A Healthy Choice for your Easter Basket

Did you know that raw, unprocessed chocolate, or Cacao, is the strongest antioxidant measured?  According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, the standard measuring tool for antioxidants, the acai berry ranks next.  Cacao, once processed, loses half of its ORAC value.

Antioxidants protect our body from free radical damage.  A free radical is an unpaired electron in an atom’s outermost shell.  An unstable atom will take an electron from another atom in our body.  This is oxidation and thought to be the cause of aging and more than 200 degenerative diseases.

Raw chocolate also contains many anti-aging flavanoids, especially epicatechins, catechins, and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation.  This supports the vascular system as blood vessels seem to regain lost elasticity.  It also supports blood vessel walls, which in turn helps lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) found in raw cacao has been found to boost serotonin and endorphin levels which affects our mood and seems to minimize food cravings.  When combined with the increased nutrients packed into unprocessed chocolate, PEA suppresses the appetite.

Raw Cacao has been used for thousands of years by indigenous people for its wonderful health benefits.  Raw chocolate, rich in minerals and nutrients, increases energy, stamina and helps open air passages with theobromine and anandamide, which also contribute to lifting the mood.  You can see why cacao, known as “Food of the Gods” would be perfect to take on a long trek. 

I know what I’m putting in my Easter baskets!  What will your choice be?

For more information contact Abundant Health Wellness Center at 760-327-4041