Source 1:
Franco, Rafael; Oatibia-Astibia, Ainhoa; Martnez-Pinilla, Eva: Health benefits of
Methylxanthines in Cacao and Chocolate. Basel, Switzerland: Nutrients, 2013
Primary/ Factual Source.
The authors are experts in the fields of Cell and Molecular Neuropharmacology and
Neuroscience. They are part of a research program at Navarra University in Spain. They
are not biased and the information provided is backed by scientific research.
Synopsis: Provides information on what types of chemicals are found in the cacao plant,
these chemicals’ effect on the human body, and how these chemicals work on a molecular
level. Supports the idea that cacao beans contain many vital nutrients. However, it is the
large amounts of sugar a calories that makes eating chocolate unhealthy in some situations.
Claim: Dark chocolate is healthy in small quantities while milk chocolate contains more
unhealthy ingredients.
Quotations: “Palatability and health benefits of methylxanthines, in general, and
theobromine, in particular, have further contributed to sustain one of the most innocuous
and pleasant habits: chocolate consumption.”
“In fact, chocolate/cacao does not generally produce insomnia or cause anxiety. The reason
why the main methylxanthine in cacao, theobromine, has a differential effect when
compared with caffeine or theophylline merits further investigation. Finally, it should be
noted that the advantages of cacao/chocolate consumption may be counterbalanced by the
high caloric intake associated to the sugar present in the preparations. Perhaps “diet” or
“light” low-caloric preparations of cacao/chocolate should be explored to increase the
health benefits of a pleasant experience.”
“Caffeine and theobromine are the most abundant methylxanthines in cacao and their
physiological effects are notable. Their health-promoting benefits are so remarkable that
chocolate is explored as a functional food.”
Further Questions: Why is dark chocolate considered healthier than milk chocolate?
What is white chocolate?
Why was chocolate thought to have caused insomnia?
How are chocolate and insulin regulation related?
Bibliographic Tree: Andjar, I.; Recio, M.C.; Giner, R.M.; Ros, J.L. Cocoa polyphenols and
their potential benefits for human health.
Grassi, D.; Lippi, C.; Necozione, S.; Desideri, G.; Ferri, C. Short-term administration of
dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in
blood pressure in healthy persons.
Interface with Inq 3: This article provided helpful and factual information on many of my
inquiries especially my main question: “What are the health benefits of eating chocolate”.
This source contained a lot of scientific evidence, which makes me think this is a good
source to use in my research paper. I also found many good sources that I could use for my
