Magic of Chocolate (my research in UiTM)

p/s : This was my BEL311 (English subject) research...my group of three have worked so hard on it since the first week in second semester. Alhamdulillah, we've got an A for this ^__^...there might be errors in certain sentences though. As the group leader I am so proud of it!!! wee~ Thanks to my groupmates Anis Nasuha Fekry & Noor Zafienah Salleh for making this a success. 

While other studies have looked at how chocolate may help on health.

Susanna Larrson

            Chocolate is made from cocoa. The word cocoa means “God Food” back in the days. Only rich people can have chocolate because it is expensive and valuable. It was also use in religious ritual. The cocoa tree was a scared being. As for the Mayan people, they only serve cocoa beverages to their kings. We might be familiar with the name of Rowntree, Cadbury and Nestlé were the pioneers in chocolate manufacture. People nowadays are considering chocolate as unhealthy food. This is absolutely not true. Besides having a great taste, chocolate can give a lot of wonderful benefits on health, psychology and beauty to mankind.

Chocolate has been described by many scientist as a food of the Gods because it contains a lot of plant nutrients. Scientists also found that consuming chocolate gives positive impacts on health. According to Murga (2001), eating chocolate can reduce the risks of getting heart attacks. Through allchocolate.com (n.d) natural compound in cocoa and dark chocolate can improve the blood flow and thus, reducing blood pressure. Besides, dark chocolate and cocoa consist of flavones which can improve the heart health. As a result, it will deactivate unstable molecule in blood called free radical. Studies found that free radical are unstable oxygen molecules that can trigger changes in the structure of normally healthy cells. Another research carried out by University of Cambridge (2011) discovered that consuming chocolate can lower the risk of getting diabetes by 31 per cent. Scientists theorize that plants are packed with high amount of natural antioxidants that can protect body and give a good health. Furthermore, studies also suggest that the antioxidants in food may reduce the risk of getting diseases and also have been linked to some of the good cardiovascular health. Chiaki, Noboru, Tsuyoshi (1997) expresses that antioxidants found in chocolate are called polyphone which can reduce the oxidation of low density of lipoproteins. The other research from American Academy of Neurology shows eating chocolate per week may be decreased the risks of stroke among men. Researchers found that if one individual consume highest number of grams of chocolate per day will lowering 19 per cent the risk of getting stroke. In summary, chocolate actually good for heart because it is consider as a food to promote benefits based on scientific proof.

Many researchers have found that chocolate contains mood-enhancing ingredients that can give effects on psychology. There are a few substances contain in chocolate that have been highlighted include serotonin, tryptophan, phenylethylamine, tyramine and carnabinoids (Lewis, n.d) According to Wenk (2010), chocolate has a little amount of marijuana like neurotransmitter, anandamide. It will breakdown immediately by enzyme after being produced by the brain (Coveleskie, 2004). It also can treat pain by activating the cellular receptor named tetrahydrocannabino. Besides that, chocolate also contains essential amino acid, tryptophan. Tryptophan actually needed for the production of serotonin that gives people well balanced mood. According to Driver (n.d), serotonin will make us feel happier when it is released into our system. According to University of New South Wales Australia (2006), it also stimulates mild stimulation which is mesolimbic dopamine. Dopamine also can control the pleasure and reward of the brain. Next, phenethylamin (PEA) also contains in chocolate. PEA helps in resemble of amphetamine and some of other psychoactive stimulant. When we eat chocolate, monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme immediately metabolized PEA. PEA also can help resolve feeling of dizziness, attraction and excitement. Other than that, chocolate contains theobromin (BNF Nutrition Bulletin, 1998). Theobromin is a chemical substance in a chocolate that has structural closed to caffeine and has 10 per cent stimulating effect as caffeine has. This chemical substance also can make people addicted to chocolate. In a research of teenagers and their parents, 14 per cent of sons and fathers and 33 per cent of daughters and mothers have found for being addicted to chocolate (Wenk, 2010). In short, chocolate contain many substances than can give psychology effect on human.

Chocolate is proven to boost our beauty. It is often heard, that chocolate can cause acne. Many people who have skin problem will tend to avoid indulging chocolate. There is no convincing data of how chocolate is related to acne break out. A study by Rodan & Fields (2009) found that it is only a myth that chocolate is a factor for acne breakout. However, chocolate is good for our skin if it is consumes in the right amount. Raloff (n.d) explained that chocolate contains flavonoids that rich in antioxidant more than found in strawberries. This will help to prevent premature aging and keep the skin looks younger. Besides that, flavonoids can moisturize and gives our skin a dewy glow and smoother texture. Excessive UV light can also be absorbed by flavonoids and thus preventing skin cancer. Based on statistic, a person who consumed the flavone- rich cocoa product after 12 weeks, will have 13 per cent moister and 30 per cent smoother skin. Since chocolate have a great taste, it will be fantastic if it is included in a bottle of perfume. Chocolate is a vital ingredients in fragrances nowadays. This is because it has an intriguing smell. Chocolate based perfume smells delicious and makes people who smell it craving for you. One of the interesting effects of chocolate perfume is, it is scientifically proven to be male aphrodisiac. According to Grainger (2011), chocolate perfume can help to shed some extra weight. In spas, chocolate bath is one of the most popular treatments (Martinez, 2009). This unique treatment helps to moisten the skin and also fight the cellulites. Researchers have found that chocolate has powerful element for slimming, detoxifying, and firming properties. Therefore, consuming chocolate is totally safe for our skin.

In summary, chocolate is beneficial for us. This is scientifically proven through multiple researches through the years. According to Driver (n.d) chocolate is “naughty but nice” and must be controlled when being consume. Chocolate has been said to have the reputation for being fattening, but it is obviously untrue. The addiction towards chocolate is normal and there is no need to be afraid of it. In fact, chocolate gives affirmative sake to mankind in the field of health, psychology and beauty.