Food of the Gods

You know stress has crept its way into you when you consciously reach for the bar, hoping that it'll be the answer to relieving your burden. As if panadol is the solution to your headache. Not that I wouldn't have it any other time, but I bought it with a mind wanting to feel happy.

EAT CHOCOLATE, BE HAPPY

Most people enjoy eating chocolate, Chocolate is 'a very powerful food' that fits perfectly into healthy eating.

When we eat something we enjoy, we produce endorphins. This is not exclusive to chocolate but anything that tastes good induces endorphin release. Endorphins are a family of small proteins and the available evidence that the pleasure of eating chocolate is mediated by endorphins. Therefore, highly desirable and palatable foods like chocolate have their pleasure enhanced by the release of endorphins in the brain. This is why eating chocolate is a pleasurable experience.

Besides the release of endorphins, the other reasons behind the pleasure of eating chocolate are due to the sensory properties of chocolate, such as the aroma, taste and mouth-feel that combine to provide a wonderful on-going desire for the pleasure of chocolate consumption. Some say chocolate is soothing simply because it triggers strong memories of the food that comforted or rewarded us as children.

So, eating chocolate truly is one of life's pleasures.

Felt better by the end of the afternoon? I did, especially after reading about the merits of eating chocolate! What's even better, weekend's drawing near! :)

CHOCOLATE AND YOUR BODY

One of the biggest myths surrounding the world's favorite food is that eating chocolate makes you fat. The truth is no single food can be called "fattening". It is the amount consumed that will determine whether it contributes to body fat. It must also be remembered that food is only half of the equation: exercise and other physical activities are also crucial to control body fat. Of course, over-consumption of food has the potential to cause weight gain.

Chocolate is usually eaten as a pleasant snack. Unfortunately, it gets lumped in with other snack foods that probably don't have such a health pedigree. We know that chocolate doesn't raise blood cholesterol or blood glucose levels too much. In fact, chocolate provides essential nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy snack when eaten in moderation.

Most people can eat small amounts of chocolate as part of a health diet and not put on weight. The key is to eat chocolate in moderation and exercise regularly.