Stimulants Present in Raw Dark Chocolate that are good for Health

Global dark chocolate sales are expected to rise 9% each year up to 2019 due to increased demand among health conscious people and its associated health benefits. Raw dark chocolate has been tied to a series of health benefits such as enhanced cognition and improved metabolism. Raw Chocolate is made entirely from raw cacao beans using cold pressed method, and so they contain many vital vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and stimulants. The benefits of the stimulants present in raw dark chocolate are truly fantastic. In this post, find out what are those stimulants and how they can supercharge your health.

• Epicatechin: It is a type of flavonoid that has been shown to have a number of health-benefiting properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer activity. Epicatechin may improve blood flow and may have potential applications for heart health. A study titled “The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance” published in 2013 found that cacao flavanols can boost the flow of blood to key areas of the brain, thus, giving scientists hope for developing treatment for  dementia and strokes. Another study titled “Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of (−)-Epicatechin and Other Polyphenols in Cancer, Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegeneration” found potential applications of epicatechin along with other flavonoids for treating blood circulation problems associated with long-term diabetes.

• Anandamide: Anandamide is present in small amounts in chocolate. It is a neurotransmitter that targets the same brain receptors as THC. Dark chocolate contains two chemicals known to slow the breakdown of anandamide. Therefore, chocolate might work by prolonging the action of this natural stimulant in the brain. Recently, it has been found that anandamide plays a role in relief from pain & depression, appetite suppression, and improvement in memory.

• Phenylethylamine: Phenylethylamine is another stimulant found in chocolate. It releases dopamine in the brain at the mesolimbic pleasure center.  A team of researchers from Dresden University of Technology have suggested that phenylethylamine, which helps in dopamine upregulation, may prove to have non-pharmaceutical benefits for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

• Theobromine: Theobromine is an ingredient present in chocolate that has stimulating properties. Theobromine is structurally related to caffeine but has about one-tenth the strength of caffeine. It occurs at a greater concentration in chocolate, about 250 milligrams in a 50 gram bar of dark chocolate. It has the ability to relax the bronchial muscles, so it can be used as a cough medicine. 

Long considered a 'happy food', dark chocolate is a popular treat when you need to cheer up your mind and supercharge your body as it contains above mentioned stimulants which help us to feel happy, more relaxed and also help in treating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and dementia. Who can resist a yummy piece of chocolate when it is actually healthy to eat a piece of dark chocolate? Buy raw dark chocolate that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and organic from health food stores in Malaysia or near your area & enjoy‼