| Dark chocolate is made from the nutrition-rich cacao | | | | suggests may help protect the body from illnesses. |
| plant. Among its many health benefits such as | | | | For a deep, rich chocolate flavor, add cocoa powder |
| antioxidants, cacao contains both magnesium and | | | | to drinks, shakes or ice cream. Keep in mind that |
| sulfur, both of which are essential to the body's proper | | | | combining cocoa powder with dairy products may |
| functioning. It also naturally contains enzymes that | | | | minimize its effectiveness, so use soy or rice milks in |
| preserve anandamide. This chemical promotes | | | | your recipes if possible. |
| happiness, good mood and loving feelings often | | | | Cacao Nibs |
| attributed to chocolate. | | | | Another convenient, enjoyable way to eat raw |
| Unfortunately, once the chocolate from the cacao | | | | chocolate is cacao nibs. These resemble chocolate |
| plant goes through the standard roasting process, the | | | | chips and the two can sometimes be used |
| majority of its nutrients dissipate. In some cases, | | | | interchangeably. For example, you may add cacao |
| roasting increases the negative efffects of some | | | | nibs to a granola or trail mix for a great snack. You'll |
| substances such as caffeine. While raw chocolate | | | | find cacao nibs have a deeper, more natural |
| naturally promotes alertness, the caffeine present in | | | | chocolate-y flavor than the chips you're accustomed |
| roasted chocolate causes insomnia, irritability and | | | | to. |
| anxiety. | | | | While the majority of the world's chocolate is roasted, |
| In order to get the maximum benefits from chocolate | | | | processed and contains unwanted sweeteners and |
| consumption, we recommend eating raw,organic | | | | fillers, you'll have plenty of options to incorporate raw, |
| chocolate. Available in a variety of forms, raw | | | | organic chocolate into your diet. Both cocoa powder |
| chocolate is minimally processed and free of fillers. It | | | | and cacao nibs are available from online nutrition shops |
| is also available unsweetened or with the addition of | | | | as well as many grocers and health food stores. |
| unrefined sweeteners. Here are two examples of how | | | | Even some unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate |
| you can enjoy raw chocolate in your diet. | | | | bars, while containing roasted chocolate, still maintain |
| Cocoa Powder | | | | some nutritional value. However, neither milk |
| Cocoa powder is the least processed form of cocoa, | | | | chocolate nor white chocolate offer any types of |
| making it the highest in flavanols, which research | | | | health benefits. |
