Chocolate is not a great source of nutrients, but there's no harm in eating a moderate amount, especially the dark variety, {{U}}(31) {{/U}}contains some of the same disease-fighting antioxidants as red wine, fruits and vegetables.
In fact, a 40-gram{{U}} (32) {{/U}}of dark chocolate offers about the same amount of antioxidant protection{{U}} (33) {{/U}}a 150-ml glass of dry red wine.
Thirty grams of solid chocolate contains about 150 calories and 2 or 3 grams of protein. The original bean has significant{{U}} (34) {{/U}}of vitamin E and B vitamins. These nutrients, {{U}}(35) {{/U}}are so diluted as to be negligible in modern processed chocolate. Sweet or semisweet chocolate{{U}} (36) {{/U}}between 40 and 53 percent fat, or cocoa butter. {{U}}(37) {{/U}}chocolate and cocoa powder supply chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, but{{U}} (38) {{/U}}of the high fat and calories, you're best to get these minerals from{{U}} (39) {{/U}}sources.
Ever{{U}} (40) {{/U}}why you suddenly crave the rich, sweet taste of chocolate?
Well, the scientific answer is that chocolate contains two stimulants, theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine, {{U}}(41) {{/U}}caffeine, does not{{U}} (42) {{/U}}the central nervous system but has a mainly diuretic effect. Most chocolate products contain no more{{U}} (43) {{/U}}about 0.1 percent caffeine and are much less{{U}} (44) {{/U}}than a cup of decaffeinated coffee. Unsweetened baking chocolate is a{{U}} (45) {{/U}}more concentrated{{U}} (46) {{/U}}of caffeine.
Some people have a tendency to{{U}} (47) {{/U}}themselves in chocolate after emotional upset, as it can be a mood elevator. While there's no{{U}} (48) {{/U}}basis for this behavior, psychiatrists have theorized that "chocoholics" may be people{{U}} (49) {{/U}}have a faulty mechanism for regulating their body levels of phenylethylamine. And every woman knows that{{U}} (50) {{/U}}cravings can be tied to those monthly hormonal changes.