Chocolate Cravings (The Sunday Times, 8th April 2007)

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Q. I always crave chocolate shortly before my period. I indulge in sweet relief, but each month I experience the same cycle and feel rather guilty as a consequence. Can you help?



A.Chocolate can be beneficial to health and mood, provided it is dark and comprises at least 50% cocoa solids. Chocolate contains several minerals, including magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, and cocoa beans are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and catechins, which help to mop up damaging free radicals. In studies, dark chocolate has been shown to improve cardiovascular function, reduce blood pressure and increase antioxidant activity (see above). It also contains natural compounds that release mood-elevating endorphins and the amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes positive feelings. Ecco Bella’s Fairtrade organic dark chocolate Women’s Wonder Bar (£3.95 for 50g; 01273 558112) is fortified with the hormone-balancing herb Agnus castus, so you can indulge your craving without feeling guilty.

According to Chinese medicine, the sweet taste is connected to the spleen, which is linked to our digestion, and an imbalance can result in an obsession with sweet food. Excess raw food is said to weaken the spleen, so favour lightly steamed vegetables and those vegetables with a naturally sweet taste, such as baked carrots, parsnips or sweet potatoes.



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