Research Paper on:
Human Cocoa Consumption Benefits and Risks

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
sources. MHCocoa.rtf The Benefits and Risks of Human Consumption of Cocoa Research Compiled by 10/2001 For More Information  on This Paper, Please INTRODUCTION In recent years, nutritionists and medical researchers have considered variations in diet as it impacts general health, cardiovascular health, and immunological response.  Recent studies of consumption of varied elements, from green tea to soy proteins, have suggested that diet can play a substantial role in overall health. What may seem  surprising, though, is that some substances that may not appear to be initially beneficial for overall health may in fact have verifiable health benefits, and chocolate is one of these  substances. This study, then, relates the findings in the current literature, including peer review sources and medical sources, that outline existing studies regarding chococale consumption, more specifically the consumption  of cocoa, and the impacts of this consumption for specific health issues. Statement of the Problem For over a decade, psychological researchers have recognized that some  foods, including those deemed "comfort" foods, can have a positive impact on mental health. Chocolate has been the center of a number of these studies, and researchers have even  argued that chocolate consumption causes a physiological response that can improve emotional status. Mental health aside, though, the last five years have marked an increase in the number of  studies on the physiological impacts of chocolate consumption, more specifically the consumption of cocoa, and these studies suggest interesting and varied perspectives on the outcomes of cocoa consumption. The  current literature reflects a number of these analytical and quantitative studies. Research Question/Hypothesis The following are some of the central research questions that should be related through