Everybody I know likes chocolate. Chocolate has something in it that simply makes people happy, it is beyond touch and taste sensation.
Chocolate is made of cacao beans, which is a nut (seed) of a fruit in central and south American jungle. The tree was classified by a Swedish scientist as the species Theobroma cacao, which means “cacao, the food of gods”. In ancient Mayans and Aztecs civilizations, cacao beans were used as money instead of gold.
I believe raw cacao beans are extraordinary “superfoods” and here is why:
Antioxidants – Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any other food. These include polyphenols, catechins and epicatequins.
Antioxidants protect us from age related health conditions and illnesses. They protect our DNA from free-radical damage.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) – Phenylethylamines (PEAs) are chemicals we produce in our bodies when we fall in love. They also increase focus and alertness. PEAs are heat sensitive, so they are not present in cooked and processed chocolate; only in raw ones. Anandamide – Anandamide is an endorphin that the human body produces after exercise. It has only been found in one plant: cacao.
Tryptophan – tryptophan is an amino acid linked to mood enhancing. Once in our bodies, it reacts with vitamin B3 and B6 with magnesium to produce serotonin. However, tryptophan is damaged by heat, so only raw cacao beans will offer you this.
Serotonin – cacao is rich in tryptamine serotonin, the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. When serotonin levels are high in our bodies, we feel good even if things are bad. And when its levels are low, we would feel bad when things are ok.
Cacao also contains compounds named N-caffeoyldopamine and N-coumaroyldopamine that significantly suppress a molecule (P-selectin) which glues to white blood cells and blood vessel walls and increases inflammation. Elevate P-selectin in the blood have been associated with an elevated danger of thrombosis. Cacao still contains fiber, magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C.
When buying cacao products, look for raw organic of the following:
Cacao beans
Cacao nibs
Cacao powder
Cacao butter
Cacao paste
Raw chocolate bars
Enjoy the king super food!
Kommentare