ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE YES, THERE ARE HEALTH BENEFITS! BY IVY CIOLLI
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hen we think of February, we think of hearts, love, and most of all, CHOCOLATE! Okay, well I certainly do, and I’m sure I’m not the only chocolate fanatic out there! Many of us like to use the excuse that chocolate has so many health advantages, which is true. We hear of the common ones such as antioxidants, but are you aware of the mood-enhancing benefits of cacao, which is used to make chocolate?
THE BENEFITS OF EATING CHOCOLATE I read on www.foodmatters.com that cacao boosts brain levels of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. When women are experiencing PMS, serotonin levels drop dramatically. (I envision husbands running out for chocolate as they read this!) The benefits of cacao are proven to boost the brain levels of calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being. Cacao also contains the mood-improver, anandamide— known as the bliss molecule, which creates a feeling of euphoria. Another mood-enhancing compound found in cacao is PEA (or phenethylamine), which triggers the release of endorphins and pleasurable opium-like neurochemicals. Your sweetheart is sure to adorn the bedroom with chocolate truffles when they hear about this benefit!
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greenliving | February 2020
Mineral-rich cacao energizes the body without overstimulating the nervous system, giving you incredible long-lasting energy. Cacao is a healthy way to combat fatigue and has a high concentration of magnesium. Magnesium helps to protect against osteoporosis, reduces type II diabetes, and lowers blood pressure!
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR Now you must ask, “Where should I source my chocolate from?” First, there is some advice I would like to dip your thoughts into. We all understand how important it is to source organic and non-GMO products. However, do you pay attention to the fair trade label you may see on packaging? You can find fair trade chocolate at your favorite natural health food store, such as Natural Grocers, or at your local farmers' market.
THREE VALLEY CHOCOLATIERS There is an abundance of delectable, melt-in-your mouth chocolates out there. Below, I will indulge your aromatic senses in my three favorite chocolatiers in the Valley. The first two my family visits on a weekly basis at the Old Town Scottsdale farmers’ market. My husband has a special love for b Naked Chocolates. Sue, the owner, makes a decadent greenlivingaz.com
