Family: Sterculiaceae; other members include kola
Genus and species: Theobroma cacao
Also known as: Chocolate, cacao
Parts used: Seed (often called bean)
Just a few years ago a burst of publicity surrounded a report suggesting that eating chocolate causes the release of brain chemicals responsible for the feeling of being in love. Researchers theorized this is why the broken-hearted sometimes seek solace in a box of chocolates.
Though this research is yet to be confirmed, there is still reason for chocoholics to rejoice! Your favorite vice may be just what the doctor ordered. Cocoa and its derivative, chocolate, may aid digestion, boost blood flow to the heart, and help anyone with chest congestion breathe easier. Unwrap a chocolate kiss and read on.
Devil’s Food
Devil’s Food
Chocolate cake is called “devil’s food.” And no wonder. The product of this herb has long been vilified as a cause of obesity, acne, heart disease, kidney stones, tooth decay, headaches, heartburn, and infant colic. Much of this reputation is undeserved.
Chocolate’s fat content may contribute to obesity and heart disease, but the chocolate used in confections is rarely as much of a problem as their high-fat, high-cholesterol butter and cream. Cocoa and chocolate contain no cholesterol (except milk chocolate, whose dairy ingredients contain a small amount). However, they are high in saturated fat, the kind of fat that can raise cholesterol levels and contributes to heart disease. But a good deal of cocoa’s saturated fat is in the form of stearic acid, which does not raise cholesterol. For the record, here’s how the various kinds of chocolate stack up.
TYPE----CALORIES (1oz.)-----CALORIES from FAT (%)
Cocoa--------75------------------- 65
Bittersweet--135------------------ 75
Baker’s------143------------------ 93
Milk ---------147------------------ 56
BAD RUMORS
Chocolate’s contribution to tooth decay has been blown out of proportion. Some research even suggests that cocoa contains substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Again the problem with chocolate candy is not its cocoa content but rather the other sugary, gooey ingredients.
There is no evidence that chocolate causes acne, kidney stones, or infant colic. However, chocolate does contain chemicals (tyramines) that trigger headaches in some people, particularly those prone to migraines.
Cocoa--------75------------------- 65
Bittersweet--135------------------ 75
Baker’s------143------------------ 93
Milk ---------147------------------ 56
BAD RUMORS
Chocolate’s contribution to tooth decay has been blown out of proportion. Some research even suggests that cocoa contains substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Again the problem with chocolate candy is not its cocoa content but rather the other sugary, gooey ingredients.
There is no evidence that chocolate causes acne, kidney stones, or infant colic. However, chocolate does contain chemicals (tyramines) that trigger headaches in some people, particularly those prone to migraines.
HEALING with Cocoa
Cocoa contains two chemicals that account for its users in herbal healing – caffeine and theobromine.
1. Pick Me-up. Cocoa has only 10 to 20% of coffee’s caffeine content – about 13mg per cup compared with instant coffee’s 65mg and drip coffee’s 100 to 150 mg. As a result, cocoa and chocolate may relieve drowsiness and provide mild stimulation without causing as much jitterness, insomnia, and irritability as coffee. Try some when you feel lethargic – purely as herbal medicine, of course.
2. Digestive Aid. The theobromine in cocoa relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, which may be why many people have room for chocolate after a heavy meal. Try some to soothe your stomach after meals.
3. Asthma. Theobromine and caffeine are close chemical relatives of a standard treatment for asthma (theophylline), which opens the bronchial passages of the lungs. Theobromine and caffeine have similar effects. Even if you don’t have asthma, try cocoa or chocolate for the chest congestion of colds and flu.
Rx for Cocoa
Kiss guilt good-bye. Now there are some genuine, good-for-you reasons to brew yourself a heavenly cup of cocoa. Try it as a pick-me-up or digestive aid. Anyone with asthma should be under a doctor’s care, but there’s no harm in a cup of cocoa for possible relief.
Cocoa contains two chemicals that account for its users in herbal healing – caffeine and theobromine.
1. Pick Me-up. Cocoa has only 10 to 20% of coffee’s caffeine content – about 13mg per cup compared with instant coffee’s 65mg and drip coffee’s 100 to 150 mg. As a result, cocoa and chocolate may relieve drowsiness and provide mild stimulation without causing as much jitterness, insomnia, and irritability as coffee. Try some when you feel lethargic – purely as herbal medicine, of course.
2. Digestive Aid. The theobromine in cocoa relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, which may be why many people have room for chocolate after a heavy meal. Try some to soothe your stomach after meals.
3. Asthma. Theobromine and caffeine are close chemical relatives of a standard treatment for asthma (theophylline), which opens the bronchial passages of the lungs. Theobromine and caffeine have similar effects. Even if you don’t have asthma, try cocoa or chocolate for the chest congestion of colds and flu.
Rx for Cocoa
Kiss guilt good-bye. Now there are some genuine, good-for-you reasons to brew yourself a heavenly cup of cocoa. Try it as a pick-me-up or digestive aid. Anyone with asthma should be under a doctor’s care, but there’s no harm in a cup of cocoa for possible relief.
To make a cocoa use 1 to 2 heaping teaspoons per cup of hot water or low-fat or skim milk.
Some children and adults are extra sensitive to the stimulants in cocoa and chocolate. If insomnia, irritability, or hyperactivity becomes a problem, reduce consumption.
SAFETY FACTOR
The real safety issues have to do with this herb’s caffeine content. Caffeine is a powerfully stimulating, classically addictive drug. It is associated with insomnia, irritability, and anxiety attacks; increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar (glucose) levels; and increased risk of birth defects.
The real safety issues have to do with this herb’s caffeine content. Caffeine is a powerfully stimulating, classically addictive drug. It is associated with insomnia, irritability, and anxiety attacks; increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar (glucose) levels; and increased risk of birth defects.
Cocoa and chocolate contain only 10to 20% as much caffeine as coffee but large amount can produce classic caffeine effects. Anyone with insomnia, anxiety problems high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or heart diseases should limit caffeine consumption.
Ref: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991
