Valentine Day Breakfast
Posted on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
The health news that made me happiest was learning that dark chocolate was good for us. After years of hearing about how all the foods I loved were so unhealthy, this news was long overdo. I'm sure there was a concerted cry of joy from women the world over when its wonders were announced. It verified what we've known all along. This is truly the perfect food.
So why do we love this treat so much?
Chocolate, or cacao, contains over 300 chemicals and compounds. By itself, 100% cacao is definitely an acquired taste. At the 30% (give or take 10%) level that we are most accustomed to, mixed with sugar, milk and other ingredients, we have a rich, creamy taste sensation that few can resist.
Cacao has several chemicals that affect our brains and keep us coming back for more.
It contains phenylethylamine . This chemical increases excitement, alertness and heart rate, like amphetemines. It's released in your brain when you fall in love, thus the name "Love Drug". Researchers also believe that phenylethylamine causes the brain to release mesolimbic dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. This chemical peaks during orgasm. So it is without exaggeration when we say, "I love chocolate."
It also triggers the release of endorphins. This neurotransmitter works like opiates to lift your mood, relieve feelings of stress and reduce pain. If you've experience runner's high or the exhilaration from a good laugh or being in love, you know how endorphins make you feel.
Tryptophan in chocolate stimulates the release of the neurostransmitter serotonin, a well-known anti-depressant.
Another chemical is theobromine, a much weaker stimulant than caffeine, but similar in action.. Theobromine can increase pulse rate. Withdrawal symptoms may induce migraines. Have you ever noticed how you reach for chocolate when you have a headache? This is the substance that makes chocolate toxic to dogs. They may love it, but please don't give them any.
Cacao also contains a substance known as anandamide. This chemical is produced in the brain and activates the same receptors as the THC found in marijuana, which makes you feel high. It is unclear if any consumed anandamide ever reaches the brain before it is broken down in the body.
Many researchers believe that women crave this treat is because it's high in magnesium. Americans tend to be deficient in magnesium, and this deficiency is even greater in women prior to menstruation. Couple that with the brain and body screaming to give it something that helps it feel good, is it any wonder we reach for that bar of pure goodness?
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Remember that chocolate in its pure form comes from the cacao tree so it's a natural plant food. It contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables including flavonoids and magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for many body processes. It plays many roles, including bone and other tissues building, converting food to energy, and aiding in the activity of more than 300 enzymes. It's helps your heart by stabilizing heart rhythm and preventing abnormal blood clotting in the heart. It lowers LDL cholesterol and helps you maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Flavonoids act as antioxidants that can help protect us from free-radical damage leading to certain cancers, aging and heart disease. They help balance some hormones and lower blood pressure.
So How Much Can I Eat?
Even though most of dark chocolate's fat is good for you, it still pack a calorie wallop if you eat too much. Calories will vary depending on the product you choose, but figure around 100 calories per ounce. Most experts recommend that you can eat approximately two ounces of 60-70% dark chocolate daily to experience its health benefits. At this percentage you still enjoy good taste and texture (granted, not as creamy as milk chocolate which has little or no benefits) without a lot of added sugar and other ingredients that turn this from a health food to junk food.
If you're counting carbohydrates, you'll be delighted to know that 85% dark chocolate contains just a few carb grams per ounce. You do sacrifice the texture and creaminess, but you may find it a taste worth acquiring if you are longing for a fix. This is the highest percentage I've been able to find locally. I've learned to enjoy it, and the best part is that my husband doesn't like it so it's always there when I want it.
You can get 100% cacao nibs, but personally I don't care for them. They are rather bitter, expensive and are only available in specialty stores or on-line.
Organic cocoa products are available. I recommend buying Fair Trade products if you can get them. They are pesticide free and the farmers and harvesters are paid a fair living wage for their efforts. Unless you are baking with baking powder, use the natural unsweetened cocoa. It has more antioxidants and more intense flavor than the Dutch-Process or Alkalized Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.
So go ahead, buy the big red box with the heart and bow for a special treat on Valentine's Day if you want. Maybe you can a red box offering a dark variety. But for everyday, follow the guidelines above for a truly guilt-free, heart-healthy, feel-good treat that just about everyone loves to eat.
I am planning my Valentine's Day earlier this year...Your thoughts?
OK....I need to take this wonderful day more seriously. This year, I've decided to spice things up on this incredibly beautiful day. Here's my plan. An early breakfast in bed, followed by rose pedals that lead to the mail box, in which is a love poem and First Class airline tickets to...Paris, France. We should arrive by around 5pm, stroll the magnificent city and have dinner at the Beaujolais Cafe. Then a romantic ride through the city, and then a midnight treat at a five star hotel. Your thoughts? Is this too much activity for one day??
I need to go get my passport!!!
Valentine's Day Breakfast Made Easy
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