One of the most craved, savored,
and sought after foods worldwide can also benefit the body in
extraordinary ways. Cacao, cocoa, chocolate - no matter how you say it,
humans around the globe seek the mouth-watering pleasure and
mood-boosting effects of this extraordinary antioxidant.
Cocoa beans are the seed of the fruit tree, Theobroma cacao, that grows
in the shades of the rainforest between 15-20 degrees North and South of
the Equator. All chocolate is made from cacao (pronounced cuh-COW), the
edible part of the cocoa bean after it has been harvested, dried,
fermented, and hulled. These beans have some of the most valuable
nutrients available to us.
Nicknamed “black gold” by the Spanish, the bean-shaped pod is a food
that has also been considered a highly beneficial medicine because it
contains over 300 identifiable chemical compounds.
Unfortunately, many of those properties are destroyed by cooking,
processing, and refining. Studies have shown that dairy products
actually block the absorption of antioxidants in chocolate. Yet most
commercially produced candy and chocolate bars contain low levels of
cacao bean compared to other ingredients such as sugars, milk fat,
hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavorings. In comparison by weight,
cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than blueberries, red wine, or
black and green teas.
In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in
green tea. The Aztecs called the cacao “yollotl eztli,” which literally
means “heart blood;” they understood the benefit this truly powerful
super food has on the cardiovascular system.
Pure, raw cacao also has extraordinary potential for helping to support
weight loss - quite the opposite from the everyday chocolate bar!
That certain “euphoria” you may feel after consuming your favorite raw
cacao treat isn’t in your minds! Chocolate has actual compounds with the
unique ability to satiate our appetite for pleasure like no other
substance.
By increasing the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains,
cacao can help promote a positive outlook, facilitate rejuvenation, and
simply lift our spirits:
Serotonin - Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain and
therefore acts as an anti-depressant, promoting an overall sense of
well-being.
Endorphins - These are our natural pain and stress chemicals known as
neurotransmitters. Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which
can help to produce a pleasurable feeling.
Phenylethylamine (PEAs) - are a natural chemical compound that are also
created within the brain and released when we are in love. It acts as a
mild mood elevator and an anti-depressant, and it also helps increase
focus and alertness.
Anandamide - is known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by
the brain when we are feeling happy. Cacao contains both N-acylethanolamines
that are believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in
the brain and enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. This promotes
relaxation for a longer period of time.
As with anything, you can overdo it! The key is to eat minimally
processed raw cacao in small amounts - just enough to receive the
health-boosting qualities and satisfy those chocolate cravings.
Delicious Cacao Smoothie
2 Frozen Bananas (remove skin, cut into medium size pieces and freeze)
2 Tablespoons Organic Cacao Powder
1 1/2 Cups Almond Milk - more or less, depending on desired thickness
Your choice of sweetener, if desired
A few Goji Berries and/or a tablespoon of Maca Powder can also be a
healthy, delicious combination
Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
Heidi is a Holistic Nutritionist and has two culinary arts degrees - one
in Raw, Living Foods and another in Natural Whole Foods. Educating
others about nutrition and the benefits of using whole foods to heal and
prevent disease is her passion. Visit
www.RawHeid.com .
Raw Cacao:
Turn Chocolate Cravings
