THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE

By Andrea Hansen

Informative Speech- CM111

Purpose

To inform you about the health benefits of chocolate

To explain components of chocolate and their direct benefits Lowers Cholesterol Lowers Blood Pressure Lowers Risk of Heart Failure and Heart

Disease

Chocolate Types

Are all types of chocolate healthy? Unprocessed Cocoa- considered high in flavonals

Strong, pungent taste Cocoa Powder Dark Chocolate

Cocoa is the prime component in chocolate that makes chocolate healthy for you “Cocoa improves blood flow, makes blood platelets

less sticky which helps prevent blood clotting, and lowers LDL levels” (www. lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com).

Components of Chocolate

Contains Flavonoids “Naturally-occurring compounds found in plant-

based foods that offer certain health benefits” (“Cleveland Clinic,” 2010).

Part of the polyphenol group Flavonols

Type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate Have antioxidant qualities

(“Cleveland Clinic,” 2010). The more processed the chocolate, the less

flavonals present. (“Cleveland Clinic,” 2010).

Components of Chocolate

Antioxidants Help cells resist damage caused by free radicals

Cigarette smoke and other toxins (“Cleveland Clinic,” 2010).

Oleic Acid Heart-healthy monosaturated fat also found in olive

oil

Stearic Acid and Palmitic Acid Forms of saturated fat that have a neutral effect on

cholesterol, unlike normal saturated fats (“Cleveland Clinic,” 2010).

Cholesterol

LDL- The Bad Cholesterol “LDL slowly builds up in artery walls,

causing a thick plaque that can narrow arteries, restrict blood flow, and lead to blood clots” (Ellis, 2009). Directly impacts chance of heart failure

HDL- The Good Cholesterol High levels of HDL seem to protect against

heart attack Low levels increase the risk of heart

disease

Cholesterol

Antioxidants Studies have shown

that “increasing foods which are rich in antioxidants within your diet will help you at lowering cholesterol naturally” (Hare, 2008).

i.e. chocolate

Blood Pressure

Research shows that people whose average daily chocolate intake is at least 7.5 grams per day have lower blood pressure. (Dye, 2010).

High blood pressure directly impacts chance of heart failure.

Heart Failure

Heart failure Contributors High LDL cholesterol High blood pressure

People whose average daily chocolate intake is 7.5 grams or above are at a lower risk for heart failure. (Dye, 2010).

Conclusion

Forms of chocolate that contain health benefits include unprocessed cocoa, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate.

The more processed chocolate is the less healthy it is.

The cocoa in chocolate contains components that lessen cholesterol, blood pressure, and therefore, lower chance of heart failure.

Healthy components include flavonals, antioxidants, and oleic acid.

Lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure directly helps lower the chance of heart failure.

Chocolate is healthy for you in moderation

WARNING

Chocolate should only be eaten in moderation!

“Don’t ingest pounds of the stuff because the sugar and fat may kill you”

(Gardner, 2007).

References

Dye, D. (June 2010). Eating more chocolate associated with fewer cardiovascular events.  Life Extension, p.NA. Retrieved September 01, 2010, from Academic OneFile via Gale:http://find.galegroup.com.proxy.msbcollege.edu/gtx/start.do?prodId=AONE&userGroupName=mnapcl

Ellis, M. High Levels of Cholesterol Contribute to Heart Failure. (November 2007). Health News Website. Retrieved on September 1, 2010:

http://www.healthnews.com/disease-illness/high-levels-of-cholesterol-contribute-to-heart-failure-3903.html

Gardner, A. Dark Chocolate Helps Keep Blood-Clotting Dangers at Bay. (November 2007). MSN Health and Fitness Website. Retrieved on August 31, 2010:

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100148722

References

Hare, S. (2008, January 20). Lowering Cholesterol Naturally with Antioxidants. [Blog message]. Retrieved from:

http://neutralizer.blogspot.com/2008/01/lowering-cholesterol-naturally-with.html

Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled. (2010).

Cleveland Clinic Website. Retrieved on September 1, 2010 from:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx

What Makes Chocolate Healthy Anyway? (n.d.). Retrieved on August 31, 2010 from Look Great-Lose Weight-Save Money Website:

http://www.lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com/chocolate-healthy.html

References

Cover Image

http://www.personalcheftoronto.ca/menus/chocolate-fountain

Cholesterol Diagram

http://www.healthnews.com/disease-illness/high-levels-of-cholesterol-contribute-to-heart-failure-3903.html

Blood Pressure Image

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Hypertension

Heart Diagram

http://www.h4heart.com/h4heart/articledisplay.aspx?articlesubdetailid=COTH_CDOTH_CAD

Lady Eating Chocolate Image

http://www.newsandreviews.in/index.php/KnowNow/?title=eat-chocolate-improve-your-maths&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1