Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate cravings? You should totally give into them, but just do it right! I have some bad news, but then I have LOTS of good news.

Chocolate Truths

The everyday chocolate that we know of in the candy aisle in America starts with the cacao plant, but then gets processed with chemicals and heat. (Cue slapping the forehead.) The heat and chemicals destroy the antioxidants and health-giving properties inside of the cacao bean that are intended for us to have! Don’t forget the additives and GMO’s that are many times present as well. No bueno.

Fair Trade Chocolate

Another consideration within conventional chocolate is the fact that many large chocolate companies take advantage of indigenous communities by paying them extremely low wages. In some cases, child slaves are used as workers. These children are doing dangerous work with machetes and toxic chemicals. They are not wearing proper gear, and are not trained or protected while doing this risky work. If you see Fair Trade chocolate, this means that the company who made that chocolate product is treating people fairly and looking out for their wellness and safety. They are also utilizing the best practices possible to make healthy chocolate. Yes!

How to Use Cacao

In addition to purchasing Fair Trade chocolate bars and treats, you can also get Fair Trade, organic cacao powder like this to satisfy your cravings. I love cacao powder because it’s easy to use, and you can reap the benefits of the cacao in various ways. Here are some ways to use it:

1. Add a tablespoon to your coffee to make it have a mocha flavor. Use a hand held frother, or pulse really low in a blender. Maybe throw in some milk/cream of choice and a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
2. Make brownies or one of the many amazing recipes here from Navitas Organics.
3. Create a delicious and creamy chocolate smoothie. Simply take a milk of choice such as almond milk and combine it with frozen banana, and 2-4 ounces of tart cherry juice to create the ultimate banana split-flavored smoothie with all the health benefits.

Benefits of Cacao

So, speaking of benefits, what are all the health benefits from cacao? Here are 5 of them courtesy of Be Good Organics:

1. 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries: We need antioxidants to combat the free radicals in our environment from toxins and pollution. The more you can include in your diet, the better your cells perform. This is all part of feeling and even looking young! It also helps prevent diseases like cancer.
2. Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron: Cacao offers 7.3 mg of iron per 100 g. That’s double the iron of spinach!
3. Loaded with Magnesium: Raw, organic cacao is one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium. Did you know that magnesium is the one mineral responsible for OVER 600 processes in the body? Did you know that many of us are deficient in it? I was when I started my whole healing journey, and I still get low in it! Why? Because it’s used for over 600 processes in my body and soooo many aspects of my life have sucked it up! Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, stress, not eating well, etc. We need it for our heart and for our bodies to turn glucose into energy, which makes our minds have clarity and focus. The list goes on! It’s extremely important!
4. Excellent Source of Calcium: Raw, organic cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk. It has 160 mg vs. 125 mg. Moooove over; let’s use more plants!
5. Elevates Mood and Lowers Depression: Cacao is a great source of “happy chemicals” in our brain. What better way to feel more happy than have some chocolate deliciousness each day?

No Wonder We Crave Chocolate

So, is it any wonder we crave chocolate when we are tired, stressed, down, or for the ladies, ready to start our periods or have babies? Hormonal processes require magnesium, and it only makes sense that your body is telling you to eat a source of magnesium such as chocolate! Magnesium is needed for our brain to function properly, and for HUNDREDS of important processes. Honor that craving, but give yourself the real deal so that you feel your best.

From my heart,

Lindsay