Don’t Ditch Your Chocolate Just Yet…It is Remarkably Healing If You Have the Right Source!
I love chocolate and have searched far and wide for good chocolate not loaded with sugar, milk, gums, soy lecithin, and other harmful ingredients. I frequently go to The National Center for Biochemistry Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine for interesting studies on food.
I read this direct quote from one of their studies referenced below “The probability of a net health benefit for most people from habitual intake of dark chocolate is high”. Yes!!!! We always hear wine is good for your health, chocolate is good for your health, and some want to stretch it and say beer is good for your health. Wine and beer still have alcohol in them and loads of bad ingredients that are harmful to our health. So does chocolate when it comes from a poor source or has a ton of additives. But…. pure cocoa with limited ingredients is good for you. Really!
Chocolate has gotten a bad rap for causing acne, weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GERD, and migraines. But after reading a few studies and knowing what I know about dairy and other additives, it is not the cocoa causing these issues, it’s the ingredients the cocoa is combined with. Sugars can cause migraines, dairy can cause acne, IBS, and GERD as well as soy lecithin. Take that stuff out of your chocolate and you will reap the benefits.
Top 5 nutrients found in Cocoa.
Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine….and that makes you feel euphoric and happy.
Serotonin helps us relax and stay calm. So many people turn to chocolate when they have had a stressful day and it works! It helps you calm down and relax.
Magnesium is a much-needed mineral in our body that helps with strong bones, nails, and teeth, supports good brain health, promotes relaxation in our moods and muscles.
Flavonoids are antioxidant molecules that fight free radicals in our bodies. This in turn boosts our immune system!
Phenylethylamine is also known as the love chemical and is a precursor to endorphins, this is what makes chocolate the ”love food”.
These 5 nutrients along with many others found in cocoa produce the following 10 benefits.
- Improves visual function
- Lowers risk of Alzheimer’s
- Lowers risk of strokes
- Very beneficial to the cardiovascular system
- Improves cerebral blood flow
- Protects neurons from damage
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- Supports focused thinking and reduces brain fog
- Enhances your workout by improving energy and stamina
- Gives you a sense of calm and peace
Now that I’ve sold you on the benefits, where do you find good cocoa?
Chocolate Bars I recommend
Hu Chocolate – only dairy-free
Cocoa powders to make shakes or hot cocoa with Coconut Milk (Native Forest Organic Simple) or Almond Milk (Three Trees)
References
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