Did you know that chocolate has an unprocessed, raw cousin that is actually very healthy?
As stated before, the nutrient profile of cacao is greatly diminished once it is heated, and what is worse, sugars are usually immediately added. Sugar causes the body to become more acidic which increases the chances of developing a long list of illnesses including deadly conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Dairy is also added to much chocolate that can be found in stores and is known to cause inflammation and is not heart friendly. Raw cacao, in contrast, has a massive payload of disease preventing compounds and even has been shown to fight depression. In fact, cacao contains phenethylamine which is considered to be responsible for the emotion "love." Zinc, iron, protein and calcium add to the nutritional strength of this superfood. Strangely enough, a Dutch study on chocolate showed that even people who regularly ate processed chocolates had lower instances of every major disease than those who ate little to none. The study concluded that there is no "upper limit" for chocolate consumption and even claimed that the more chocolate you eat, the healthier you will be and longer you will live. So, if the processed and inferior version of this superfood shows so much promise, wait and see what raw cacao can do for your health.
Another study performed in South America observed two similar tribes living in the dense rain forest. One tribe consumed a raw cacao drink daily and the other tribe did not have that food source available in their diet. The tribe that consumed cacao regularly, again, had lower disease rates and longer lifespans. Yoga instructors are even beginning to incorporate chocolate into their routines for its known effect of relaxing muscles while sharpening mental focus. Still not convinced? A French woman who is documented to have lived longer than any other human in history, claimed to have ate over 2 pounds of chocolate weekly, and the second oldest person consumed chocolate gratuitously as well. As soon as you are done reading this article, grab your keys, drive to the health food store, buy some raw cacao, and start improving your quality of life now!
Check out our other recent posts:
Health Risks of Energy drinks
Super Foods for Diabetics
Naturally reduce inflammation.
Neem another secret superfood
Natural Cures Not Medicine
"Nutrition is nature's health insurance."
Thanks tons! Have you heard of Giddy Yoyo? Best RAW chocolate I have found! Wild Heirloom Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional Cacao! Grown in mineral rich high elevation soil, watered by rain and PURE MOUNTAIN SPRINGS. Workers are paid BEYOND FAIR TRADE ; ). Raw. Vegan. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Certified Organic. Canadian Company. Check it out:
ReplyDeleteGiddy Yoyo ~ Raw Vegan Chocolate
Feel the flow…
soooo blessed to live in Ecuador where i have access to the actual ripe red pod, and can cut it open FRESH, with all the delicious white slimy goo covering the soft wet beans... soooo much better fresh! and its only $2 a pod here! :) ive been to the bathroom 5 times today, true cleanser!!! and i feel my serotonin sooo much more bOOsted! WOOOOOOOOOO! i love u!
ReplyDelete