In a recent Dutch study, researchers compared the levels of antioxidant catechins in chocolate (Theobroma cacao L., Sterculiaceae) and black tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze,Theaceae). Catechins (a type of flavonoid or polyphenol) are commonly associated with tea, but are also found in red wine and a variety of other foods. Based on research with green tea, scientists believe that these compounds may play an important role in protecting against heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions.
In this study, a team of researchers analyzed levels of six major catechins in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and freshly brewed black tea. They found the highest level of total catechins in dark chocolate (53.5 mg per 100 g).
Levels were much lower in milk chocolate (15.9 mg of catechins per 100 g) and black tea (13.9 mg per 100 ml). Based on these results, the Dutch team declared, “the antioxidant catechin content of chocolate is four times that of [black] tea.”
In the second part of the study, researchers evaluated the importance of chocolate as a source of catechins in the Dutch diet. The survey, which drew from a sample of 6250 people, aged one to 97 years, revealed that black tea was the most important source of catechins (55 percent of total intake) and that chocolate contributed an additional 20 percent of catechins. The authors pointed out that chocolate might contribute an even larger percentage of catechins in younger age groups who drink less tea. They concluded with the statement that “epidemiological studies on the health effects of catechins in tea will give biased results if other catechin-rich foods such as chocolate are ignored.”
There is still much that is unknown about catechins in various foods. Researchers have conducted a considerable amount of research on green tea, with some studies indicating that between four and five cups of green tea a day (approximately 1600 mg of polyphenols) are needed to provide therapeutic effects. The equivalent amount of catechins needed from black tea and chocolate to provide a similar effect is unknown. However, another recent study also reviewed in this issue (Geleijnse et al., 1999) suggests that black tea in the Dutch diet does provide significant health benefits, although it does not allow for the effects of chocolate. See the review entitled “Black tea may protect heart health” for details about this study.
In addition, the researchers pointed out that chocolate and black tea contain different types of catechins. Chocolate contains (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, while black tea contains higher amounts of (-)-epicatechin gallate and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, with low concentrations of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and (+)-gallocatechin.
Researchers still don’t know precisely how these catechins differ in terms of health benefits. Clearly, more research is needed before we can elevate chocolate to “health food” status. – Krista Morien, HRF
Green tea contains the most catechins, followed by oolong and black teas. In research studies, catechins have been shown to halt tumor cell growth as well as to protect healthy cells from damage.
15 you need to know about chocolate:
>> Chocolate contains compounds called tetrahydro-beta-cabolines–the same addictive. crave-including compounds believed to trigger alcoholism.
>> Chocolate is old-school Viagra. Montezuma reputedly chugged a cup of chocolate before entering his harem, while Casanova called chocolate the “elixir of love” and drank it instead of champagne.
>> A 11/2-ounce square of chocolate may have as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as a five-ounce glass of red wine.
>> The higher the quality of the chocolate, the louder it should snap when you break it.
>> The ancient Mayans used chocolate as money.
>> The word chocolate comes from two ancient Indian words meaning “bitter water.”
>> The blood in the infamous shower scene of Hitchcock’s Psycho was chocolate syrup.
>> You should bait mousetraps with chocolate, not cheese. European researchers found that mice are more attracted to cocoa than cheddar.
>> It’s a fact. Chocolate does not cause ache.
>> The average American man consumes 11.6 pounds of chocolate each year, half the amount Swiss guys take in.
>> In a study of 7,800 men, researchers at Harvard University found that men who eat
chocolate a few times a month live significantly longer than guys who rarely eat chocolate.
>> Eating chocolate may help to strengthen your immune system, making your body more resistant to cold and flu bugs.
>> High cholesterol? Chocolate can help. It’s high in a type of fiber called lignin, which can help to keep bad: LDL levels under control.
>> Seventy percent of the world’s chocolate comes from just three places: Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia.
>> Dark chocolate is the healthiest, with the most nutrients and fewest calories. Milk chocolate is the least healthy and the highest in total calories.
Reference: Men’s Fitness
Incoming search terms:
- foods with catechins
- 20 year dutch study on chocolate
- black chocolate and heart health
- dark chocolate that contains catechin
- epicatechin dark chocolate mg
- percentage og catechins in chocolate
- which cocoa contains the most epicatechin
