chocolate in the news
Violent Video Games and Chocolate
December 13, 2013
This particular research took place in Italy, involving 170 teenagers showing their skills in a violent video game, like Grand Theft Auto III, or a non-violent game like MiniGolf 3D, in a span of 45 minutes. A bowl of chocolate was beside the gaming console while they were playing. They knew they could eat the candies, albeit they were told that it was unhealthy to devour so much chocolates in a short period of time.
Those who played violent video games ate three times as much chocolates as those who played non-violent ones. After playing, the participants went through a 10-item logic test where they got one ticket for a prize raffle for every question they answered correctly. After learning the number of answers they got right, they were told to get the corresponding number of tickets from an envelope while not being watched.
Are You Ready For White Chocolate Pringles?
December 6, 2013
This product serves as a simpler sequel to last holiday season’s White Chocolate Peppermint Pringles. White chocolate’s fan base is pretty small, as compared to the humongous number of people who swear by the darker varieties, considered as "real chocolate."
Kellogg's second attempt with Pringles is actually worth mentioning, considering how the prior white chocolate experiment didn’t pan out very well. "Imagine mouthwash gone bad, and then put on a potato chip," says the Huffington Post. Taste testers at Today.com claimed that such chips were “unanimously despised, with one staffer comparing it to a Pringle with ‘a thin layer of toothpaste on it.’"
Mexico To Charge Extra Tax On Chocolate
November 22, 2013
If the ancient Aztecs were around, they would not have approved. In the land where it all started, Mexican lawmakers have declared chocolate to be "junk," subject to an extra tax.
This specific charge is included in an array of fiscal changes passed by Mexico's Congress that are looking to expand tax revenues. It’s also an attempt to alter the country's unhealthy eating habits.
Included in the amendments added to the tax bill was a levy on "junk food". Products that contain higher than 275 calories per 100 grams belong in this group. Myriads of chocolate have about twice that amount. Originally proposed as a 5% levy, Congress approved an 8% charge on the foods. Other food items categorized as junk food include gelatin, sweets and some puddings.
Eat Chocolate And Lose Body Fat
November 15, 2013
Based on the studies done by the researchers from the University of Granada in Spain, European adolescents who eat chocolate on a regular basis, even those who weren’t necessarily going on a diet or exercising, tend to be slimmer.
1,458 teenagers aged between 12 and 17 in nine European countries, including Spain and the UK were the subjects of this particular research. Turns out, those who are fans of chocolate and consume a lot of it had lower body fat.
Furthermore, those teenagers who swear by chocolate had better circulation, blood pressure and heart health. The study was published in Journal Nutrition. However, it wasn’t specified what they deemed “high chocolate consumption.”
Chocolate To Support Breast Cancer Funding
October 18, 2013
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation will receive 20 cents from every block of Milk Strawberry chocolate that will be sold until the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). It aims to financially support breast cancer medical training.
This makes the established rapport between Whittaker's and the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation even stronger. Last year, they introduced White Raspberry chocolate, which raised over $70,000, nearly three times the amount expected. And in accordance with such a hit, Whittaker’s has become a Pink Ribbon Platinum Partner, meaning it is committed to donating at least $75,000 this year.
Whittaker’s Brand Manager, Holly Whittaker says, "We are delighted to continue our involvement with The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, given their important role in helping New Zealanders beat breast cancer. This year, we are focusing our support on their scholarship program and continuous medical education for breast cancer medical professionals."
Chocolate as Cough Medication?
October 11, 2013
Around 300 participants that suffered from a persistent cough took part in a clinical trial at 13 National Health Service hospitals in the UK. They were given theobromine, the naturally occurring chemical found in chocolate, twice a day for 14 days. 60% of the participants reported some sort of relief.
Research has it that a daily dose of dark chocolate may come with sufficient amounts of active compound to treat a chronic cough, emphasis on the word ‘treat’. It did not cure the cough, considering symptoms did return once treatment was ended.
Reducing Liver Enzymes in HIV/HCV Patients
October 4, 2013
A recent study has shown that patients diagnosed with HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C virus) who ate chocolate on a daily basis, and downed at least 3 cups of coffee each day, were found to have lower levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) as compared to patients who had fewer foods that had polyphenol in them.
Scientists came up with these results from 990 adult patients coinfected with HCV and HIV. They tried tossing in moderate red wine consumption into the analysis, but it did not make a significant change to the results. Also, tobacco use had no impact on either outcome. A combination indicator for polyphenol-rich food intake including both coffee and chocolate consumption was remarkably linked to risk reductions for high ALT and AST.
Chocolate Beer Sandwich, Anyone?
September 27, 2013
Europe introduces yet another innovation, a new sandwich spread with the flavors of chocolate and beer combined. This interesting creation is known as “Birra Spalmabile”. The inventors suggest that it would be best on toast or used as a cake filling. You might get to thinking “Why on earth would I want my child’s cake to taste like beer?”
Two Italian companies, brewery Alta Quota and chocolate maker Napoleone, the ones responsible for creating this masterpiece, say that it can also be eaten with cheese or other appetizers.
Chocolate Going On A Space Station Delivery
September 20, 2013
NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg said in an interview that she can't wait for the arrival of a new cargo ship by the name of Cygnus, the first ever shipment by Orbital Sciences Corp. to the International Space Station.
"You know that there's something packed away in that vehicle, something special for you ... We're human beings and we get very excited about the packages from home and some of the treats that we might get," said Nyberg.