Saturday, February 2, 2008

Cacao Beans:

Cacao beans are a fantastic food source for Magnesium and antioxidants. These beans can help us stay focused due to their source of PEA, a chemical that increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). Cocoa also contains Anandamine, a lipid (fat) known as "the bliss chemical", because it is released while we are feeling great. It supplies serotonin, dopamine, and phenylethylamine, three well-studied neurotransmitters, which help alleviate depression and are associated with feelings of well being.

It is best to have chocolate with no added dairy products/milk or refined sugar. Some studies show that the additions of dairy products block the absorption of all the great antioxidants in chocolate! Allergies to chocolate which were thought to be common have recently been linked more to the milk rather than the cocoa content.
Even better than dark chocolates are raw cacao beans which possess all the magical properties of chocolate without any adulteration or processing!
Power the body by adding cocoa nibs (crushed cacao beans) to your favorite dessert, shake, or cereal.

When giving a Valentine’s gift of Chocolates, make sure the chocolate you choose contains a high content of cocoa. Most fine quality chocolates will list the percentage of cocoa. Check the ingredients and see if cocoa or sugar is the first ingredient listed. Give the gift of health to your loved ones.

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