I just finished the book Cinch! by Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, contributing Editor to SHAPE magazine. It provides tips, scientific research, and recipes for conquering cravings, drops pounds, and losing inches. Using the strategies from Cinch!, I have lost 15 pounds and feel great. One of the items she insists doing on a daily basis is to indulge in chocolate, at least 70% cocoa, without distraction, as your fifth meal of the day.
The book cites a study by Cornell University that reported 91% of American women crave chocolate. Why do we crave it and love it so much? Chocolate contains unique natural substances that create a sense of euphoria in the body. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which your brain releases when you fall in love. Another, called anandamide triggers the same receptors as THC, the same chemical contained in marijuana. A third chemical, theobromine, has positive effects on the heart and circulatory system as well as producing aphrodisiac effects. Another reason women might crave chocolate is because they may be low on magnesium, a mineral that can help alleviate PMS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, fatigue, depression and irritability.
In addition to chocolate making you feel better emotionally, it can save your life. Research has shown that cocoa powder contains antioxidants to relax blood vessel walls, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. One study found that heart attack survivors who ate chocolate just twice a week over a two-year period cut their risk of dying threefold. Additional research on cocoa and chocolate revealed that it helps prevent cholesterol from sticking to blood vessel walls thus decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
So, the rules for indulging in your daily chocolate escape are to consume your 50-100 calories of dark chocolate at the time of your choosing, without interruptions, allowing it to melt on your tongue and savoring the flavor, texture, and taste. This Valentines Day, when your sweetie gives you that box of dark indulgence, savor it and know you are doing something good for your health.
