I am always asked "what is the latest greatest in terms of nutrional but yummie foods". Greg what is the skinnny?

Here is what I consider the top trendsetter this summer from the world of Hip to be Healthy. Cocoa, "The Healthy Chocolate".
Yep, Chocolate!

1. Coca, Cacao, also known as “cacao pod”, is the fruit of the cacao tree, a small tree growing in South America and the West Indies which grows 12 to 25 feet high (less than 25 feet if being cultivated). In 1753 it was named Theobroma meaning “food of the gods” by Carl von Linnaeus, the 18th-century Swedish scientist who developed the plant and animal Latin categorization system.

Raw Cacao Nutritional Facts: 
Pay attention to the fiber and sugar content - they are the secret of why it's so healthy.

Serving Size: 1 ounce (= ¼ cup or 28g)
Calories 160, Fat 11g (of which Saturated Fat 4g), Sodium 30 mg, Carbohydrate 14g, Fibre 9g, Sugars 3g, Protein 1g, Vitamin C 42mg Cacao is remarkably rich in magnesium and seems to be the number one source of magnesium of any food. This may very well explain why women crave chocolate before or during their menstrual period. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with creating more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD) - over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in magnesium.

Stimulant or Superfood? Cacao contains subtle amounts of caffeine and theobromine. However, experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw than cooked. Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in chocolate. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that is also created within the brain and released when we are in love. This is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness. Anandamide (“The Bliss Chemical”)
A neurotransmitter called anandamide, has been isolated in cacao. Anandamide is also produced naturally in the brain. Anandamide is known as "The Bliss Chemical" because it is released while we are feeling good. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our body’s ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer when we eat cacao. Cocoa is also a heavy antoxidant amd contains flavonoids which they say help protect us from cardiovascular disease.

It even contains the ingredient MAO which helps suppress our appetite.

Now I am not suggesting cocoa be the end all here of course. But how cool that an adult tasting big bang bang for your buck in the chocolate world has a little goodness going on as well . At my wellness bar Real Raw Live . We combine cocoa and agave and make a chocolate syrup. Combined with fresh almond or oat milk, it makes for a killer chocolate mylk . We even combine it with Maca Root from peru and have a super shot called " macacoa" It makes you melt into a state of bliss. Cocoa also comes in granule form called "nibs" . They are great as a topping or to throw into a shake to give it a chocolate snap of flavor and texture.

Cocoa, who knew? Now, you do!

Give it a try and tell me what you think.

All the best in health

posted by Gregory Joujon-Roche in Nutrition
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