Chocolate vs Vanilla

Lauren Harris

Comm 265G

11/08/10

Why Chocolate is Better than Vanilla

Introduction:

Attention Getting Opening:

It’s a war that has been fought for centuries. On one side, the ancient Mayans, who come out strong with a bitter drink called xocolatl, along with their offensive partner Milton Hershey, the first American to mass-produce the milk chocolate bar (joyofbaking), (Hershey’s). The others won’t go down without a fight; at the Wendy’s drive through, a new question is being asked after every Frosty order: chocolate or vanilla?

Reason your audience would be interested in this speech:

It is a fun topic, and these flavors are present in everyone’s lives at any age.

Establish your credibility:

I have done tireless research over the Internet, as well as sampled many vanilla and chocolate flavored items.

Thesis Statement: Chocolate is a better flavoring than vanilla, because:

It is better for your health
Will make you happier and more energetic
Is more economical

Transition: Chocolate gives many health benefits, which are not found in vanilla.

Body:

Main Point A.: Chocolate is delicious and good for your health.

Antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help your heart by lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease and diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats found in chocolate have no adverse effect on cholesterol levels. (Ingall, Marjorie, cnn)
Chocolate promotes brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain; improves memory and fights memory loss (Ingall, Marjorie, cnn)
Stimulates metabolism with the chemical theobromine and small amounts of caffeine (Smith, HJ; Gaffan, EA; Rogers, PJ, pubmed).
Although vanilla has been used for lots of medicinal purposes throughout history, the only proven medical uses it has are aromatherapy stress relief ...

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Antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help your heart by lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease and diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats found in chocolate have no adverse effect on cholesterol levels. (Ingall, Marjorie, cnn)
Chocolate promotes brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain; improves memory and fights memory loss (Ingall, Marjorie, cnn)
Stimulates metabolism with the chemical theobromine and small amounts of caffeine (Smith, HJ; Gaffan, EA; Rogers, PJ, pubmed).
Although vanilla has been used for lots of medicinal purposes throughout history, the only proven medical uses it has are aromatherapy stress relief and staving off hunger (squidoo).

Transition: Chocolate can also raise your mood and energy level

In a theobromine analysis done by Smith, HJ, Gaffan, EA, and Rogers, PJ published on pubmed.gov, it was found that theobromine, the main alkaloid in chocolate, has a mood elevating effect.
Caffeine is present in small amounts and can give extra energy (Smith, HJ; Gaffan, EA; Rogers, PJ, pubmed).
Vanilla raises catecholamine’s, especially adrenaline, which can also give energy but makes vanilla mildly addictive; added to other products i.e. cola, perfume, and even cigarettes (organicmd), (joyofbaking).
Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate were not found to be addictive; “chocoholics” most likely just enjoy the taste (Smith, HJ; Gaffan, EA; Rogers, PJ, pubmed).

Transition: Chocolate is more economical than vanilla.

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron (joyofbaking). 1lb of vanilla beans costs $60 (nutsonline).
Chocolate was once so valuable a commodity that it was used in trade; with the invention of milk chocolate and bar chocolate, chocolate has become very affordable: Hershey bar cost 59 cents in 2008 (Olver, Lynn, foodtimeline) 1 lb beans costs $11.99 (nutsonline).
Both spices are difficult to grow

Cacao fruit and vanilla beans are grown in tropical climates only; vanilla is only pollinated by one species of hummingbird, and in regions without this species must be hand pollinated. Cacao can be pollinated by a variety of insects. [Maps of growing areas] (joyofbaking); (A.W., purdue)
Yields: 20-60 beans per cacao pod; about 400 beans for 1 pound cocoa paste; mixed with sugar, cocoa butter, and (sometimes milk) to make products. Dark chocolate is at least 35% liquor (purdue), (wholefoodsmarket). 1.5 oz average bar size (Olver, Lynn, foodtimeline) just over ½ ounce of liquor in dark chocolate bar; 1 pound cocoa paste can make up to 32 chocolate bars; 125 beans per bar; about 3 pods per chocolate bar
1 whole vanilla beans yields 2-3 teaspoons of vanilla extract (joyofbaking). 96 teaspoons in a pound

Transition: Chocolate is a better flavor than vanilla.

Conclusion:

Summary: Chocolate can make you:

Healthier
Happier
Gives more bang for your buck.

Clincher: So, the next time you’re at a drive through debating which flavor shake to buy, answer correctly for your health, happiness, and prosperity: choose chocolate.

Vanilla. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2010, from

Milton S. Hershey: the Man and His Legacy. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from

Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2010, from

Ingall, Marjorie. Chocolate can do good things for your heart, skin, and brain. (December 22, 2006). Retrieved November 1, 2010, from

Smith, HJ; Gaffan, EA; Rogers, PJ. Methylxanthines are the psycho-pharmacologically active constituents of chocolate. (November 2004). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from

Benefits and Uses of Vanilla in Aromatherapy. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from

Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.) Retrieved November 1, 2010, from

Vanilla Beans. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2010, from

Olver, Lynn. Historic Food Prices. (2009). Retrieved October 29, 2010 from

Organic Cacao Beans (Raw). (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2010, from

A.W. Theobroma Cacao. (January 9, 1998) Retrieved October 25, 2010, from Purdue University, Center for New Crops and Plant Products Web Site:

Guide to Chocolate. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2010, from