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All chocolate is made from Cacao Beans. Cacao is chocolate and raw cacao nibs are broken up pieces of the cacao bean. Cacao beans are botanically a nut as they are the seed within a fruit. In their natural state, cacao beans are one of nature’s most fantastic SUPERFOODS as they are helpful to our health in a variety of ways ~ most likely unknown to many as the special properties of cacao are destroyed or lost by cooking, refining, and processing. They contain No sugar, no dairy, no chemicals, just one ingredient, cacao (chocolate!)
Cocoa contains three neurotransmitters that are associated with promoting a healthy mood and positive mental state: serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine. (PEA) an adrenal-related chemical, also created within the brain and released when we are in love, one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation. Also increases altertness and focus
Cocoa contains ‘Bliss Chemical’ anandamide, which is naturally produced and released in the brain when we feel great is also found in cocoa and as the bean also contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies’ ability to breakdown anandamide, this means that when we eat cocoa, the chemical may stick around longer, therefore making us feel great for longer
Cocoa contains rare MAO inhibitors that allow the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine to circulate in the bloodstream longer, which may help alleviate depression, support feelings of well being and diminish appetite. MAO inhibitors have long been featured in antidepressant pharmaceutical medications, as has tryptophan. Tryptophan plays a vital role in the production of serotonin within the body as well
Cocoa is the Number 1 source of magnesium in all foods. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness, the likely reason women crave it during the menstrual period
Magnesium also supports heart and cardiovascular system health, improves the strength and condition of the heart and supports its ability to pump blood effectively and reduces the risk of blood clots
Cocoa contains polyphenols, the same beneficial antioxidants contained in red wine and can help reduce or control the levels of “bad” cholesterol in our bloodstream while raising the “good” cholesterol and the polyphenols in cocoa beans may reduce blood pressure
Cocoa is one of the richest natural food sources of antioxidant flavonols available. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting against cell damage and may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. They are also associated with promoting healthy cholesterol levels in the body
Cocoa may help weight loss as it contains feel good chemicals that reduce depression, therefore possibly reducing overeating and the polyphenols contained in them may improve insulin sensitivity.
Cocoa allergies are rare ~ it is typically the case that the person is in fact allergic to milk and dairy products (see http://www.notmilk.com)
Animal Lovers Please Note: Although chocolate is great for humans, it is detrimental to many animals health including dogs and cats as they contain high level of xanthines, specifically theobromine and to a much lesser extent caffeine, that can not be matabolised by them
Useful Links:
* The Raw Chocolate Company
* The Raw Chocolate Revolution
* Naked Chocolate Recipes
