14 Reasons to Eat More Chocolate!

I always felt so guilty when I ate commercially produced chocolate …my favourites were Bounty, Almond Joy, Revels, Maltesers and Kitkat, and when I first started making my own raw chocolate three years ago (which is sugar, dairy and gluten-free!) I felt so liberated ...it's rich, creamy and sweet and I love having lots of energy so upgrading the chocolate I ate had a huge effect on overall health and vitality levels.

It feels so so good to feel empowered around the choices we make so that our immune systems are strong and we aren’t battling fatigue, stress or food cravings every day …and making our own chocolate is one super-quick and easy way of doing that!

The cocao bean doesn’t have to be dried, roasted or pumped full of dairy and sugar to taste great so if you’re used to eating chocolate from the supermarket shelves, think again…

:: Raw cocao is a superfood which means that it contains really (really!) high levels of nutrients that our bodies can use which in turn makes us feel healthy, happy and vital.

:: Raw cocao contains over 300 chemicals, many of which resemble our natural brain lipids, plus it has healing and feel-good properties, so no need to reach for the happy pills!

Try it for yourself …just put a few cocao nibs, or a cocao bean (available online or in health food stores) on a teaspoon and add a drop of agave nectar. It’s a nourishing snack plus these ingredients form the basis for endless delicious and nutritious smoothies and shakes, chocolates, truffles, brownies and desserts!

Food really can be our medicine, so here are 14 very good reasons to eat more chocolate…

Antioxidants
Raw cocao contains the highest concentration of anti oxidants of any food in the world …that equals: red wine, blue berries, goji berries, acai and pomegranates combined!

Antioxidants are vital for a strong immune system.

Magnesium …the most deficient major mineral in most diets

:: Cocao is no.1 source of magnesium which:

:: Supports the heart, increases brain power
:: Relaxes muscles inc menstrual cramping
:: Helps build strong bones
:: Increases alkalinity

Iron
Unrefined cocao contains huge amounts!

Iron plays an important role in energy production. The first signs of deficiency are usually related to fatigue. It’s also important re the delivery of oxygen in the blood from the lungs to cells and immune defence.

Chromium
Is an essential nutrient; ie, it’s important that we include it in the diet and stores of chromium are found mainly in the skin, body fat, adrenal glands, muscle tissue and the brain.

The primary role of chromium in the body is to keep blood sugar levels balanced …which is important if you’re looking to manage food cravings, lose weight, increase energy levels and stabilize moods.

Manganese
Is an essential trace mineral which helps assist iron re oxygenation of blood and plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose and fat into energy.

Zinc
Plays a critical role in immune strength, function of liver and pancreas and skin health.

Copper
Useful in creating healthy blood and buiding strong immunity.

Vitamin C
A 1oz serving of cocoa nibs contains 21% of rda vitamin C. Enough said.

Omega Six Fatty Acids
They help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system

Phenylethylamine
The chemicals our body produces when we fall in love ♥ …yup, definitely up for more of those!

Anandamide
Known as the ‘bliss chemical’ – An endorphin that the body naturally produces after exercise …I’m in for more of those too!

Tryptophan
Essential amino acid and a powerful mood enhancing nutrient

Serotonin
Helps to build up a stress defence shield …another feel good nutrient

Fibre
Huge amounts of soluble fibre …which helps to balance blood sugar levels

So in a nutshell, if everyone in the world ate more chocolate the world will be a happier and healthier place!


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