Cocoa vs. Depression

Harry Hirsute · � #1 � 11-20-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Dec;11(6):269-76.

Antidepressant-like effects of a cocoa polyphenolic extract in Wistar-Unilever rats.

Messaoudi M, Bisson JF, Nejdi A, Rozan P, Javelot H.

ETAP-Applied Ethology, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Canc�rologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Sant�, Vandoeuvre-l�s-Nancy, France.

Depression is a major public health problem affecting about 12% of the world population. Drugs exist but they have many side effects. In the last few years, natural substances (e.g. flavonoids) have been tested to cure such disorders.

Cocoa polyphenolic extract is a complex compound prepared from non-roasted cocoa beans containing high levels of flavonoids. The antidepressant-like effect of cocoa polyphenolic extract was evaluated using the forced swimming test in rats.

Cocoa polyphenolic extract significantly reduced the duration of immobility at both doses of 24 mg/kg/14 days and 48 mg/kg/14 days, although no change of motor dysfunction was observed with the two doses tested in the open field.

The results of the forced swimming test after a subchronic treatment and after an additional locomotor activity test confirm the assumption that the antidepressant-like effect of cocoa polyphenolic extract in the forced swimming test model is specific. Further, it can be speculated that this effect might be related to its content of active polyphenols.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum

scorpiotiger · � #2 � 11-21-2008, 10:28 AM

gosh, all they had to do was ask the 18 million women that use chocolate for this effect, usually just at a certain point in their cycle.

imo, women have been using it for ages as self medication for PMS. works like a charm.

Harry Hirsute · � #3 � 11-21-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiotiger

gosh, all they had to do was ask the 18 million women that use chocolate for this effect, usually just at a certain point in their cycle.

imo, women have been using it for ages as self medication for PMS. works like a charm.

ST,

The thing I wonder about is why most women seem to prefer milk chocolate, over dark chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of polyphenols (generally speaking).

Taste-wise, I prefer milk chocolate. Always have. These days, I go with the darkest possible chocolate - as a middleground between taste and health-benefits. So, I can relate to wanting to have the milk chocolate - for the taste and for the taste-related mood elevation. But, then again, milk chocolate is generally pretty low in polyphenols. And therein lies the mystery.

scorpiotiger · � #4 � 11-21-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Hirsute

ST,

The thing I wonder about is why most women seem to prefer milk chocolate, over dark chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of polyphenols (generally speaking).

Taste-wise, I prefer milk chocolate. Always have. These days, I go with the darkest possible chocolate - as a middleground between taste and health-benefits. So, I can relate to wanting to have the milk chocolate - for the taste and for the taste-related mood elevation. But, then again, milk chocolate is generally pretty low in polyphenols. And therein lies the mystery.

I prefer dark chocolate.. always have. So, I don't know about most women.

but, I'm sure the sugar gives a bit of a lift (talking about PMS), as well as the chocolate. And, maybe the milk chocolate does the trick, but perhaps not as well as dark chocolate.

Also.. I know women that can go through a box of chocolates.. which are usually mostly milk chocolate. You probably wouldn't go through a pound of dark chocolate, because a little goes a long way.. and maybe the fact that there is more of this factor in dark chocolate means that you don't have to eat as much.

heck, I don't know... just guessing. but.. I do know there is magic in chocolate for a lot of women.

Hey, maybe it is the aphrodisiac part that is the magic...

Harry Hirsute · � #5 � 11-21-2008, 08:44 PM

I think you're probably right about the quantities of milk vs. dark chocolate that would likely be consumed. The dark is more intense and would therefore be used with more moderation by most.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Regular Cocoa Consumption May Lower CRP Levels	Harry Hirsute	Nutrition	0	09-22-2008 09:44 PM
Cocoa-Coffee downside.	Iggy Dalrymple	Dentistry	3	09-17-2008 08:36 PM
Cocoa May Lower Blood Pressure	Harry Hirsute	Heart Health	8	07-14-2008 01:42 PM
Cocoa Extract May Combat Prostate Enlargement	Harry Hirsute	Men's Health	11	02-20-2008 07:00 PM
Cocoa and Blood Sugar	Harry Hirsute	Diabetes	0	03-21-2007 10:22 AM