Cocoa: Chocolate: food or drug?
Source
Home Page For The "Cocoa Source For Mood
Enhancers"
Chocolate: food or drug?
by
Bruinsma K, Taren DL
Arizona Prevention Center,
University of Arizona,
College of Medicine,
Tucson 85719, USA.
J Am Diet Assoc 1999 Oct; 99(10):1249-56
ABSTRACT
A
lthough
addictive behavior is generally associated with drug and
alcohol abuse or compulsive sexual activity, chocolate
may evoke similar psychopharmacologic and behavioral
reactions in susceptible persons.
A
review of the literature on chocolate cravings indicates
that the hedonic appeal of chocolate (fat, sugar,
texture, and aroma) is likely to be a predominant factor
in such cravings. Other characteristics of chocolate,
however, may be equally as important contributors to the
phenomena of chocolate cravings.
Chocolate may be used by some as a form of
self-medication for dietary deficiencies (eg, magnesium)
or to balance low levels of neurotransmitters involved
in the regulation of mood, food intake, and compulsive
behaviors (eg, serotonin and dopamine).
Chocolate cravings are often episodic and fluctuate with
hormonal changes just before and during the menses,
which suggests a hormonal link and confirms the assumed
gender-specific nature of chocolate cravings.
Chocolate contains several biologically active
constituents (methylxanthines, biogenic amines, and
cannabinoid-like fatty acids), all of which potentially
cause abnormal behaviors and psychological sensations
that parallel those of other addictive substances.
Most likely, a combination of chocolate's sensory
characteristics, nutrient composition, and psychoactive
ingredients, compounded with monthly hormonal
fluctuations and mood swings among women, will
ultimately form the model of chocolate cravings.
Dietetics professionals must be aware that chocolate
cravings are real. The psychopharmacologic and
chemosensory effects of chocolate must be considered
when formulating recommendations for overall healthful
eating and for treatment of nutritionally related health
issues.
Karl
Note: I reject strongly the notion that a "mood
booster" can ever be some chemical substance, whether a
psychiatric drug or a so-called "natural" substance.
The belief that "mood" can be changed with chemicals is the
original contribution of the "Man
Came From Mud" theory, and supports the entire
"allopathic" system of medicine that holds that drugs
are the key to health! This is a false path down which
to travel. Vibrant Life feels so strongly about this
that
we refuse to sell any of our products
to any person taking any "mood enhancer" substance, whether
psychiatric drug, illegal street drug or otherwise.
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