Health Nugget
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| CHOCOLATE | CAROB POWDER |
| Methylxanthines and contributing factors in breast cancer and possibly prostrate cancer. Caffeine is a methylxanthine. It is wise to discontinue the use of coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and all forms of methylxanthines. | No methylxanthines |
| Tannin is present in all brands of cocoa from which chocolate is made, and can have harmful effects on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. | No tannin |
| Theobromine causes headaches, central nervous system irritation, itching, depression, anxiety, and fibrocystic disease of the breast. | No theobromine |
| Sugar in large amounts is required to mask the bitter flavor and make it palatable. | Naturally sweet |
| Fat makes up a minimum of 50% of chocolate’s calories. Oil, cream, or milk is often added which makes it extremely rich, heavy oily, and difficult to digest. | Low in fat (about 2% of its calories) |
| Contamination often occurs during the processing of cocoa beans. The bean pods are left in piles outdoors to ferment for several days. Fermentation is essential to develop the chocolate flavor. Aflatoxins, which are cancer promoting toxins produced by molds, are produced in the beans. In addition, insects, rodents and small animals may make nests in the piles. Though the beans are later cleaned, roasted, and shelled, contaminants can be present. Some individuals thought to be allergic to chocolate may actually be allergic to the contaminants in the chocolate. | No fermintation necessary; no known allergic reactions |
| Caffeine Caffeine is the world most widely used drug, and affects the psychological state of those who consume it. The continued use of the narcotic results in headaches, insomnia, heart palpitations, indigestion, irritability, mental feebleness, depression, and numerous other harmful effects on both mind and body. Caffeine is not only considered a habit forming drug, but also addictive. Abuse results in symptoms of caffeinism which is comparable to morphinism, and includes agitation, disorientation, loss of self control, and a syndrome which may be mistake for anxiety/neuroses. Caffeine is found in coffee, non-herbal tea, cola and soft drink beverages, chocolate, and cocoa. | No caffeine |
Facts on Carob
- Commonly called “John’s bread”, Honey Locust.
- Comes from pods that are finely ground and made into a flour.
- Rich source of nutrients: Thiamine-B1, Riboflavin-B2, Niacin, Vit A, Calcium
- Also contains Iron, Silicon, Magnesium, Phosphorus
- Low in starch
- Contains only natural sugars
- Low in fat
- Delicious in brownies, pudding, hot drinks, cakes
Source: Ten Talents Vegetarian Cookbook (pg. 27)