Comforting chocolate is has a reputation as a mood-enhancer and aphrodisiac.
While these benefits have been scientifically confirmed, chocolate’s boons go far beyond in energizing, nourishing and protecting your health in powerful and enjoyable ways.
Chocolate is Full of Minerals
Cacao’s nutrient content includes substantial amounts of eight minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium.
The amounts at right are present in just one ounce, or two tablespoons, of pure cocoa powder.
Magnesium and chromium deficiencies are the two most common among Americans, making cacao a truly medicinal food. Chromium balances blood sugar to soften the landing of chocolate sweets.
Chocolate Lifts Mood
In 1992, scientists discovered a unique particle known as anandamide that is present in humans and in chocolate.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for bliss, anandamide attaches to the same receptors in the brain that the THC in marijuana does, creating a more mild and short-lived high than pot does.
In one study, subjects were saddened by sombre music. When they ate either chocolate or carob afterward, only those who had chocolate said their mood improved.
Chocolate Supercharges Energy
Chocolate contains a surprising amount of caffeine: an ounce of cocoa powder contains 64mg of caffeine, or roughly as much as an espresso.
On top of this, chocolate boasts the chemicals theobromine, also present in coffee, and phenythlamine. Both stimulate production of the pleasure-inducing hormone dopamine.
Dopamine in turn converts to adrenaline and norepinephrine, both of which make your energy soar. That late night cup of cocoa may not be so soothing after all.
Chocolate Increases Libido
The Valentine’s Day effect has an explanation: studies show that dopamine switches on a brain messenger chemical called DARP-32, which activates hormones that increase female libido.
Chocolate’s Chock Full of Antioxidants
We ingest harmful particles known as free radicals in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and from toxic sources such as cigarettes. Left unchecked, free radicals damage cells and hasten aging.
Antioxidants counter free radicals and support health and longevity. While many whole foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts are rich in antioxidants, cacao is one of the richest of all. Cacao boasts about 30 times the antioxidants of red wine, for example.
For the most effective dosing, eat chocolate with berries; you’ll assimilate two to three times the antioxidants you would otherwise.
Chocolate Is Versatile
No single food or herb with so many benefits takes as many forms as chocolate does. Snack on raw cacao nibs or work them into homemade trail mixes. Use cacao oil for cooking or creating dressings or sauces, or transform cocoa powder into handmade chocolates, smoothies and chocolate sauces.
Stores typically stock a selection of decadent dark chocolates with flavors like mint, raspberry or lavender.
Here are some ways I enjoy cocoa:
- Mixing cacao nibs or cocoa powder into yogurt
- Hot cocoa with cocoa powder, honey and vanilla extract
- Chia seed pudding with light coconut milk, cocoa powder and honey
- Blending cocoa powder and frozen fruit (bananas are especially good) in a food processor with just enough coconut milk to make an ice cream texture
Choosing Chocolate Products
When choosing chocolates, opt for milk-free dark varieties; most chocolate is high in sugar and inflammatory fats. Organic chocolate is a bonus since it’s pesticide-free.
Finally, ideally go for raw chocolate, otherwise known as cacao. Cacao is minimally processed and retains more of the nutrients that both nourish you and bliss you out.
If you have a poor reaction to chocolate, you may be caffeine sensitive or sensitive to the mold on cocoa. Try different chocolate products to see whether there are lower-mold brands that you tolerate better.
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