The alkaloid in cacao (cocoa) is theobromine, a methylxanthine, which resembles caffeine but has a less powerful effect on the central nervous system. It is therefore not such a strong stimulant, but can still improve cognitive function. It is also a smooth muscle relaxant, a cardiac stimulant and vasodilator and diuretic, all of which can have beneficial effects - this of course is true if cocoa is used in its pure form. (Ref Koham C., Psyche Delicacies. Rodale press. 2007). However, once it is made into chocolate, it is mixed with sugar and the fats from the cacao bean are retained so the product becomes very fattening and the high sugar content can cause all sorts of problems. Also these porperties only apply to true chocolate not to 'white' chocolate.
So I guess the blessings of chocolate are mixed. It is certainly possible for chocolate to make you feel more relaxed while retaining an alert mind. However, eating too much chocolate can cause blood sugar fluctuations, skin eruptions and certainly add to weight gain . so I'm not sure it would be good advice to eat more. All information on this page has been compiled by Alison Odey from personal research and from results seen and experienced over 20 years in private practice. It is not intended to diagnose or to be construed as medical advice, but to inform the reader of alternative options that may be available to them. Any remedy mentioned in the text can be obtained by contacting the writer:
Contacts: Phone -64 7 5721147 Website www.alisonodey.com
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