Superfood News: Cacao
By Seth Braun
Filed Under Green Living |
Superfoods
A superfood is anything that delivers the power of several foods in one package. They contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances than regular healthy food. Superfoods are much better at filling in the gaps in our diet than vitamin supplements. Whether it is for aiding detoxification, replenishing reserves, improving immune system, increasing sex drive, or generating energy, superfoods make up for the lack of quality, nutrients, and vitality in the commercial food supply.
Raw Cacao
Cacao has been consumed for over 4,000 years, it is also known as “cocoa” or theobroma cacao. This seed of a tropical fruit tree, often referred to as a “bean,” is the most nutrient dense seed in our food supply. Raw Cacao is the number one source of antioxidants in the world; it is higher in antioxidants than acai, goji, blueberry, aronia berry, and every berry drink on the market! Cacao is also the highest food source of magnesium and chromium, which happen to be the top mineral and trace mineral deficiencies. Cacao contains over 400 distinct chemical compounds, making it the most chemically complex food on the planet.
Benefits
- Mood Boosting
Cacao contains phenylethylamine, or PEA. PEA is the famous “love chemical” in chocolate. Basically, the body and mind get really happy from it. - Brain Boosting
Cacao contains flavanols. Flavanols increase blood flow in the brain, according to research by Dr. Ian Macdonald at the University of Nottingham. Add in some theobromine, a mild stimulant, and you have an inexpensive and very enjoyable brain tonic. - Heart Health
Compounds in cacao reduce blood pressure, increase flexibility in arteries, reduce bad cholesterol, and open up blood flow in all systems. Magnesium, which cacao has more of than any other food, is in highest concentration in the heart muscle. - Sexual health
Lots of things improve when you increase blood flow. Add “the love chemical,” phenylethylamine, a big shot of magnesium to relax muscles and nourish the heart, and cocoa butter, which happens to melt at the same temperature as the tongue, and you have the world’s best aphrodisiac. (Note: If you really want to know if cacao is an aphrodisiac, try eating 1 ounce of raw cacao or 70% or higher chocolate for two weeks. Yes, is what you will conclude!) - Blood Sugar
Cacao contains 10 times more chromium than whole wheat, which benefits blood sugar metabolism. - Immune System
Cacao contains potent immune system boosting substances called epicatechins, which means you can save those allotted sick days for something much more fun.
Be Aware
- Cacao is sometimes cultivates by child labor in Africa, which means buying Fair Trade is absolutely essential when it comes to chocolate.
- Buying organic means the product will be grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers, making it safer for the workers, the local wildlife, and you!
- If you have allergies to chocolate or sensitivities to stimulants, raw cacao is best to avoid.
- Cacao is primarily grown in third world countries that may have low standards for the fermentation process. This could mean that you have a high count of nasty microbes in your raw cacao. Therefore, it is best to order from reputable sellers.
Ways To Enjoy
- Add raw cacao nibs to smoothies for an all-natural super food chocolate drink.
- Mix with nuts and dried fruit in a food processor to make raw chocolate bars.
- Toss raw cacao into trail mix; it’s especially good with goji berries and pumpkin seeds.
Where To Buy
An ideal source for raw cacao is Sunfood Nutrition, David Wolfe’s online raw foods distribution company. They have an excellent reputation for quality.
Cacao nibs can also be found affordably at your local health food store.
Seth Braun is a board certified Health Counselor (AADP) and a graduate of the Institute For Integrative Nutrition in Manhattan. Braun is also an author, speaker, and certified 4 Gateways coach. He specializes in helping busy professionals nationwide in crafting health and nutrition routines that work. Seth lives in Boulder, Colorado and is the father a healthy, beautiful 3 year old girl.
Posted on July 11, 2008 |
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eCo Times reports the latest on sustainable lifestyle choices and the new green economy. This online magazine brings you the best in cutting edge green media, organic and Fair Trade product reviews, and insights into viable planetary solutions.
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I like chocolate but this article justifies my constant cravings- Thanks Seth and I’m looking forward to the next article!
[...] the power of several foods in one package, such as goji berries, blueberries, bee pollen, maca and cacao. They contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances [...]