Response to Questions - Article Example

The Potential Medical Benefits of Cocoa The main claims in the article are the therapeutic effects that cocoa might have. The article claims that flavonoids in cocoa might play a major role in regulating blood pressure or even preventing occurrence of ailments such as cancer, heart diseases as well as relieving aching nerves. Additional claims in the article is the likelihood that cocoa could be effective in relieving migraines in human, just like it has done in research involving mice. Other claims include role of cocoa in deterrence of colon cancer liver damage, and reduction of systemic inflammation.

Cocoa is also lower the rate of weight gain when added to food with elevated fat levels. The ability to lower weight gain worked perfectly in research involving overweight mice (Esposito 2012). The weak points of this argument are its inability of the research to identify the exact period and location within which the research was done. It does not specify the gender of those involved in the research whereas we clearly know gender and age are important factors that may affect credibility of results.

The article also fails to give the quantity of flavonoids in the cocoa used in the different tests. The article is biased in the one-dimensional approach it has given about black cocoa. It focuses only on the benefits black cocoa or black chocolate has but does not warn the readers of possible side effects, which might result for those who may choose to overindulge with the hope of speedy results. The article is so general on the dosage required and does not even specify the ages, which the given dosage is applicable.

The strong point of the reported information is the simplicity with which it has addressed the issues involved. The language used is simple enough to be understood by many. The argument also provides evidence from already published journals, which one can use to ascertain the issues discussed. The article clearly interprets results obtained from mice animals that have been used for long to carry out tests and provide results closer to those in human subjects.The reported information is not detailed enough and it fails to address a number of very critical issues, which leaves the leader in doubt on the accuracy of the information.

The reported information fails fully explain, if there has been any success in identifying the exact flavanoid in the cocoa beans that offers remedy for each of the condition. If they have been identified the paper should explain if any successful attempts to extract such flavonoids have been made. Other information lacking in the paper is the exact mode of action of the flavonoids in relieving each of the condition. Any side effects of excessive usage of black cocoa could cause has not been mentioned.

More information on this topic can be found on Health benefits of Cocoa Flavonoids, an article released on issue 07/2006 by European Food Information Council. A clear description on the medicinal importance of cocoa beans (European Food Information Council, 2006). More information on medicinal properties of cocoa beans can be found in Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, a book authored by Preedy Victor, Ronald Ross, and Vinood Patel (Preedy et al, 2011).ReferencesEsposito, L. (2012).

Chocolate a Sweet Remedy for Many Ills? Preliminary research suggests cocoa might fight heart disease, Cancer and even obesity. HealthDay. Retrieved from http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=663007 European Food Information Council. (2006). Health Benefits of Cocoa Flavonoids. Food Today Issue. European Food Information Council. Retrieved from http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/health-benefits-cocoa-flavanoids/ Preedy, F et al, (2011): “Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention.

” Waltham: Massachusetts Academic Press.