What an exciting statement to make. Chocolate is really good for you in fact it can be described as a super food! But beware; when I am talking about chocolate I am talking about raw cacao. Raw cacao is made from the nut (or beans) of the cacao plant. The cacao beans are actually large seeds within the cacao pod. These seeds are then made into powder, nibs (small pieces) or cacao butter which you can purchase at your local health food store. Just imagine eating chocolate to improve your diet. No wonder our ancestors called raw cacao “the food of the Gods.” You may be wondering why I am saying cacao rather than cocoa. When the Spanish came to the Americas they changed the name of cacao to cocoa, the native cultures still refer to the plant and seed as cacao.
The list of benefits of raw cacao is quite long. It has the highest level of antioxidants of any food on the planet! In fact, raw cacao has 10 times or more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea, or red wine. Consuming food high in antioxidants has been clinically proven to dissolve plaque that has built up on the arteries which will benefit the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
Raw Cacao is also one of the highest sources of magnesium available. Magnesium happens to be the most deficient mineral in the modern diet. Magnesium relaxes the muscles, improves bowl function and relaxes the heart and cardiovascular system. This tasty food also contains 314% of the USDA recommended dose of iron. Iron is a critical mineral in the function of the oxygen carrying protein hemoglobin.
Another benefit of eating raw cacao is your happiness level! Raw cacao contains Anandamide which is known as the bliss chemical. This chemical contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being! And this super food helps you handle stress. It contains serotonin and tryptophan which are chemicals that create a stress defense shield for you!
Imagine this; eating raw cacao will help you lose weight. I bet you are wondering if you heard what I just said correctly! You did. Consuming raw cacao curbs your appetite because this food is so nutrient dense that your body is satisfied for a long period of time.
Raw cacao is the most chemically complex food on earth and it is nutrient dense which benefits every function in the human body. All of the compounds in raw cacao benefit longevity in humans. The oldest documented living human being was Jeanne Louise Calment of France who lived to be 122 years old. She contributed her longevity to eating 2.5 pounds of dark chocolate per week.
There are many clinical studies that document the benefits of eating raw cacao. Harvard completed a study on the Kuna Indian Tribe in Panama. This tribe is located where there are a large number of Cacao plants. The neighboring tribes did not have the cacao plants, so this was a great way to confirm the value of eating raw cacao. The Kuna Indians consumed five cups of dark chocolate drink daily and the study indicated that the Kuna had a lower rate of all major diseases than their neighbors and they also had longer lives.
The now famous Dutch study followed 200 men over 20 years. In this study the men ate processed milk and dark chocolate. The results were that the men who consumed the most chocolate had a lower rate of all diseases. And there was no upper limit, the more chocolate a man ate the better his health. Now imagine the results that would have happened if the study had used raw cacao.
In 2008, Dr. Gabriel Cousens completed a study that indicated that raw cacao can benefit those with diabetes. It provides the diabetic with the nutrients and does not raise blood sugar levels.
For more benefits of raw cacao pick up the book “Naked Chocolate”, by David Wolfe. This book is packed with information and also great recipes. Enjoy some chocolate today.
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Jean Sumner has pursued an interest in wellness her entire life. An avid runner, she is passionate about exercise, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jean was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2009 this only served to fuel the flames of her passions and encouraged her to learn more about wellness. This diagnosis actually led to the beginning of World Wellness Education with a mission of “Teaching the world about wellness – one story at a time.”
Jean pursued alternative methods of treating cancer she met countless individuals who had great stories to tell regarding how nutrition, spirituality and exercise helped them to overcome their various illnesses. Since these stories were moving, motivating and timely she thought that each of these stories may make a difference in others lives. With the knowledge that we learn from stories more quickly than other teaching methods an organization was born in hopes to make a difference in the well being of every individual on the planet.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.