Chocolate for Active People?

Chocolate for Active People?

Tim Long

Chocolate for active people? You bet! Of course chocolate is viewed as a junk food, which, in excess, it is. In moderation and with the right kind of chocolates, there are some real health benefits associated with the beans of the cacao tree (Latin, Theobroma cacao, “food of the gods”).

Studies have shown a substantial decrease in blood pressure, and has a high level of antioxidants. Don’t just run out to the corner gas station and grab a Reeces Cup (yum), because the dark chocolates contain the goodies that are healthy.

The difference is that dark chocolate is rich in a class of compounds called polyphenols, which includes a subset of water-soluble plant pigments known as flavenoids. Other studies on flavenoid-rich foods have shown similar beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. A reduction is excess blood clotting, which causes a number of adverse events (e.g., pulmonary embolism, heart attacks), has been seen with other flavenoid-rich foods like red wine, tea (green and black), and dark grape juice. Green and black tea contain the richest amount of beneficial flavenoids; next (in decreasing order) are dark chocolate, black grapes, milk chocolate, red wine, apples, strawberries and raisins.

Chocolate milk has been shown to be one of the best recovery drinks for endurance athletes. I’ve tried this and found it to be true, not to mention it taste so good after exerting yourself to the limit. Chocolate also stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a sensation similar to the "runner's high" a runner feels after several miles.

Again, moderation is key. 100 grams of a chocolate bar has over 500 calories, so don’t over do it.