Health By Chocolate
When it comes to chocolate how difficult is it to resist the temptation?
But did you know there is a way to enjoy chocolate without the guilt and with some delicious health benefits thrown in?
Think raw, organic cacao – not the sugar rich junk food bars you find at the checkout.
What is Cacao?
Raw cacao is somewhat different from the common “Cocoa” most of us grew up with in our hot milk.
Cacao (pronounced “cu-COW”) refers to the Theobroma Cacao tree from which Cocoa is derived, and is used when referring to unprocessed versions of the cacao bean.
Normal cocoa powder and chocolate have been chemically processed and roasted, which destroys a large amount of the antioxidants and flavanols (the things that keep you young and healthy).
Cacao in its raw natural state is bursting with nutrients. Containing 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries and 4 times the antioxidants of green tea, cacao soaks up free radicals, which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Cacao is packed with essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium. It also boasts high levels of sulfur, the mineral that promotes healthy skin and strong hair and nails. Cacao is also a natural mood enhancer, increasing serotonin levels and releasing endorphins.
Explore ways to use cacao to make your own chocolate delights – it’s really not as hard as you may think. You might like to read Chocolate Bliss for a yummy recipe.
With so many beauty and well-being properties, cacao tops our list for a guilt-free, healthy and irresistible treat anytime!
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