Chocolate is GOOD for your skin? (I knew it!)

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 04:51 PM

Enjoy chocolate lovers.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/...in-from-within

FFT2009 · 01-17-2009, 04:52 PM

Sweet!

TripleTrouble · 01-17-2009, 05:07 PM

The real stuff, not the fake chocolate that has alot of sugar and milk etc added. Its the cocoa.

Guai · 01-17-2009, 05:11 PM

Like I needed more reasons to stuff my face...

zakhan · 01-17-2009, 05:12 PM

It's the healthy flavanoids in cocoa!

i get the hershey's unsweetened cocoa and make me a chocolate pb oatmeal cake with it, each week! It's sooo good!

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:14 PM

Plus the nice dark chocolate is better then a cup of green tea in antioxidents. Mmmm, chocolate.

martina92685 · 01-17-2009, 05:15 PM

I put two tablespoon of cocao powder in my fruit/spinach smoothie every day. I can't taste it, but I know it has those wonderful antioxidants

otrebmu · 01-17-2009, 05:18 PM

can you buy straight cocoa cheap at any groceries?

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleTrouble

The real stuff, not the fake chocolate that has alot of sugar and milk etc added. Its the cocoa.

"These amounts [in the high flavanol beverage] are similar to those found in 100 grams of dark chocolate," explained the researchers.

I'm pretty sure these benefits only relate to dairy free chocolate/cocoa beverages since dairy proteins are thought to interfere with cocoa polyphenol absorption (of course there are now studies to the contrary). I'm guessing by "fake" chocolate you mean that with low cocoa concentrations and/or milk?

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfie.

"These amounts [in the high flavanol beverage] are similar to those found in 100 grams of dark chocolate," explained the researchers.

I'm pretty sure these benefits only relate to dairy free chocolate/cocoa beverages since dairy proteins are thought to interfere with cocoa polyphenol absorption (of course there are now studies to the contrary). I'm guessing by "fake" chocolate you mean that with low cocoa concentrations and/or milk?

Like Hershey's chocolate is filled with milk and sugar, that's why it's so sweet.

If you ever had bakers chocolate or anything around 85%+, it's so bitter you want to pucker your face... that's the chocolate you want to get the good antioxidents.

wave_length · 01-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Chocolate tastes good, that's all that matters

Rigit23 · 01-17-2009, 05:32 PM

I read someplace that it enhances your libido. HELL YEAH!

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigit23

I read someplace that it enhances your libido. HELL YEAH!

Chocolate has a chemical in it called "PEA"

Beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is a trace amine found within mammalian brain tissue, in particular within the limbic region (Patterson et al., 1990). Beta-phenylethylamine can be synthesized in the body by the enzymatic decarboxylation of the amino acid phenylalanine. Beta-phenylethylamine and its derivatives are also found in high concentrations within plants (Smith, 1977). Thus, individuals may consume PEA regularly as a component of the diet, as it is found in both chocolate and the oil of bitter almonds. It can also be exogenously taken as a pharmaceutical agent or as a dietary supplement. Regardless of delivery, the effects of PEA (as discussed below) appear to be short lived, in that this substance is rapidly metabolized by type B monoamine oxidase (Bakhle and Youdim, 1976; Cooper and Dourish, 1984).

The association between PEA and improved mood is likely the most well investigated aspect of research associated with this substance. The stimulating effects of PEA are likely related to its role in activating the release of dopamine.

In terms of consumption of PEA as a dietary supplement or nutrient found in food, the increase in dopamine may result in an increase in feelings of euphoria. It may also serve to depress food cravings and appetite (as discussed below). In particular, it has been suggested that the psychoactive effects and feelings of euphoria associated with chocolate consumption are due to PEA. However, it should be understood that PEA likely needs to be consumed regularly and/ or in large quantities in order to see long lasting effects, as it is rapidly degraded by type B monoamine oxidase (Bakhle and Youdim, 1976; Cooper and Dourish, 1984), as mentioned above. Use of type B monoamine oxidase inhibitors can dramatically increase the PEA levels, which has been suggested to potentiate dopamine and catecholamine function in the central nervous system (Yu, 1994).

Activity
Behavioral studies have demonstrated that PEA induces a significant increase in locomotor activity (Cooper and Dourish, 1984; Dourish et al., 1983; Popplewell et al., 1986). This may be due to the amphetamine-like effect of PEA. Such findings may have implications related to increased physical activity, possibly mediating enhanced health and weight loss. That is, if supplemental PEA leads to increased physical activity, the increase in caloric expenditure may be associated with favorable changes in body weight.

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guai

Like I needed more reasons to stuff my face...

Sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by martina92685

I put two tablespoon of cocao powder in my fruit/spinach smoothie every day. I can't taste it, but I know it has those wonderful antioxidants

Me too! I tried it in my green smoothie once but um...it didn't really work out. I use raw cocoa/cacao in my smoothies or sometimes just drink it straight with a bit of warm water (gag much but it's worth the good stuff

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by otrebmu

can you buy straight cocoa cheap at any groceries?

You should be able to. Just look in the section where the tea and coffee usually is or if you wanted you could get raw unroasted cocoa from a health food store. While it is more expensive there's tons more antioxidants in the unroasted kind.

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave_length

Chocolate tastes good, that's all that matters

Natuerlich.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigit23

I read someplace that it enhances your libido. HELL YEAH!

I think that's the PEA or "love chemical" doing it's job. I usually feel more affectionate after gettin' some cocoa.

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfie.

