Scotland’s toughest rugby players are being encouraged to develop a sweet tooth after scientists unwrapped the superfood value in a locally made chocolate.
Research by Queen Margaret University showed that eating an artisan chocolate increased players’ reaction time, which has prompted Scottish Rugby to recommend the dark bars to its players.
Twelve Scottish Rugby Union sevens players were put through their paces to see what affect Stirling-based iQ Chocolate had on their mental function.
And the results were surprising.
What better way to start the day than with fruit, nuts and… chocolate! http://t.co/e77lkDEtgF
— iQ Chocolate (@ iQchocolate )
Thu Apr 24 09:54:37 +0000 2014
Academic lead for food and drink knowledge exchange Dr Jane McKenzie explained: “Cocoa rich products like chocolate are amongst the most concentrated and valuable sources of antioxidants in the diet.
“Antioxidants play a valuable role in maintaining good health. They can help protect cells from damage and are important in the fight against disease, as well as improved mental function.
“Our research showed that there was a trend towards greater cognitive performance amongst the squad after eating iQ Chocolate compared with the other brands.”
The tests also showed that iQ chocolate had a greater antioxidant level, dispelling the myth that all chocolate is an unhealthy indulgence.
Scottish Rugby lead nutritionist Richard Chessor now recommends players eat iQ Chocolate due to its superfood properties.
“As much as I would like to say they don’t eat chocolate and they’re all saints when it comes to their diet, we can say to them if you want something sweet perhaps eat iQ Chocolate because it’s going to provide more than just a flavour hit.â€
Before the research, players had been encouraged to eat iQ Choclate as a post-match snack for about a year.
“The idea there is that some of these antioxidants have been shown to reduce muscle soreness,†Richard said.
“The reason we engaged in this research is one of the things we do know about cocoa antioxidants is there able to support cognitive function.â€
  (Scottish Rugby Union)
They initially chose iQ chocolate due to the ingredients and the way they roast their own cocoa beans.
“They roast them for a very long time and just treat them very delicately, particularly in the grounding process as well to protect the raw antioxidants as best as possible.â€
The higher antioxidant content compared to rival chocolates turns it from a “forbidden food to a functional food†as it benefits players both physically and mentally, Richard said.
“Maybe a couple of serves a week in the build up to a game is going to help you maintain cognitive performance and reaction time.â€
Chocolate makers Kate Hamilton and Jane Shandley approached the university to carry out the research to see whether their raw, organic 72 per cent cocoa chocolate could help elite athletes’ performance compared to other brands, which are often high in sugar and fat content and low in cocoa content.
  (iQ Chocolate)
Kate said: “Based on the findings from this research, we are extending our product offering, to include a range of bars specifically designed for athletes and other sport and exercise participants looking for a natural boost to sporting performance.
They are also continuing to work with Queen Margaret University with the aim of repositioning chocolate as a naturally healthy food to be enjoyed as part of a nutritionally balanced diet.
.@iQchocolate The innovators: five Scottish companies making waves in the world of food http://t.co/3d1wX0GC7b
— Herald Scotland (@ heraldscotland )
Mon May 05 12:44:48 +0000 2014
Kate and Jane started experimenting in 2011 to make a healthy, guilt-free chocolate bar.
After scouring the most remote corners of the world they came across the intoxication pure Criollo cocoa bean in Peru and began creating bars, sweetened with coconut blossom nectar.
Funding for the research was provided by the Sporting Chance Initiative, which has helped 500 businesses over the last four years to enhance existing products, processes or services for the sports health and wellness markets.
Its funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund, Stirling Council, the Scottish Funding Council, University of Stirling and Stirling University Innovation Park.
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27212894
Scientists have tackled a surprising link between chocolate and rugby
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