So What About Chocolate and Cola?

There is much being said recently about dark chocolate and its possible health benefits. Here's some information from different resources that might give some helpful insights on both chocolate and cola drinks:

· "It is difficult to fault something that was known as the "Food of the Gods" to the Aztecs, but chocolate can certainly have its negative side. It is extremely high in fat, calories, and because of its bitterness, is invariably blended with large amounts of sweeteners. Chocolate also contains caffeine and theobromine (stimulants), tannic acid, and has a high content of oxalic acid (blocks absorption of calcium)." Source: TCW Product Information Guide
· "Because it (chocolate) is rich in the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, chocolate combats fatigue and gives a burst of quick energy." Source: Reader's Digest, Magic and Medicine of Plants
· "Kola Nuts are the seed kernels of 6 or 7 species of the genus Cola (Chocolate Family). The kernels contain more caffeine than coffee, also a little theobromine." Source: A Golden Guide, Herbs and Spices

This is my story. At age 21, I had over a dozen breast lumps. After having a mammogram, the medical practitioner: 1) assured me that the lumps were benign, 2) said that women are much more affected negatively by stimulants, and 3) recommended that I give up 4 things for life to avoid breast cancer which were: coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate. Incidentally, I only had to give up one: chocolate - my favorite addiction! The others were not a part of my life. And within a few months, all the breast lumps disappeared and have never returned.

Chocolate and cola drinks do contain stimulants, and that's why they are addictive just like other addictive substances. That's why people crave them - that's why people get headaches if they try to avoid them once addicted.

Solutions: avoid addictive foods - those with stimulants!

* Replace chocolate with carob. "The taste of carob is 'somewhat similar' to chocolate but should be enjoyed for its own unique flavor. Carob is a naturally sweet product, about 40% natural sugars. Compared to chocolate, carob is low in fat and is not as allergenic." Source: TCW Product Information Guide

* Replace cola drinks with WATER, and nutritious high antioxidant drinks such as Zrii (Ayurvedically balanced)!

For lots of great recipes using carob, get Enjoy Nature's Harvest E-cookbook available at http://erleentilton.com/store.htm

For your best health,
Erleen Tilton