The superfood health-kick has been around for over 30 years and comprises of food that has an increased nutritional benefit. They are packed with a high concentration of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. They’re good for your body and for your mind. These include a variety of fruits, legumes, oils and dairy products, and can have such advantages as helping ward off chronic diseases, minimising the signs of ageing and improving your digestive health. As we previously touched on here at Elements for Life raw chocolate is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can aid heart functions and lower the risk of a stroke. It also has sun-blocking properties and can prevent skin cancer.
Before we go on, however, let’s clarify the difference between raw cacao and processed chocolate. Daily Super Food Love detail that raw cacao is naturally fermented, to remove its bitterness, and is chock full of beneficial antioxidants, while conventionally processed chocolate is roasted at 48 degrees Celsius or higher, together with sugar milk and a handful of other ingredients to make it solid. Unfortunately, the heating process kills most of its antioxidant properties. Raw cacao also has anti-inflammatory flavanols which increase heart health, protect against cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of stroke. It is even an aphrodisiac, triggering the release of endorphins and pleasure neurochemicals.
While chocolate is traditionally associated with dessert, eating it in the morning is, in fact, a great way to start the day. Healthy Living James has a superfood breakfast recipe that comprises of adding blueberries, raw cacao powder, almond milk and cinnamon to your hot porridge. The combination of oats and antioxidants in the berries, chocolate and cinnamon will maintain your blood sugar and keep you full until lunchtime. Another good tip is to add raw cacao to your favourite smoothie. A good mixture is berries, bananas, cinnamon and kale (another superfood), with a heaping of raw cacao powder to complement your breakfast and provide you with an abundance of minerals, antioxidants and energy. You may have noticed cinnamon being mentioned a couple of times; well, that’s because cinnamon is another superfood, of which you may not be aware.
Like raw cacao and berries, cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, lowers blood sugar levels and fights infection among many other health benefits. Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years and was prized for its medicinal properties worldwide according to Healthline. The Ceylon variety is the healthiest, as it contains the least amount of the compound coumarin, which could be harmful in large doses. Cinnamon is good for your brain, helping combat conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease. However, it’s worth noting that consuming too much could cause irritation, so it is best to measure the amount you consume.
Besides, cinnamon and cacao are a match made in heaven; who doesn’t love a big mug of hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon on a cold day? For a creamy superfood vegan hot chocolate, use almond or oat milk, raw cacao and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon for a cosy aromatic indulgence that’s also good for you. Or grab a tin of the Elements for Life award-winning Spiced vegan hot chocolate. Superfoods are incredible and their health effects cannot be underestimated. These foods can be incorporated into a healthy diet year-round and are much healthier for you than any processed food. Now go out there, get yourself some berries, dark green leafy veggies and some raw cacao and enjoy.
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