imported_admin
07-26-2001, 12:04 AM
Chocolate Not So Bad After All
February 20, 2000
News: Well, my trip to New York to workout/interview Candice Carpenter, CEO of iVillage.com, was canceled due to a death in the family. Hopefully, our schedules will match for another try late March. Meanwhile, ExpertCentral.com, contacted me with news that I was selected as January "Expert of the Month" in category of Weight loss/Fitness and they sent me $250 as a "reward" - now that was a pleasant surprise!
Additionally, a new web site, ThirdAge.com, featured me in their newsletter this past week with a direct link to Awesome Legs (http://www.thirdage.com/news/archive/ALT19000215-02.html) because of the fast results T-Tapp movements deliver - seems everyone is discussing the fact that spot reduction can occur with T-Tapp movements. Last of all, I am excited to have two special guest speakers at the March 9-12 fitness retreat: Randi Rom, an international wine expert, will share the secret of sulfite free wines (no more headaches with red wine) and she will provide a wine tasting party of whites, reds, and desert wines (all sulfite free). Louise, aromatherapy expert, will share the latest in technology revealing the benefits of aromatherapy - she just returned from a 10-day trip in Europe where an international convention of experts gathered for newest research findings. For those of you interested in attending, don't wait much longer - there are only 3 rooms left!
Contest Winners: Since there was such a large response to the contest giveaway, I decided to give three people their choice of Target Pop Videos: Primary Back Stretch or T-Tapp Twist. These two movements are copyrighted and will make all other exercise programs more effective; retail is $19.95 each. Congratulations to Sally DeVito, Bernice Hamilton, and Sabrina Johnson who are the new contest winners! Be sure to email your selection and mailing address or call 1-800-342-0717. Next drawing will be 29th of February. Names do not carry forward, so be sure to re-enter.
Chocolate Not So Bad After All: Previously I wrote a newsletter (July 5th, 1999) titled “How to Control Chocolate Cravings” and a lot of you responded that the tips I gave really helped you not "over consume" or "lose control" every time you tasted chocolate. That tip is in the archive section if you didn't receive it. But, I thought perhaps you'd like to learn that chocolate is not so bad for us after all with the latest in scientific discovery.
John Hopkins Health Insider – research conducted over the past several years demonstrates that chocolate doesn't deserve its dark reputation. Studies have shown that is does not cause acne, cavities or hyperactivity. In fact, some research has uncovered that health benefits are possible with moderate chocolate consumption (notice they said that magic word "moderate"). What's more, researchers have discovered scientific reasons for chocolate cravings.
Why we crave chocolate: Chocolate is recognized as the most widely craved of all foods. It seems that chocoholics may have biochemistry to blame for their inability to say no. Apparently, cocoa contains chemicals that can cause some of the same type of feelings experienced by people addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Anandamide - Chocolate contains certain fats that closely mimic anandamide, a fat produced in the brain that activates the same chemical receptors that marijuana does. Although it could take as much as 25 lbs of chocolate (can you imagine?) to produce an actual "high", researchers have concluded that an average serving of chocolate may produce a mild sense of "well-being "and may magnify the senses fundamental to craving.
Caffeine and Theobromine - Chocolate also contains low levels of caffeine and a similarly stimulating substance called theobromine. One typical bar of chocolate has about 10 mg of caffeine, compared to approximate 130 mg contained in a cup of automatic drip coffee. Theobromine in chocolate has even weaker effect than the caffeine. Still, some researchers believe that the two "uppers" combined with other substances found in chocolate may contribute to chocolate cravings.
Serotonin and Dopamine - The link is not entirely clear, but some researchers believe that chocolate has an effect on the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in the regulation of mood and compulsive behaviors.
