The super health benefits of chocolate are obtained by eating it in the natural state - the cacao bean. Cacao beans are dark chocolate and all other chocolates derive from them. During processes of heating, melting and the addition of products - dairy, sugar, chemicals, the beans lose their nutrients and value.

Cacao "beans" are technically seeds in the fruit growing right out of the trunk of a tree called cacao.  Cacao means "fruit of the gods," named for its wondrous properties probably by the Mayan Olmec people, who used cacao in their rituals. Indigenous to Central and South America, cacao trees have spread and now grow 20 degrees north and south of the Equator all over the world.  Now the health benefits of high quality, raw cacao are becoming researched and known.

BENEFITS OF RAW CHOCOLATE (CACAO)

• Heal and soothe your heart
• Increase your sensuality, love life and beauty
• Nourish your intellect
• Lessen stress and depression
• Enhance joy

Magnesium (the brain mineral)

Many in the USA are deficient in the mineral magnesium.  A primary source of magnesium is cacao.  Magnesium supports the heart, increases brainpower, aids bowel movements, relaxes menstrual cramping, relaxes muscles, increases flexibility, helps build strong bones and increases alkalinity.

Antioxidants (vitamins)

Cacao beans are one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food, super-rich in antioxidant flavonols.  Cacao has 20X the concentration of antioxidants compared to the common processed chocolate.  It has twice the anti-oxidants of red wine and three times more than green tea.¹

The antioxidant polyphenols in chocolate are protective of the heart and circulatory system.²

A study of 8000 male Harvard graduates showed that chocolate lovers lived longer than abstainers (possibly due to high polyphenol levels in chocolate.)

Why processed chocolates are not healthy.

The addition of dairy to make milk chocolate blocks the absorption of the antioxidants.

It is the added refined sugars that can cause acne, hormone fluctuation, moodiness and skin outbreaks.

Caffeine leads to increased energy

Cacao contains 1-2% of the  stimulants theobromine and caffeine, though in raw form the effects are usually milder.

PEA - "the love chemical"

Chocolate contains 2.2% PEA. Phenylethylamine (PEA) seems to create feelings of attraction, excitement and euphoria. Levels are high in people in love, optimistic and happy, sexually aroused or having an orgasm. Elevated levels also occur when we are captivated by an attractive person, good book, movie or project, when we are focused and lose track of time.  PEA is the molecule behind neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as dopamine, which increases mental concentration and a positive attitude. PEA increases the effectiveness of another brain chemical, norepinephrine (noradrenalin) which increases feeling of joy.

Anandamide - the "bliss chemical"

This was isolated in chocolate in 1996.  Anandamide is a lipid (oil) that is released when we feel great.  It can play a part in mood, memory, appetite and pain perception.

Tryptophan - mood enhancer.

Cocoa powder has .2 - .5% tryptophan, which is crucial in producing serotonin, our primary neurotransmitter.  Once in our bodies tryptophan reacts with B vitamins and magnesium (which abound in cacao) to produce serotonin.  Serotonin diminishes anxiety and increases our ability to defend against stress.

Dopamine - the Aphrodisiac

Chocolate is one of the best natural sources of arginine, an amino acid.  It acts in a similar way to Viagra in increasing blood flow to the penis and amplifies sexual desire. Cacao contains dopamine, which (in rats) kickstarts a chemical that activates hormones that make females more interested in sex.

Nature's Prozac

Cacao is a source of the above chemicals - serotonin, dopamine and PEA, which impart a sense of well-being; the mineral magnesium, which increases brain power; the B vitamin, which are associated with brain health; as well as anandamide, which delivers blissful feelings.  The mix makes it a natural anti-depressant.

Chocolate may also increase intuition, and diminish appetite!

Studies

¹ (See the article by Cornell University scientists, led by Chang Y. Lee, in the Jl of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.)

² American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002

Next chocolate truffle making workshop (great for gifts) Tuesday, December 22, noon to 1:30 pm- just in time to make unique homemade holiday treats for guests or to give as gifts - who wouldn't be happy to get a box of delicious chocolate truffles that are guilt-free pleasures!?  Come on your lunch break (you will learn the essential raw chocolate recipe and process in 20 minutes) to make a bunch of truffles to take with you, and take the shopping list of ingredients and roll lots more on your own.  You can have fun over the holidays showing your family and friends how to make these treats - quickly, easily and inexpensively.  Raw Chocolate Truffle workshop is at Nourish & Flourish in Norwalk, CT.  $25/person. Contact Janet Luongo to register: 203-846-2642 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it