5 Of Chocolate's Sweet Benefits Highlighted In New American Chemical Society Video

Date: Feb-13-2013Just in time for Valentine's Day, the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society, has released a new Bytesize Science video featuring five chemistry facts that highlight why chocolate, in moderation, may be good for you.

The video explains how a bar of chocolate contains hundreds of compounds, many with beneficial properties. Among the video's "sweet" facts:
Chocolate may improve your mood, and not just because of its delicious flavor. Chocolate contains a number of chemicals that inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter anandamide - sometimes called "the molecule of bliss" - which can block feelings of pain and depression.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulants that can provide a burst of energy.
According to an article from the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the naturally occurring polyphenols in cocoa - the key ingredient in chocolate - boost levels of HDL, commonly known as the "good cholesterol."
Chocolate may reduce stroke risk in men.
A little dark chocolate may reduce stress.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.