The cacao tree is where chocolate comes from and is found inside of the beans or seeds of the cacao fruit. Chocolate nibs are another name given to the chocolate that's found inside of these beans or seeds.
Highest in Antioxidant Flavonoids
The highest amount of antioxidant flavonoids goes to low temperature treated and unprocessed chocolate. These antioxidants help to protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Health Benefits of Antioxidants:
Helps prevent damage to your cells
Reduces blood clotting
Improves circulation
Lowers your risk of heart disease
Dark chocolate has quite a bit more antioxidant flavonoids than milk chocolate and raw chocolate would have the highest amounts.
Highest Amount of Magnesium
Healthy Chocolate is an excellent source of the mineral magnesium. We need magnesium for many of our body's functions such as balancing our brain chemistry. This could be the reason women crave chocolate more during their menstrual cycle.
To keep your heart functioning at its best, you need a regular supply of magnesium. Americans are extremely deficient in this mineral and about 80% of us need to focus on adding more to our diets.
Healthy Fatty Acids
The fats found in chocolate are called saturated and monounsaturated fats. It appears that chocolate is a heart healthy food and will not raise your cholesterol levels.
Chocolate's monounsaturated fat contains a powerful fatty acid called oleic acid which is also found in olive oil.
Contains "Feel Happy Chemicals"
Phenylethylamine and anandamide are the chemicals responsible for altering your brain chemistry.
Phenylethylamine gives you the same feeling as falling-in-love. It also increases your alertness and your focus.
Anandamide levels increase in your brain with the consumption of chocolate. This chemical produces a feeling of relaxation and just makes you feel good.
Raw is the Best Healthy Chocolate
In its raw and unadultered state, chocolate is actually a valuable and potent super food. Chocolate processed at low temperatures protects its nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Magnesium is the most abundant, but also present are minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, calcium and potassium. Along with these minerals there are B vitamins and vitamin E.
Raw chocolate or raw cacao is low in caffeine, but contains theobromine. This is the less stimulating sister molecule of caffeine.
Experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw. Chocolate has a much more stimulating effect when it is cooked or roasted.
To find some of the best raw cacao and cacao smoothie ideas, go to Raw Cacao Powder. For more information on antioxidant foods visit Destination Healthy Foods.
Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/health/healthy-chocolate-the-best-tasting-health-food
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