GreenCravers.com

Live longer, happier, lighter
by eating chocolate

by Diana

Time to read: 1.5 minutes.

Why are most of us so obsessed with the smell, taste and look of chocolate? Because our body NEEDS it. What if I told you that the more chocolate you eat the longer you’re likely to live — AND  you even may lose a few pounds too.  No, I’m not lying, trying to sell you something nor have I lost my mind.  It’s scientific fact.  One of the oldest people to ever live was a French woman who ate 2 pounds of cacao every week!  But put down your Hershey bar – there’s a rule.   Read on and I’ll show you how to live longer, lighter and happier eating as much chocolate as you want.  This includes addressing child obesity by creating low fat, chocolate-rich snacks and desserts. 

Chocolate is one of the most desirable desserts of all.  We love everything from sauces to cookies that are made with the stuff. But I’m talking about the real chocolate — something called cacao.  Sure, you’ve heard of it.  This is the “naked” (eek!) form of chocolate that has never been processed — the virgin stuff.  It’s what’s mixed with milk and sugar to create what most of us know as chocolate.

Raw cacao powder is Mother Nature’s natural form of chocolate.  Unfortunately, processing often destroys or takes away from cacao’s powerful benefits.  Example: Raw chocolate is the the #1 antioxidant in the world… followed by cacao nibs and Acai powder.  Not the diet pills — the natural powder form of Acai berries.

How to grow old & look good (eating lots of chocolate)

One of the oldest people who to live on Earth was a French woman who ate 2 pounds (about 1 kilo) of cacao every week.  She lived 137 years.  Was it chocolate alone that enabled this?  Of course not but it DID contribute significantly and can for YOU too.

Because of its rich concentration of antioxidants  raw cacao powder protects us from age-related health problems, diseases and illnesses.  Raw cacao is the #1 magnesium source — and that is one of the greatest alkaline minerals.  I won’t bore you with why that’s important unless you ask!

Briefly, magnesium supports the heart, increases brainpower, helps build strong bones, causes strong peristalsis (bowel movements).  Magnesium is a problem for most of us.  Over 80% of Americans are not getting enough magnesium.  From constipation in children to heart disease we’re suffering.

But wait, there’s more!

In addition to magnesium raw cacao powder contain 314% of the U.S. recommended daily allowance per ounce. Chromium, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin C, Omega-6 Fatty Acids are all preset to complete the picture.  Chocolate IS healthy stuff, folks!

What about caffeine?

Who made this stuff up?  Ugh.  Contrary to popular opinion, cacao is poor source of caffeine.  However, cacao contains Theobromine that is from the same Methylxanthines group (as caffeine).  The good news: Theobromine is an effective antibacterial substance that kills the primary organism that cause cavities. Theobromine is a chemical relative of caffeine but it is NOT a nervous system stimulant.

Did I just tell you that chocolate can help prevent cavities?  Yup. I did.

Ready for a South American taste sensation?

I’ll give you a little help by teaching you how to make my Chocolate-Acai  Ice cream. Your children and your husband will fall in love with it too.  Mine did!  We discovered it while on a public speaking, hang gliding and rock climbing adventure in Brazil.

1 cup almond milk

2 Tbs. cacao powder

1 Tbs Acai

5 dates

splash of raw honey

1/2 banana

1 cup ice

Put together in the Vitamix or any other blender. Blended for 2 min. Voila! Chocolate Acai Ice cream to die for. Enjoy.

Need to purchase the ingredients?  No problem — look here!