Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world, long enjoyed for its wonderful taste. The cocoa butter in chocolate is unique because it melts at mouth temperature, slowly releasing rich chocolate flavour. In addition to its savour, researchers are discovering new information about this cherished treat.

Chocolate is a thick maker

No. Chocolate and cocoa do not cause obesity. It is the quantity of foods eaten, combined with the level of physical activity and underlying genetics, which determine whether a person will gain weight. An obese person must in the first place get his weight down by control of the total energy intake.

Chocolate raises cholesterol

No. Cocoabutter is rich in unsaturated fatty acids ( 32 % oleic acid and 3 % linoleic acid ). The saturated acids consist of 43 % palmitic acid and 41 % stearic acid. In the organism, the stearic acid is rapidly transformed in oleic acid. Oleic acid is known for its cholesterol lowering effect.

Chocolate is prohibited for diabetics

No. In contradiction to former opinions, the intake of carbohydrates must not be drastically limited, but only controlled. Diabetics must reduce the intake of singular sugars ( glucose, fructose, saccharose, ... ). The traditional sugar - which is an important constituent of chocolate taste - may be replaced by "maltitol ". The " maltitol " is a sugar extracted from germinated barley and is better for the stomach and the intestines. And it has the great advantage to be harmless for diabetics.

Chocolate causes acne

No, over the past two decades research has revealed that chocolate neither causes nor aggravates acne. Acne, a condition resulting from the extreme activity of the skin's oil glands during puberty, is not linked primarily to diet.

Chocolate is difficult to digest

No, chocolate of excellent quality is easy to digest. But it is recommended to avoid chocolate after a heavy meal. Chocolate causes a lowering of the pressure in the bottom of the gullet, which stimulates the reflux of the acid stomach contents.

Chocolate causes constipation

No. Some components of chocolate stimulate the contraction of the intestinal canal. Besides, 100 g plain chocolate contains approximately 15 g total fibres.

Chocolate causes migraine

No. Chocolate itself does not cause migraine. Nevertheless there are individual factors. Chocolate contains tyramine which indirectly affects the stimulation of the nerve system. Under normal conditions tyramine disolves in the human body by the enzyme mono-amine-oxidase. In case of a shortage or an inhibition of this enzyme, there is an accumulation of tyramine which results in the release of vascular active substances and this can provoke an unexpected migraine attack. However such type of migraine occurs rarely.

Chocolate causes tooth decay

No. Chocolate can at the most stimulate its expansion, as it also the case with other food ( bread, potatoes, ... ).

Tooth decay is caused by other factors, mainly :

Chocolate has a stimulating and anti depressive effect

Yes. This stimulating effect is caused by theobromine ( in plain chocolate 426 mg per 100 g and in milk chocolate 169 mg per 100 g ), caffeine ( plain chocolate 66 mg per 100 g, milk chocolate 26 mg per 100 g ), fenylethylamine and serotonine. In a way, chocolate helps to recover from depressive moods, because it contains certain components that block the adrenaline receptors and lowers the stress effects.

Chocolate is an afrodisiacum

Perhaps indirectly, but the chemistry of love is very complex. In the 16th century chocolate was rich in herbs and spices ( cinnamon, clove, pepper, vanilla ). These ingredients probably caused this titillating effect. Today chocolate consists of sugar, cocoa and sometimes a little vanilla. Up to the present, not one scientific study has confirmed the titillating effect of cocoa.

To conclude with : chocolate unites interesting food qualities with a gastronomic delight.

Yes. Chocolate is not responsible for the many diseases that are wrongly attributed to it. Chocolate has interesting food qualities and it has no negative effect on the cholesterol level in the blood. It can perfectly be integrated in a healthy food pattern. Recent research has indicated a possible antioxidant benefit in chocolate similar to that found in red wine. Not only is chocolate and red wine a tantalizing combination for its sensational taste, but research shows these foods also contain antioxidants which may be good for health.