Natuerlich.

I think that's the PEA or "love chemical" doing it's job. I usually feel more affectionate after gettin' some cocoa.

Also you hear that women always reach for chocolate when they are on their period or in a bad mood, as I stated above, it has enough things in it (PEA) to actually elevate your mood and help with your periods.

I've read and done a lot of research on chocolate. I love this ****!!!!

Ubby 86 · 01-17-2009, 05:48 PM

I put cocoa in my preworkout shake it boosts Nitric Oxide levels naturally

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjperez86

I put cocoa in my preworkout shake it boosts Nitric Oxide levels naturally

Some people use white willow bark (asprine) to thin their blood while using NOS products... is this smart? I know I wouldn't do it.

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjperez86

I put cocoa in my preworkout shake it boosts Nitric Oxide levels naturally

Sure does.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...gdbfrom=pubmed

Djin · 01-17-2009, 05:59 PM

So bottom line is this kiddies;

Chocolate is good.

martina92685 · 01-17-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfie.

Me too! I tried it in my green smoothie once but um...it didn't really work out. I use raw cocoa/cacao in my smoothies or sometimes just drink it straight with a bit of warm water (gag much but it's worth the good stuff

)

Mine is raw too and it has no taste. it doesn't even change the color of the smoothie. I wonder why yours tastes so bad....

Maybe your ratios are kinda funky? Today I did 6 oz blackberries, 1 cup pineapple, 2 1/2 cups fresh spinach, and 2 tbsp raw cocao powder. It tasted really good to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djin

Also you hear that women always reach for chocolate when they are on their period or in a bad mood, as I stated above, it has enough things in it (PEA) to actually elevate your mood and help with your periods.

What you think women on their periods are always in a bad mood?!?!?!?????!?!????!?!???? Oh my GOD, you just don't UNDERSTAND!! I HATE MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! *runs away and slams door*

Djin · 01-17-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martina92685

What you think women on their periods are always in a bad mood?!?!?!?????!?!????!?!???? Oh my GOD, you just don't UNDERSTAND!! I HATE MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! *runs away and slams door*

I'm not saying all women, but there are enough who need a good dose of chocolate to cure their monthly .... yeah.

MarcosMuscle · 01-17-2009, 06:04 PM

Yeah small amounts of pure cocoa is supposed to have some internal benefits as well.

Elfie. · 01-17-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djin

So bottom line is this kiddies;

Chocolate is good.

Dark chocolate!

Quote:

Originally Posted by martina92685

Mine is raw too and it has no taste. it doesn't even change the color of the smoothie. I wonder why yours tastes so bad....

Maybe your ratios are kinda funky? Today I did 6 oz blackberries, 1 cup pineapple, 2 1/2 cups fresh spinach, and 2 tbsp raw cocao powder. It tasted really good to me.

What you think women on their periods are always in a bad mood?!?!?!?????!?!????!?!???? Oh my GOD, you just don't UNDERSTAND!! I HATE MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! *runs away and slams door*

It doesn't taste "funky" per say. I think it's because I throw a bucket load in there to see how much I can handle. I can be a bit overzealous with the stuff.

"I HATE MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sweet. Let's build a treehouse. J/k I <3 the menfolk. (for the most part

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djin

I'm not saying all women, but there are enough who need a good dose of chocolate to cure their monthly .... yeah.

I'll cure YOU in a minute!! (yes threat)...Be afraid.

Djin · 01-17-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfie.

Dark chocolate!

It doesn't taste "funky" per say. I think it's because I throw a bucket load in there to see how much I can handle. I can be a bit overzealous with the stuff.

"I HATE MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sweet. Let's build a treehouse. J/k I <3 the menfolk. (for the most part

)

I'll cure YOU in a minute!! (yes threat)...Be afraid.

ORLY?

Elfie. · 01-18-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djin

ORLY?

Best ORLY owl ever!

and...

Ba-bump.

honeynut · 01-18-2009, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfie.

...if you wanted you could get raw unroasted cocoa from a health food store. While it is more expensive there's tons more antioxidants in the unroasted kind.

I thought unroasted cacao was poisonous. I am probably confusing with coffee...

Daniel_Kemp · 01-18-2009, 06:34 AM

The lady at one of the stores I bought food from recommended chocolate syrup. She said it's like chocolate fondue but you don't have to melt it, cause it's a syrup. I haven't had it yet though, but hopefully today I'll try it.

Djin · 01-18-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel_Kemp

The lady at one of the stores I bought food from recommended chocolate syrup. She said it's like chocolate fondue but you don't have to melt it, cause it's a syrup. I haven't had it yet though, but hopefully today I'll try it.

I think you should of gotten the powder... I'm not sure if this is the same thing. Makes me think of Hershey syrup.

Daniel_Kemp · 01-18-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djin

I think you should of gotten the powder... I'm not sure if this is the same thing. Makes me think of Hershey syrup.

The lady at the store said that raw cacao is kind of bitter and that putting agave nectar in it makes it a lot better tasting.

This chocolate syrup just has certified organic raw agave nectar and certified organic raw cacao powder.

Hershey's syrup has these ingredients:
High Fructose Corn Syrup , Corn Syrup , Water , Cocoa , Sugar , Potassium Sorbate - Preservative - 2% or Less , Salt - 2% or Less , Mono and Diglycerides - 2% or Less , Xanthan Gum - 2% or Less , Polysorbate 60 - 2% or Less , Vanillin - Artificial Flavor - 2% or Less
-- Source