Yes that’s right! Chocolate is actually good for us! That is, chocolate in its “natural state” is very good for us and it’s called Cacao. So… What is it really? What is the difference between our traditional Cocoa and Raw Cacao? How is it good for us? Also… How can we start eating it?!
What is Cacao?
Mostly found in South America is the Cacao bean tree. This tree produces seed pods and when these pods are cracked open you will find them full of seeds. They look very similar to coffee beans. These seeds are called cacao. And this is where we get our Cocoa or “chocolate” from today. However, in its natural state, cacao is one of the most nutritious foods you can have! It is also called “Theobroma” or “from the gods”. It has been used for food and even medicinal purposes even before the time of Christ.
What is the difference between Cacao and Cocoa?
It is all in how they are processed.
Cacao – The bean is cold pressed not roasted. This removes the fat “butter” and it preserves all the good nutrients and enzymes.
Cocoa – The bean is roasted usually at high temperatures. This may kill some of the enzymes and nutrients. It is still healthy especially if it is un-tampered with after that, as in “dark chocolate”. But most of our chocolate today is heated and processed further… With added sugar and preservatives etc… That makes it not good for us.
How is Raw Cacao healthy for us?
My tops 3 reasons. (because there are many)
- Raw Cacao has the highest amount of magnesium in all foods! Studies show that 80% of North Americans are deficient in magnesium. It is needed and used for over 300 biochemical reactions in our body! For example: It is a huge producer of ATP, which is our energy molecule. It has a great impact aiding the functions of our heart, it’s rhythm and blood vessels, among others. It also is important in our muscle and nerve functions. If we are deficient in Magnesium then we can easily see how it will affect our body.
- It has around 700 Antioxidants! This makes it one of the richest foods in antioxidants out there! These are very important because they protect our cells from toxins and free radicals (which destroy our cell walls causing disease). Damaged vessels also lead to cholesterol in artery walls and atherosclerosis which leads to heart disease. Having a boost of antioxidants will foremost protect our cells and make our immune system strong.
- Cacao is abundant in phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber. All working together to clean, strengthen and nourish your cells, preventing toxicity and deficiencies.
How can I add it to my diet?
Cocoa Leafy Greens!
Cocoa leafy greens is a EASY – QUICK – TASTY way to get great nutrition for the whole family! It has all the benefits found in cacao PLUS an added bonus of 5 GREEN VEGETABLES! Your children will not even know that they are eating raw vegetables! It has a triple chocolate taste with mixing raw cacao and organic cocoa together.
Added in with the Cacao:
Barley: Abundant in Chlorophyll for protecting and nourishing healthy cells. It is very high in Vitamin K. Vitamin K is used for many different reactions in the body including clearing out plaque in arteries. Also essential for the assimilation of calcium.
Spinach: It has a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, aminos, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents!
Faba Bean: Has the *flavonoid “quercetin” an antioxidant which helps with inhibiting histamine and allergy responses, therefore, reducing inflammation. From helping children in overcoming allergies to aiding the older generation with joint and arthritis relief; it is great for every stage of life! Also, it decreases platelet aggregation in the blood for improved circulation.
Field Pea Leaf: These leaves have the flavonoid “kaempferol”. This flavonoid is known to help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and also platelet clusters in arteries. It is very good for our cardiovascular (heart) health. Field peas also help regulate glucose and kidney functions.
Broccoli sprout: Has the highest concentration of sulforaphane which is a **phytonutrient responsible for helping our heart health by keeping inflammation down. Studies have shown that it decreases stress on our heart and lungs as well by increasing natural enzymes.
*(flavonoids are phytonutrients) **(Phytonutrients are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits)
Summary
As you can see, Cacao Leafy Greens has a great positive impact on our heart, blood vessels, immune system and overall health! Together this is an – EASY – QUICK – TASTY – way to nourish and clean our cells and better our health for the whole family! Learn more about Cocoa Leafy Greens <HERE>.
Follow the link and scroll down to “smoothie recipes” for a great tasting CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE!
Let me know what you think of the recipe in the comment section below! I would love to hear from you! Did you like the smoothie or not?
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