~Why 'Raw' Chocolate is Nutritionally Good for You~

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Antioxidants

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Cacao has more antioxidant flavanoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas.  In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. 

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Health benefits of these antioxidants include:​

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• Promotion of cardiovascular health - Help dilate bloods vessels, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.  

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• Protection from environmental and metabolic toxins - Help repair and resist damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. 

 

Neurotransmitters

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By increasing the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains, cacao promotes positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation, and simply helps us feel good.

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Some neurotransmitters affected by cacao: 

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• Serotonin - Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS systems, and promotes a sense of well-being.

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• Endorphins - Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles.

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• Phenylethylamine - Found in chocolate, phenylethylamine is also created within the brain and released when we are in love.  It acts as mild mood elevator and anti-depressant and helps increase focus and alertness.

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• Anandamide - Anandamide is known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great.  Cacao contains N-acylethanolamines, believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in the brain, as well as enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. It promotes relaxation, and helps us feel good longer. 

 

Essential Minerals

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Cacao beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese.

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Benefits of these minerals include:

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• Magnesium - Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.  Magnesium deficiency, present in 80% of Americans, is linked with pre-menstrual tension, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and joint problems.

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• Sulfur - Cacao is high in the beauty mineral, sulfur. Sulfur builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports healthy pancreatic functioning.

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Essential fats

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There is a misperception that chocolate is fattening. In truth, the fats in cocoa butter are healthy fats.  Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, also found in olive oil, that may raise good cholesterol.  Additionally, substances found in cacao are known to help curb appetite.