If you take out the extra sugar content that dark chocolate contains, you’re left with the good stuff – pure unadulterated cacao.
Cacao is believed to be a super beneficial medicine with more than 300 beneficial compounds. The bad news here is that many of the products that are made from cacao destroy their beneficial qualities through processing, cooking, or refining them. Most milk chocolate bars, for example, are more sugar and hydrogenated oils than they are cacao. Look for high levels of cacao and a minimum of processing.
Cacao has been shown in studies to increase the levels of neurotransmitters that specifically help us to feel happier and give us a positive outlook on life. The cacao benefits include:
• Serotonin – Raw cacao increases the levels of serotonin and acts as a natural antidepressant.
• Endorphins – Cacao also increases the secretion of endorphins which leads to a sense of well-being.
• Anandamide – Sometimes called the “bliss” chemical. Raw cacao has a compound that increases the levels of anandamide in the brain and enzymes that slow the breakdown of anandamide. This helps to give us longer periods of relaxation.
• Phenylethylamine (PEA) – This natural compound is made and released by the brain when we are in love. PEA is an anti-depressant, mood elevator, and helps to increase our levels of alertness and focusing abilities.
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Lynne Campanaro 