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Once again chocolate proves itself to be a healthful food. It helps to ease diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a disorder that can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause all sorts of other health related problems and even death. Children younger than 5 and elderly people are more prone to dehydration than people of other ages.
Researchers at the Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, California, found that cocoa beans contain antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids in the cocoa bind and prevent a protein called CFTR in the intestines. This protein regulates fluid secretion in the lung, tears, saliva, mucus, sweat, and small intestine. It is the development of fluid in the small intestine that causes diarrhea.
Dark chocolate contains large amounts of the necessary flavonoids. When choosing dark chocolate, read the label. Avoid any chocolate containing soy. Many people are allergic to soy whether they are aware of it or not.
Another important point: If there are dogs in the home, do not let them eat chocolate. Chocolate, and especially dark chocolate, contains theobromine. Even in small quantities, theobromine is toxic to pets.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2021
