Harnessing the
Power of Chocolate Everyone loves chocolate. We eat chocolate when we are happy, when we are sad, when we feel unwell and when we feel great. Chocolate is a celebratory food that has been part of our lives for centuries. Despite its prevalence in our society, chocolate has been considered “a sinful indulgence, loaded with fat, sugar and calories that has only added to our hips and contributed to poor health.” GuilTY Pleasure
However, an increasing body of research has found that Cacao and chocolate possess a wide range of nutrients that can offer numerous health benefits. In fact, over 2,500 published studies have been conducted on Cacao and its primary nutrients and the vast majority of these studies demonstrated that cacao is a superior source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. It boggles peoples’ minds when they learn that a food once thought to be a guilty pleasure could really be good for them. Most people are not aware that Cacao is a top antioxidant powerhouse and possesses phytonutrients that deliver a wide range of benefits to the body. aNTioXiDaNTs
Everywhere we look today there is talk about antioxidants. We see the term ‘antioxidants’ on the cover of magazines, in the news and on food labels. What’s the big deal and why are these compounds so important for good health?
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals (rogue molecules) that damage cells and tissues in the body that contribute to disease. A good example of oxygen free-radical damage can be seen when an apple is sliced in half and left exposed to air. Within a short time, the apple begins to turn brown (oxidizes). This browning is caused by free-radical damage and will eventually destroy the fruit. If you squeeze lemon on the apple, it slows down the oxidation process and the resultant damage to the flesh of the apple. The process is similar in your body. Oxygen damages cells, which over time can lead to disease. Antioxidants in your diet work like lemon juice on the flesh of an apple, protecting the body’s cells. free raDiCal
What makes the Cacao bean so unique and differentiates it from other antioxidant rich foods is that the Cacao bean contains several classes of antioxidants including flavanols and flavonoids which protect the body in a variety of ways. “Cacao contains a truly unique nutrient profile that enhances the antioxidant activity of its free radical fighting antioxidant compounds…showing that cacao is a powerful protector of the body’s primary organs and systems.” It is no surprise then why chocolate is becoming known as a health promoting food. However not all chocolate is created equal.
22 • Be Fabulous! I www.fabulousat50.com I October • November • 2011