IronMagazine Bodybuilding Forums


IronMagLabs - Bodybuilding Supplements
Pages: 1

Is Chocolate healthy?

(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)



Posted by: Prince

Just thought I'd post this article!


Chocolate - Healthy?

When you think of chocolate, do you associate it as a "junk food"? For all you chocolate lovers, this article may just make your day!

Chocolate is a plant-based food that contains several minerals such as magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. In addition, it contains a group of phytochemicals called polyphenols. Phytochemicals have been recently shown to possess antioxidant properties. "Antioxidant properties" means that it possesses little chemicals that help fight off certain diseases.

Now, this article is not telling you it is okay to make chocolate a major part of your diet. What it is telling you that it is perfectly fine to include it as part of a well balanced diet.

The plant phenols found in chocolate include a subclass known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in tea, wine, cocoa, and chocolate. Studies have shown that flavonoids seem to have a positive effect impact on heart health.

Chocolate flavonoids possess a very unique chemical structure compared to other plant-based foods and beverages. These flavonoids are actually rarely found in food sources. But, of biggest interest is the fact that they are particularly powerful antioxidants.

The polyphenols in chocolate have been reported to decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol both in vitro and in humans. This finding is especially important in regards to heart health. LDL cholesterol levels have been linked as a potential risk factor for heart disease.

"Isnīt chocolate high in fat?", you ask. "And, isnīt it saturated fat?" Yes, and yes. However, studies have shown that chocolate is no longer a concern in regards to its saturated fat content. Why?

Early on, it appeared that ALL saturated fats had a negative effect on cholesterol levels. New research shows that not all saturated fats act the same way in the body. The type of fat contained in cocoa butter include oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat - heart healthy) and stearic and palmitic acids (both saturated fats).

Stearic acid has unique properties as a saturated fat. Stearic acidīs effect on blood cholesterol is neutral - it neither raises or lowers cholesterol. Other saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels. In case you are wondering what it is exactly that makes a fat saturated vs. unsaturated, it quite simply is the chemical structure. So, while stearic acidīs chemical structure defines it as a saturated fat, it does not effect cholesterol levels the same as other saturated fats.

Conclusion - Chocolate eaten in moderation may actually contribute to a heart healthy diet. Plus, indulging a little will likely boost your spirits.


Posted by: w8lifter

Woo Hoo...I'm gettin' me a snickers bar


Posted by: I Are Baboon

Mmmm...flavonoids......


Chocolate gives me zits.


Posted by: EagleEye

I've heard of this before, but was told that it only applies to dark chocolate.


Posted by: susiQ

Yippy!!!!!!! I knew all that chocolate would benefit me in the end.... Hee Hee and not the rear end!
I have heard many times that if your body is craving something, then it is missing some kind of nutrient or something that whatever you are craving has in it.
I eat a lot of chocolate so I must have a mega healthy heart!!!!!!



Posted by: gopro

Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than regular chocolate, but, there still is some of the good stuff in good ole reg chocolate!


Posted by: Ironguy

Love that dark chocolate...

Gotta wonder though if the benefit of the flavonoids is greater than the ingestion of the fat and sugar!


Posted by: GodLift

lol dont believe it guys...this is a bogus article...i have to believe that.. hehe


Posted by: Tank316

gee prince printing bogus artitcles are ya... the shame of it all, if it makes you feel any better, i believe it


Posted by: gopro

My new pre-contest diet...

meal 1: chocolate ice cream
meal 2: chocolate chip cookies
meal 3: chocolate cake
meal 4: chocolate mousse
meal 5: chocolate bars
meal 6: chocolate fudge
meal 7: broccoli...hey, no carbs before bed...


Posted by: Dero

Ummmmmm...chocolat!!!
CHOCOLAT FONDUE!!!!Fresh fruits,dipped in MELTED CHOCOLAT,sorry I'll be back,gotta have some
NOW
and then I'll go on the
Pineaple,strawberries,bananas,green apples all cut in cubes...


Posted by: Maximum

Quote:
Originally posted by I Are Baboon
Mmmm...flavonoids......


Chocolate gives me zits.
You probably can't tolerate milk, most chocolate has milk in it, eat dark chocolate


Posted by: w8lifter

Quote:
Originally posted by gopro
My new pre-contest diet...

meal 1: chocolate ice cream
meal 2: chocolate chip cookies
meal 3: chocolate cake
meal 4: chocolate mousse
meal 5: chocolate bars
meal 6: chocolate fudge
meal 7: broccoli...hey, no carbs before bed...
Shame on you Gopro.....this is hardly a balanced pre-comp diet
Where is your protein?! I believe you should add a chocolate protein shake to meals 1, 3, 5 & 7


Posted by: gopro

w8lifter...sorry, you are right...I'll sprinkle some chocolate protein powder on my chocolate ice cream...


Posted by: archer

look for chocolate that is 70% cocoa, the more cocoa the more of the phytonutrients which fight disease

try the dark or semi dark/sweet chocolate from Switzerland etc which will have higher cocoa %ages....

milk chocolate will have less cocoa and more undesireable palm oil fats etc

1/2 oz of dark chocolate will have 30 cals and 8 mgs of caffine
1/2 oz of milk chocolate will have 75 cals and 8 mg of caffine

eating chocolate will release seroronin and endorphins which give you a sense of well being....

love chocolate


Posted by: qwerty

no but its good


Posted by: dragonfu

go to http://www.healthcentral.com/peoples...espharmacy.cfm
type in chocolate in the search and decide what to read


(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Is Chocolate healthy?


Article Archives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60