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