Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Bombshell Superfood: Raw Cacao

Chocolate sometimes gets a bad rap, but you will be happy to hear real, pure, cocoa is actually one of the healthiest things you can put in your body!  The scientific name for the cocoa tree, theobroma cacao literally means "Food of the Gods."


Be careful, though! Most of the chocolate you find on grocery store shelves is anything BUT a "Food of the Gods".  Loaded with milk, sugar, fat, corn syrup, artificial flavors, and other icky-things that can cause you to pack on the pounds and dull your appearance, most chocolate bars don't even deserve the name chocolate!


Chocolate as it should be, is loaded with anti-oxidants, minerals, and heart healthy compounds.  





Here is what cocoa can do for you:



  • llluminate the skin from within
  • Keep collagen intact and wrinkles at bay by reducing stress hormones
  • Protect the skin from UV rays
  • Alkalize pH and build strong bones with high concentration of mineral magnesium
  • Give a feeling of pleasure by stimulating endorphin production
  • Create a feeling of happiness by boosting serotonin

Happiness is always sexy, so indulge without guilt. But make sure you do it right! Always choose raw dark chocolate bars with a cocoa content above 70%. LuLu'sNibmor, and Gnosis are three great brands.


Another way to enjoy raw cacao is to simply eat the cracked beans.  They make an excellent topping on (vegan) ice cream, pies, puddings, and other desserts.  Try Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs.


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