Choose Chocolate
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The
potential health benefits of chocolate are many. Most importantly,
cacao is a great source of magnesium. That's one of the reasons some
women crave chocolate during menstruation, when they're low in that
mineral. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and
is associated with feelings of happiness. Cacao is also high in
sulfur, which helps form strong nail and hair and clear skin. It also
detoxifies the liver and supports healthy pancreatic function. Perhaps
best of all, cacao also contains the chemicals phenylethylamine (PEA)
and anandamide. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that we create
naturally when we're in love. It also plays a role in feeling focused
and alert. Anandamide is also known as the "bliss" chemical, because
we release it when we feel great. Chocolate really does make us happy!
Now for the bad news. All these great benefits are from the raw form
of chocolate. So eating a Hershey's bar isn't going to cut it. When
the cacao is roasted to create most of the chocolate-y products we
crave, it increases the amount of theobromine and oxalic acid.
Theobromine is a caffeine-like chemical which carries all the negative
health effects of caffeine itself. Oxalic acid has been shown to
inhibit calcium absorption. Additionally, most chocolate goodies are
usually mixed with refined sugars and mucus-forming dairy products.
While
eating organic cacao nibs or creating your own raw confections is the
most supportive chocolate choice, there are some "over the counter"
chocolate products I recommend. Vital Choice offers organic bars with 80% cacao content. Dagoba
also has some high cacao content organic bars. Their milk chocolate,
however, does not offer the same health benefits as the dark. There
are other great manufacturers out there besides these two. Your best
guideline is to buy organic, fair trade when possible. Try to go for
the highest cacao content that still tastes good to you. If 80 percent
is too bitter, try 74.
Have a chocolate taste-test party!
Try out different brands and styles. I wouldn't recommend turning into
a Willy Wonka type, but enjoy yourself and have fun experimenting with
delicious chocolate goodness!
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Raw Recipe: Chocolate Mousse
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Raw Chocolate "Mousse"
Recipe from www.rawguru.com
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas, chopped
- 2 tbs. ground cacao nibs
- 1 tbs. avocado oil
- 1-2 tbs. agave nectar (a sweetener derived from a cactus)
Blend in a Vitamix or other high-powered blender until smooth, adding a little filtered water if needed. Serve chilled or as-is.
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Raw Recipe: Chocolate Bar
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Raw Chocolate Bar
Recipe adapted from www.goneraw.com
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 tbs. cacao powder or nibs very finely ground
- 2 tbs. agave
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Directions:
- Melt coconut oil by placing jar in a bowl of warm water until oil liquifies.
- Add the other ingredients, mixing well. You can adjust the measurements to taste.
- Pour into a dish or pan and refrigerate until set.
Tip: You can vary this recipe by adding chopped nuts or naturally dried fruits, or even shaved coconut!
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