Why Chocolate is Good for You!

Did You Know…

… that the world’s most incredibly sweet, decadent and satisfying food is actually good for you?

  Once considered the “bad guy” in the world of food, chocolate has turned into a national health-food phenomenon.  Read on to find out why and how chocolate is considered the “No. 1 longevity food in the world.“

Chocolate is formed out of raw cacao seeds, the product of a fruit grown on the cacao tree (theobroma cacao).  Cacao trees are exotic—growing naturally in the shade of tropical rainforests in South America and the West Indies.  According to researchers, “The raw cacao bean is one of nature’s most fantastic superfoods due to its mineral content and wide array of unique properties.”

No wonder experts like nutritionist David Wolfe, author of Naked Chocolate, are extolling the benefits of the world’s most popular comfort food.  Its benefits are far-reaching:

check out the book: Naked Chocolate: The Astounding Truth About The World’s Greatest Food

Chocolate is good for sufferers of asthma, as it contains the anti-asthmatic compounds theobromine and theyophilline.

Cocoa, a component of chocolate, contains flavonels, antioxidants that increase blood flow to the brain.

Cacao also contains high levels of sulfur and magnesium, increasing your focus and alertness.

Chocolate can actually make you happier, longer. That’s because cacao enhances the amount of time the happiness-inducing compound anandamide stays in your system.

Chocolate decreases your anxiety and stress levels. A clinical trial demonstrated that dark chocolate reduced the production of stress hormones in as little as two weeks!

Chocolate is good for your teeth; the theobromine compound contained in chocolate kills the bacteria that cause cavities.

Chocolate contains zinc, a key mineral that contributes to the health of your immune system, liver, pancreas and skin.

Chocolate ensures your blood stays healthy, as it contains the key mineral copper.

Chocolate is considered by many nutritionists to be the best food for your heart.  A study conducted by the German Institute of Human Nutrition found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, in part due to chocolate’s ability to reduce blood pressure.

In addition, a 15-year study involving men ages 65 and older, scientists studied the eating and exercising habits of 470 men, tracking their chocolate intake as well.  Their results?  “The men in the group that consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa.”  Additionally, “Men in the study who consumed the most cocoa were less likely to die of any cause.”

  Just because chocolate is good for your health doesn’t mean you should indulge in the rich, calorific, sugar-laden chocolates that are widely available.  Many commercial chocolate bars contain ingredients such as refined sugar or unhealthy sweeteners, trans fatty acids and artificial flavors.  The key to gaining the most benefit from the world’s No. 1 longevity food is to choose chocolate that is …

organic

dark (as opposed to milk chocolate)

raw

stone-ground and/or cold-processed  … with a minimum of additives that can negate the health benefits.

Such chocolates  like; organic dark chocolate, especially; xocai brand cold processed natural dark chocolate are available at raw-food and natural-food stores, as well as online chocolate retailers like Amazon, Sacred Chocolate.

Not only is chocolate good for your insides, but ere’s a few Benefits of cocoa absolute essential oil: aphrodisiac, creates a feeling of well being and contentment, clarity, relaxes the muscles, anti-aging, decreases anxiety, anti-bacterial, an overall balancer of the body and mind.

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Method of Extraction: Hexane Free extraction
Parts Used: bean
Country of Origin: France
Principal Constituents:
Arginine – an amino acid responsible for helping blood flow and increasing sexual desire
Phenylethylamine – unites with dopamine in the brain which creates a feeling like being in love, and increases focus, intuition, along with a sense of well-being and contentment
Theobromine – gently activates the neurosystem which then provides clear thoughts and relaxes muscles, speeds up metabolism, is anti-aging and can successfully prevent the growth of 102 types of bacteria
Tryptophan – is a mood enhancer and decreases anxiety
Anandimide – generates a feeling of calm

Cocoa essential oil (or absolute) makes a luscious lip balm too. For a peppermint patty lip balm; Just use 1 oz. of coconut oil, 1/2 oz. beeswax and add a few drops of this lovely chocolately goodness and a drop or two of peppermint essential oil and you’ve got yourself an awesome lip treat!

where to Find cocoa absolute essential oil:

OrganicInfustionswholesale:

Cacao Absolute (Chocolate Essential Oil), from Theobroma cacao …

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/.

Cocoa Absolute at Wholesale prices – New Directions Aromatics

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com

Cocoa Absolute Essential Oil – $4.99 – Bless Your Body

http://www.blessyourbody.com › Rare and Exotic‎