14th Apr 2022
There seems like no better time than Easter to explore the health benefits that cocoa – chocolate can bring as part of a balanced diet.
When you see a cocoa bean pod opened, it is surprising to realise how far away from the finished chocolate product it looks. The bean contains two significant antioxidants: Epicatechin and Catechin. These have anti-cancer properties, interestingly the same properties found in green tea.
The nibs form after the beans are dried, roasted and crushed; they are also high in antioxidants. When these nibs are ground-up, we get cocoa powder. The healthiest chocolate is when these products are unsweetened. Meaning they contain many more times the Polyphenols antioxidants than once it is processed and sugar etc., added.
Shoppers can now find Cocoa Nibs in supermarkets for eating (a bit of an acquired taste) and for adding to recipes. Cocoa powder; can be used in sweet and savoury cooking. Many would use it for making hot chocolate – but a word of warning, milk inhibits the cocoa polyphenols, so making with hot water is a much better option.
Most people find that 70% of cocoa solids hit the sweet spot for health and palatability! The further you go down the percentage scale, the fewer antioxidants you expect.
If money allows, it is good to check the other ingredients. Try and avoid chocolate products containing hydrogenated or partially hydronated oils. Going organic will also reduce exposure to pesticides; the farming process may use over thirty chemicals on conventional crops.
Studies have shown that eating small amounts of dark chocolate regularly; can protect the heart and lower the risks of stroke and heart disease. It works by thinning the blood and protecting the artery walls, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It is similar to what taking a low-dose aspirin would do.
In holistic medicine, chocolate may be to settle an upset stomach and ease coughs. Cocoa contains Theobromine, which is as effective at suppressing a cough as codeine.
In terms of the immune system, those eating dark chocolate benefit from a boost in antibodies and something called T-helper cells that kick start the immune system into action.
Customer Comments
I had a reading with Teya today. I was blown away by her understanding of my current situation. She made some very positive predictions and advice. I look forward to the outcome. Teya has a lovely warm personality and it radiates in her voice. Towards the end of the reading at my request she brought through some family members who passed over. I found her descriptions and messages spot on! I would love to connect with her again. Many thanks.
Mary
Teya
PIN : 3691
I would like to share my thoughts and gratitude about the reading I just had with Marcus: He’s excellent! Connected immediately. No padding or filling. Spot on with what he picked up. Empathetic, emotionally intelligent, honest and humble. I was left empowered. Thank you, Marcus, I will call again.
Caz
Marcus
PIN : 9399
I had my first reading with Vanessa today. I was very impressed that she brought my late father through and described him in great detail. Vanessa has a lovely empathetic manner. She picked up in great detail my current situation and described a wonderful outcome to my questions. I was blown away by her understanding of myself as a person! She gave me a tremendous boost to my wellbeing.
Mary
Vanessa
PIN : 3900
John is so gifted, absolutely brilliant, the best medium I have ever known! He has assisted me and many others more than he will ever know xxx Thank you.
Jayne
John
PIN : 5152
Bryony is an amazing reader. She is a very lovely, friendly and honest reader. All of my readings have been done with insights and guidance. Bryony really wants the best for her clients and has supported me a lot over the last 4 years. I would highly recommend her. She’s the very best and does not ask lots of questions and always picks up on my situation now and in the future. Absolutely amazing lady.
Pamela
Bryony
PIN : 2727
Just had a lovely reading with Angel. She is so kind and enthusiastic and willing to provide guidance. I felt that she was naturally gifted at being guided by her spirits.
Jodie
Angel
PIN : 1441
Thank you so much Sandra for assisting me connect with my beloved partner. You gave so much detail around things that only I would have known. You are really gifted and I am very much looking forward to speaking with you again. Love and best wishes to you x.
Krish
Sandra
PIN : 2662
Thank you, Ruth, for being so patient and kind on our call. You touched on things I needed to hear and I was so happy to hear from the one person I was seeking guidance from. I will be back. Your gift has opened my eyes up more than you know. Thank you xx
Hollie
Ruth
PIN : 2022
Thanks so much to John. I've had a few readings with John over this last year and he has really assisted me keep the faith in a situation that has all worked out as he said it would. His advice and insight was spot on and I can't thank you enough x.
Stephanie
John
PIN : 5152
Betty was absolutely wonderful. She was spot on with what she told me. She even mentioned a place in the country that I live without me telling her. She is amazing!
Noleen
Betty
PIN : 3445