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What is it?
Organic chocolate is created using cocoa beans which have not suffered heavy pesticide spraying. Fairtrade means that the cocoa (and sugar) farmers involved in the process are guaranteed to receive a fair price for their produce. Why is it a pleasure?
Chocolate's melting point is slightly below human body temperature, so it melts in the mouth.
Chocolate is also high in certain substances which affect mood, such as tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin), phenylethylamine (an endogenous amphetamine) and anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid), as well as sugar and the stimulant caffeine.
Phenylethylamine (or PEA), sometimes known as 'the love molecule', is a natural chemical thought to be implicated in the euphoric feelings associated with falling in love. It's unclear, however, if chocolate contains enough phenylethylamine for its effects to be really felt. (More about chocolate's effects on the brain here.)  A love affair with chocolate? Why is it good for you?
Chocolate high in cocoa is a rich source of the flavonoids epicatechin and gallic acid, antioxidants which are thought to possess cardio-protective properties.
However, chocolate is also high in sugar and fat, so it's not all good news.
Why is it good for the world?
Organic farming is a form of agriculture that does not use pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and genetically modified organisms. Instead, organic farming attempts to protect and enhance the soil, through methods like crop rotation and the application of compost. The fairtrade movement aims to create opportunities for those who have been economically disadvantaged by the conventional trading system. To be Fairtrade certified products must meet certain environmental, labour and developmental standards. |
