healthy dark chocolate cocoa healthChocolate's Benefits?

A true chocoholic could do a little research and argue that there are several bioactive compounds in chocolate that promote alertness, lessen pain and promote well-being. So are you going to google dark healthy chocolate? And will you make this coffee chocolate shake?


For example, the stimulants theobromine, caffeine, tyramine andphenylethylamine (PEA) provide a brain-fogged PWC with a much-neededlift. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, lessens anxiety by producingthe neurotransmitter serotonin; endorphins, the body's natural opiates,reduce sensitivity to pain.

So let's sum up. Chocolate gives you an energy lift, less anxiety,a reduction in pain-who wouldn't recommend something that did all that?Well, a nutritionist or biochemist could argue that chocolate doesn'tcontain much of these ingredients.

For example, while caffeine does encourage alertness, there is less caffeine in chocolate than there is in a cup of coffee. (There are about 30 milligrams of caffeine in your average chocolate bar, while a cup of coffee contains 100 -150 mgs.)So what if, while you researched dark healthy chocolate, you came up with a healthy dark chocolate that didn't have added caffeine?

Another example: PEA causes blood pressure and blood sugar to rise,and you'll feel alert and content for awhile. But those good feelings are likely to be followed by a sugar-induced drop in energy that leaves you more tired than before you ate the candy.So what if, while you researched dark healthy chocolate, you came up with a chocolate that didn't have any processed sugar?

I have a dark chocolate espresso shake pretty much every morning and boy is this poster correct, for me. Major healthy energy in this coffee chocolate shake!

Here's how I make mine:
I start with a regular pint beer mug
fill just over half with crushed ice
add two shots of espresso
add one shot of dark chocolate Activ
add one and half shots of non-fat milk
pour into blender
pulse lightly
add two scoops of Vishape protein powder
blend thoroughly
enjoy!