Chocolate as a Dietary Supplement? Here is sample of preliminary chocolate research results regarding nutritional connections:
More Magnesium - Chocolate is a rich dietary source of magnesium and some researchers have suggested that people who crave chocolate may actually be magnesium deficient and subconsciously trying to replace the missing mineral. Magnesium deficiency may prompt the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may also increase risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Moreover, adequate levels of magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches in susceptible people.
Antioxidant Power - Chocolate contains catechins, a type of flavonoid that acts an antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants lessen the damage caused by free radicals (substances in the body that are created by stress, air pollution, cigarette smoke and other toxins). Free radicals contribute to the aging process and can raise the risk of numerous diseases. Recent research shows that levels of catechins in chocolate are comparable to those in tea, which has long been recognized as a significant source of catechins.
Good Fat - Unlike other saturated fats, stearic acid the primary type of saturated fat found in chocolate does not raise blood levels of the "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or total cholesterol. Some research even suggests that stearic acid may actually raise blood levels of the "good" HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Heart Healthy - A 1.5 ounce chocolate bar contains the same amount of phenolic compounds as a 5-ounce glass of red wine. These compounds are noteworthy for being associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Importance of Magnesium: The primary function of magnesium is enzyme activation. It is critical to many cellular functions, including energy production, protein formation and cellular replication. The RDA or RDI for magnesium is 350 mg for adult males and 280 mg for adult females. The human body contains approximately 21 to 28 grams of magnesium (60% is in the bone and the rest is in cells). Although calcium supplementation often gets the headlines, magnesium supplementation may be far more important for many people. And magnesium (clinically proven to lower HDL cholesterol and increase LDL cholesterol) also improves insulin action and improves Fibromyalgia.
Quality not Quantity! Here's that word again - MODERATION - anything in excess is not good for the body; it creates imbalance biochemically and physiologically. So when consuming chocolate, get the best quality you can find. Not only will it taste better you will get a more pure product without "paraffin" and/or the many preservatives found in "cheaper" chocolate (paraffin can contribute to cellulite too). Besides don't we deserve the best?
So lets all enjoy our chocolate!
Best wishes to all,
Teresa Tapp
February 20, 2000
News: Well, my trip to New York to workout/interview Candice Carpenter, CEO of iVillage.com, was canceled due to a death in the family. Hopefully, our schedules will match for another try late March. Meanwhile, ExpertCentral.com, contacted me with news that I was selected as January "Expert of the Month" in category of Weight loss/Fitness and they sent me $250 as a "reward" - now that was a pleasant surprise!
Additionally, a new web site, ThirdAge.com, featured me in their newsletter this past week with a direct link to Awesome Legs (http://www.thirdage.com/news/archive/ALT19000215-02.html) because of the fast results T-Tapp movements deliver - seems everyone is discussing the fact that spot reduction can occur with T-Tapp movements. Last of all, I am excited to have two special guest speakers at the March 9-12 fitness retreat: Randi Rom, an international wine expert, will share the secret of sulfite free wines (no more headaches with red wine) and she will provide a wine tasting party of whites, reds, and desert wines (all sulfite free). Louise, aromatherapy expert, will share the latest in technology revealing the benefits of aromatherapy - she just returned from a 10-day trip in Europe where an international convention of experts gathered for newest research findings. For those of you interested in attending, don't wait much longer - there are only 3 rooms left!
Contest Winners: Since there was such a large response to the contest giveaway, I decided to give three people their choice of Target Pop Videos: Primary Back Stretch or T-Tapp Twist. These two movements are copyrighted and will make all other exercise programs more effective; retail is $19.95 each. Congratulations to Sally DeVito, Bernice Hamilton, and Sabrina Johnson who are the new contest winners! Be sure to email your selection and mailing address or call 1-800-342-0717. Next drawing will be 29th of February. Names do not carry forward, so be sure to re-enter.
