A Fit Nurse: Raw Cocoa - Put it in a smoothie!!

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF RAW COCOA

In its raw state, chocolate has more than 300 nutritional compounds and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food on the planet!

Minimally processed raw chocolate contains many vital vitamins and minerals such as:

Magnesium, and other essential minerals such as calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese
Polyphenols, antioxidant rich flavonoids
Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E
Essential heart-healthy fat: oleic acid a monounsaturated fat
Protein
Fiber

Because white / processed sugar depletes the body of vital nutrients including magnesium, Vitamin C and B vitamins that are necessary for energy, hormones and weight loss, our raw chocolate making kits include Sweet Freedom, a low-glycaemic sweetener, to sweeten your raw chocs naturally and will not deplete your body of vital nutrients

The nutrients found in raw chocolate have been linked to a number of health benefits and has been known to:

1) Lower blood pressure & improve circulation

Flavanols, theobromine, and other components found in cacao may lower blood pressure and enhance circulation by promoting dilation, strength, and health of blood vessels

2) Promotes cardiovascular function & health

The antioxidant power of flavonoids and essential minerals and vitamins found in cacao can support healthy heart functioning by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing plaque buildup on artery walls.

3) Neutralizes free radicals

High levels of antioxidants protect the body from a buildup of free radicals from sun exposure, pollution, cigarette smoking, etc., which may damage healthy body tissue giving rise to cancer and cardiovascular disease. Our bodies need antioxidants to 'mop up' free radicals that can damage our cells. Scientists from Cornell University recently discovered that raw cacao powder contains nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea.

4)Raw Chocolate can improve digestion

A sufficient amount of fiber delivered with each serving of cacao supports digestion while cacao stimulates the body’s production of digestive enzymes.

5) Raw chocolate can enhance physical and mental well-being

There are many components of cacao including alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic, lipase, lysine, and theobromine, that all work together to improve physical and mental health. For example, theombromine helps to stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscles, and dilate blood vessels, giving the body a boost of energy; “bliss” chemicals found in cacao help to increase circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in brain, improving mood and combating depression.

Other notable benefits include:

Appetite suppressant

Yes, that's right! Raw chocolate actually has appetite-suppressant properties and often added to weight loss products to help control hunger! Simply enjoy a couple of Raw CHOC's or add half a teaspoon of raw chocolate powder to a teacup of tepid water 10 minutes before a meal for a delicious, natural way to reduce your appetite.

Aphrodisiac

Chocolate has long been the food for lovers and is a symbol of sensuality and sexuality. The ancient Aztecs gave chocolate as wedding presents and other South American civilizations believed that chocolate was the food of the heart. Raw chocolate from South America has to be the best chocolate aphrodisiac about!

Sense of well being

Long considered a 'happy food', chocolate is a popular treat when we need 'cheering up', recent research has discovered that cacao contains chemicals (such as Phenylethylamine* and Serotonine) which are scientifically proven to be present in the brains of people when they are happy, more relaxed, playful and creative.

*Phenylethylamine is a slight antidepressant and stimulant similar to the body's own dopamine and adrenaline.

My personal favorite smoothie - makes great dessert too. I like to make it very thick as if it was cake or brownie batter. Makes 1 tall glass. Gives me SOOO much energy and makes me stay "full" for hours.