5 Reasons Why Raw Chocolate Is Healthy

March 03, 2016 0 Comments

One of the things we love to do, is inform people that chocolate, or more specifically raw chocolate is good for them and then seeing their reactions. More often than not it goes along the lines of "Yeah right, if only!" or "Oh I should be so lucky!"

I then get to explain about the amazing properties of raw cacao and the wide range of nutrition available from this humble bean. That's often before they've even tasted it too, at which point it can be plain delight as they experience the taste of proper chocolate!

Just some of the wide range of healthy nutrients to be found in cacao include:

• Powerful antioxidants, called flavonoids, upto 6 times greater in raw chocolate
• Essential minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc and iron
• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B8, C & E
• Heart-healthy fat, oleic acid
• Mood boosting properties, which stimulate the production of endorphins

So being the bearer of good news is definitely a perk of the job. But what about those health benefits? Well read on and you'll discover 5 reasons why raw chocolate is healthy.

1. Armed With Antioxidants

Cacao beans are a great source of antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and E and Flavonoids. Antioxidants help to mop up free radicals which are implicated in a wide range of dis-eases, including cardiovascular dis-ease. Cacao contains much higher levels of antioxidants (ORAC) than green tea or red wine. Additionally, it has been reported that the inclusion of dairy with cacao, as in typical (milk) chocolate, can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants.

2. Masses Of Magnesium

One of the richest sources of dietary magnesium is cacao and magnesium is vital for a healthy heart, muscles and bones. Lack of magnesium can cause muscle spasms, as well as being associated with cardiovascular dis-ease, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety disorder, osteoporosis and migraines.

3. Copious Copper

Another mineral found in high levels in cacao is copper, which again is an essential trace element. Deficiencies in copper can lead to anaemia-like symptoms, bone abnormalities, impaired growth, increased risk of infections amongst others.

4. Bursting With Life

Raw cacao beans, like all seeds and beans, are loaded with essential amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine), the building blocks of cells. So they are literally bursting with life!

5. Feelin' Good Baby

Partly due to the high levels of amino acids (mentioned above) chocolate makes us feel good. This is due to the release of adrenaline and dopamine, which improves mood and when you eat strong pure raw chocolate you can get a buzz from it!

Wrapping It Up

All the above are just some of the many health benefits of raw cacao and goes to explain why raw chocolate is good for you. From the wide range of high dose nutrients, to the way it makes us feel good, raw chocolate really is a super food and you can begin to see why it's known as The Food of the Gods.

That's all before you even get round to the amazing taste, texture and aroma of it. But that's for another post as well as for you to experience yourselves.

Are you ready to start your Raw Chocolate Adventure?

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