Chocolate Cacao - The Newest Health Research Super Food?

You asked for it! You got it...at least part of it. New research is being updated constantly on the benefits of the cacao bean. Raw Cacao, or Chocolate, dates back to the Olmec Indians in 1500 BC. The Mayans and Aztecs used it in a drink they called Xocolatl to build resistance and fight fatigue.

Lets take a look at some of the key components of the Cacao bean. We'll see why researchers are calling cacao one of the world's greatest super foods and how it can benefit us.

• Nutritional Content: The Cacao bean contains protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C and E. In addition, the cacao bean contains over 300 chemically identifiable compounds which makes if one of the most complex food substances available to man. The Cacao bean is an ideal high-quality functional food that can help counter the daily stress from the fast paced lifestyles of most people.
• Antioxidants: Cacao is the highest source of antioxidants known in the world (500 times higher in antioxidants than blueberries). Unprocessed, raw cacao is packed with potent antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavanoids improve health by protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals This damage is called oxidation. Examples of oxidation are the rusting of iron or the ripening of fruit left on the counter or the aging of the human body. This aging or "rusting" process is slowed way down when the right amount of antioxidants are present in the body. It is estimated that 99% of Americans do not consume enough antioxidants in a day to fight off the damage caused by free radicals.
• Disease Prevention: Researchers have identified a compound called epicatechin found in cocoa. Reports tell us that the benefits of epicatechin are so striking that it may rival penicillin and anesthesia in importance to individual health. Studies have indicated that 4 major killer diseases (stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes) may be reduced to less than 10% when enough epicatechin is present in the diet. Natural cocoa is very high in epicatechin.
• Brain Power: Cacao contains Serotonin, Tryptophan, Anandamide, Dopamine, PEA and MAO inhibitors which all have a positive effect on brain chemistry. These powerful components are attributed to increased mental focus and awareness.
• Beauty: Sulfur is the secret beauty mineral found in the cacao bean. It helps build strong nails and hair and beautiful skin. Sulfur aids in healthy pancreas function and helps detoxify the liver. A toxic free, healthy body is a happy body.
• Feeling Happy: Cacao is one of the highest sources of magnesium of any food. This may be one reason women crave chocolate during their period. Magnesium not only builds strong bones, but helps to balance the brain's chemistry and promotes feelings of happiness. The Anandamide and Phenylethlamine found in the cacao bean also help with the happy feelings.

No wonder the cacao bean is fast making its way to the top of the super foods list. The positive research on the cacao bean is bringing a definite increase in health companies looking for ways they can incorporate raw cacao into their line of health products. Just the thought that eating chocolate can have major health benefits brings a smile to everyones face. It looks like we can all keep smiling.

19 Nov 2008 17:08:11

On a mission for 'true chocolate' - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Seattle Post Intelligencer On a mission for 'true chocolate' Seattle Post Intelligencer - But only Theo's -- named for Theobroma cacao , the botanical name for the cocoa tree -- locally manufactures chocolate starting from its basic bean ...

Source: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/388390_chocolate19.html

08 Nov 2008 00:51:03

(Lars Klove for The New York Times) - New York Times

New York Times (Lars Klove for The New York Times) New York Times, United States - On Wednesday I wrote an article in The New York Times about Kallari, a group of indigenous Ecuadorean cacao farmers and self-taught chocolate makers, ...

Source: http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/food-responsib~

05 Nov 2008 05:06:49

When Chocolate Is a Way of Life - New York Times

New York Times When Chocolate Is a Way of Life New York Times, United States - THEIR OWN TREAT In Ecuador, the Quechua make chocolate from cacao they grow. Above, cacao drying in the Napo Valley. More Photos » By JILL SANTOPIETRO ON an ...

Source: http://nytimes.com/2008/11/05/dining/05choc.html

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