Chocolate Not So Bad After All: Previously I wrote a newsletter (July 5th, 1999) titled “How to Control Chocolate Cravings” and a lot of you responded that the tips I gave really helped you not "over consume" or "lose control" every time you tasted chocolate. That tip is in the archive section if you didn't receive it. But, I thought perhaps you'd like to learn that chocolate is not so bad for us after all with the latest in scientific discovery.
John Hopkins Health Insider – research conducted over the past several years demonstrates that chocolate doesn't deserve its dark reputation. Studies have shown that is does not cause acne, cavities or hyperactivity. In fact, some research has uncovered that health benefits are possible with moderate chocolate consumption (notice they said that magic word "moderate"). What's more, researchers have discovered scientific reasons for chocolate cravings.
Why we crave chocolate: Chocolate is recognized as the most widely craved of all foods. It seems that chocoholics may have biochemistry to blame for their inability to say no. Apparently, cocoa contains chemicals that can cause some of the same type of feelings experienced by people addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Anandamide - Chocolate contains certain fats that closely mimic anandamide, a fat produced in the brain that activates the same chemical receptors that marijuana does. Although it could take as much as 25 lbs of chocolate (can you imagine?) to produce an actual "high", researchers have concluded that an average serving of chocolate may produce a mild sense of "well-being "and may magnify the senses fundamental to craving.
Caffeine and Theobromine - Chocolate also contains low levels of caffeine and a similarly stimulating substance called theobromine. One typical bar of chocolate has about 10 mg of caffeine, compared to approximate 130 mg contained in a cup of automatic drip coffee. Theobromine in chocolate has even weaker effect than the caffeine. Still, some researchers believe that the two "uppers" combined with other substances found in chocolate may contribute to chocolate cravings.
Serotonin and Dopamine - The link is not entirely clear, but some researchers believe that chocolate has an effect on the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in the regulation of mood and compulsive behaviors.
Chocolate as a Dietary Supplement? Here is sample of preliminary chocolate research results regarding nutritional connections:
More Magnesium - Chocolate is a rich dietary source of magnesium and some researchers have suggested that people who crave chocolate may actually be magnesium deficient and subconsciously trying to replace the missing mineral. Magnesium deficiency may prompt the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may also increase risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Moreover, adequate levels of magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches in susceptible people.
Antioxidant Power - Chocolate contains catechins, a type of flavonoid that acts an antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants lessen the damage caused by free radicals (substances in the body that are created by stress, air pollution, cigarette smoke and other toxins). Free radicals contribute to the aging process and can raise the risk of numerous diseases. Recent research shows that levels of catechins in chocolate are comparable to those in tea, which has long been recognized as a significant source of catechins.
Good Fat - Unlike other saturated fats, stearic acid the primary type of saturated fat found in chocolate does not raise blood levels of the "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or total cholesterol. Some research even suggests that stearic acid may actually raise blood levels of the "good" HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Heart Healthy - A 1.5 ounce chocolate bar contains the same amount of phenolic compounds as a 5-ounce glass of red wine. These compounds are noteworthy for being associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Importance of Magnesium: The primary function of magnesium is enzyme activation. It is critical to many cellular functions, including energy production, protein formation and cellular replication. The RDA or RDI for magnesium is 350 mg for adult males and 280 mg for adult females. The human body contains approximately 21 to 28 grams of magnesium (60% is in the bone and the rest is in cells). Although calcium supplementation often gets the headlines, magnesium supplementation may be far more important for many people. And magnesium (clinically proven to lower HDL cholesterol and increase LDL cholesterol) also improves insulin action and improves Fibromyalgia.
Quality not Quantity! Here's that word again - MODERATION - anything in excess is not good for the body; it creates imbalance biochemically and physiologically. So when consuming chocolate, get the best quality you can find. Not only will it taste better you will get a more pure product without "paraffin" and/or the many preservatives found in "cheaper" chocolate (paraffin can contribute to cellulite too). Besides don't we deserve the best?
So lets all enjoy our chocolate!
Best wishes to all,
Teresa Tapp