate, cocoa Caffeine

Fat

Cocoa beans contain approximately 50% fat.

It is primarily comprised of two saturated

fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids, and

the mono unsaturated oleic acid. Cocoa

butter and chocolate do not raise blood

cholesterol. However, when consuming milk

chocolate or lower grade chocolate where

part of the total fat content comes from milk

fat or various other types of fat, the

cholesterol level might be adversely affected.

Sugar

The cacao bean contains quite a lot of carbohydrates, but most of it is starch, soluble dietary fibers and insoluble dietary fibers. A very small proportion is simple sugars. Sugar is added during the manufacture of chocolate.

Antioxidants

Cocoa beans contain polyphenols (similar to those found in wine) with antioxidant properties which are health beneficial. These compounds are called flavonoids and include catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins. The antioxidant flavinoids are found in the nonfat portions of the cocoa bean. The flavinoids also reduce the blood's ability to clot and thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Theobromine

Theobromine is a very mild stimulant with a mild diuretic action (increases the production of urine). Please note that theobromine can be toxic to animals like dogs, cats, parrots and horses.

Caffeine

Cocoa beans contains a very low amount of caffeine, much less than found in coffee, tea and cola.

Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine is a slight antidepressant and stimulant similar to the body's own dopamine and adrenaline.

Serotonine

Cocoa and chocolate can increase the level of serotonine in the brain. Serotonine levels are often decreased in people with depression and in those experiencing PMS symptoms.

Essential minerals

Cocoa beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese.

Vitamins

A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid.

Is chocolate fattening?

Yes, chocolate is fattening. Even dark chocolate contains a lot of calories because of the large content of fat and sugar. The sugar content in chocolate is worse than the fat content regarding negative effects on health.