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Cocoa is the world's most popular stress reliever. Millions of people turn to chocolate every day to calm the mind.
In fact, some of us are so hooked on its pleasures, we have a word for these people... Chocoholics!
And you can count us here at Wellness Bakeries among them... Guilty as charged!
The great news is that cocoa is also a powerful “functional food”. It provides health benefits that go far beyond basic nutrition.
In the article below, you will discover how and why cocoa:
PLUS: Discover two key words you should always look for on products that contain cocoa... and how to consume it to maximize the benefits!
Keep reading to learn more...
When you understand the compounds within cocoa - and what these compounds do inside your body - it is no wonder that chocolate is the world’s most widely craved food!
Research shows that cocoa contains the “happiness”neurotransmitter, serotonin. It contains the natural relaxant, tryptophan. And it is packed with PEA (phenylethylamine) - a compound known as "the love chemical" because it peaks when humans make love.
Cocoa also contains compounds which mimic cannabinoids, the active chemicals in marijuana. Consuming cocoa triggers the release of endorphins – the hormones your brain produces when it senses happiness.
Given this treasure trove of "feel-good" compounds and effects, it's no wonder millions of people turn to chocolate for instant stress relief. It's also great to know that the calm euphoria you feel is not your imagination.
The stress-melting benefits of cocoa are REAL!
And these are only the beginning of its superfood powers because…
The most powerful benefits of cocoa come from its broad range of antioxidants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks the antioxidant power of foods by their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). Foods with a higher ORAC have greater ability to neutralize “free radicals” – reactive molecules that accelerate aging and increase the risk of disease.
Given cocoa's antioxidant superpowers, it is no surprise that numerous studies have found that compounds in cocoa help promote cellular health. The most important of these are a type of antioxidant, known as polyphenols. And a recent study proved that cocoa is one of the world’s richest sources of these cellular protectors.
Researchers from Cornell published this study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, comparing the levels of polyphenols in black tea, green tea, red wine and hot cocoa (all of which are rich sources of age-defying antioxidants).
Dr. Chang Lee, the chemist who led the study, said that, “If I had made a prediction before the tests, I would have picked green tea as having the most antioxidant activity, but when we compared each beverage, the cocoa turned out to be the highest.”
They also discovered that enjoying HOT cocoa triggers even greater benefits. On a per-serving basis, hot cocoa contains:
It’s important to note that not all “chocolate” offers the same benefits. Milk chocolate, for instance, is full of sugar. It also appears that milk may inhibit the antioxidant effects.
Italian scientists at the Antioxidant Research Laboratory in Rome made this discovery. They found that eating dark chocolate increased the blood plasma levels of certain vital antioxidants.
However, the effects dropped substantially when the chocolate was consumed with milk or as milk chocolate. According to the lead researcher, Dr. Mauro Serafini, “Milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate." He said it can also “negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate.”
Now that you've discovered how indulging in dark chocolate can help promote cellular health and reduce visible aging, let's take a look at the mineral benefits of this magical fruit...
The mineral magnesium is required for more than 300 functions in your body.
Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function. It supports the immune system. It helps build strong bones. It promotes blood sugar control and healthy metabolism. It helps protect your heart and supports healthy blood pressure.
The bad news is that almost 70% of the U.S. population is deficient!
The good news is that delicious cocoa is one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium.
This could explain why an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study revealed that insulin sensitivity was significantly higher in individuals who consumed dark chocolate (compared to subjects who consumed white chocolate).
The “dark chocolate group” also showed lower systolic blood pressure!
And the benefits of delicious cocoa don't end there...
Cocoa is also powerfully protective for your heart and circulatory system…
One way it does this is by activating nitric oxide, which increases circulation and helps red blood cells to flow smoothly. Cocoa has also been shown to promote supple arteries and healthy blood pressure readings.
The flavonols in cocoa have also been shown to improve cognition.
In a study published in Hypertension, 90 elderly individuals consumed high (990 mg), intermediate (520 mg) or low (45 mg) amounts of cocoa flavonols each day for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the subjects performed a visual attention and task switching test. Those who consumed “high” and “intermediate” levels of flavonols performed much better than those in the “low” group.
The researchers also commented that the subjects’ verbal fluency significantly improved.
There are many possible reasons for the brain-boosting benefits of cocoa. And increased circulation would be one of those reasons. In fact, a study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that consumption of cocoa caused a “striking blood flow response” to the brain and was associated with improved brain function.
Unfortunately, most forms of cocoa are laden with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin (GMO) and often heart-stopping trans-fat (particularly in the case of commercial “hot cocoa”).
But it’s not just the “junk” you have to watch out for, because...
Most commercial cocoa - even organic cocoa - is often “Dutch” processed. This is a form of chemical processing where the cocoa is "alkalized" to reduce bitterness and create a milder flavor.
Unfortunately, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry shows that it can also remove beneficial flavonoids - and slash the antioxidant value by 60 to 90 percent!
Some companies label their cocoa and chocolate as "alkalized" or "Dutch-processed" - however, many do not. You often have to ask or read the fine print.
The good news is that Wellness Bakeries always selects organic, non-Dutched cocoa for our products, with the highest grade of healthy fat content.
Our cocoa is as rich as Mother Nature intended. And we believe it tastes even better with the full range of flavor and nutrients intact!
Keep reading to discover our favorite way to enjoy rich, organic cocoa - without the junk!
What better way to enjoy the mood and health-boosting benefits of cocoa than a steaming cup of hot chocolate?
Unfortunately, many commercial “hot cocoa” mixes have more than 20 grams of sugar per serving. Others use harmful chemical sweeteners. And some even contain heart-stopping trans-fat, in the form of hydrogenated oils.
Thankfully, there is now an easy way to…
Wellness Bakeries has created a sweet and delicious drinking chocolate mix, that’s as good for your body as it is for your mind.
It’s called Divine Cocoa…
This decadent blend is made with the richest grade of organic cocoa. We also choose cocoa graded with the highest levels of the healthy fats, which occur naturally in Theobroma cacao.
Divine Cocoa is sweetened with a precise blend of zero-glycemic erythritol and a touch of stevia. And we supplement the mix with inulin – a lightly-sweet prebiotic fiber. This adds a creamy mouth feel, while feeding your healthy gut bacteria.
Finally, we add a pinch of mineral-rich salt and a hint of organic, Tahitian vanilla…
The result is a delicious blend – featuring a heaping portion of organic cocoa – with zero grams of sugar.
So, you can enjoy rich sips of chocolate bliss… 100% guilt free!
Divine Cocoa is versatile too…
Use this product to make the richest cup of cocoa ever sipped… stir into milk for a low-sugar chocolate milk… whirl into smoothies or yogurt… add it to your coffee for a Caffé Mocha… sprinkle over vanilla ice cream… or just eat it right off the spoon!
Here are just a few benefits and attributes of Divine Cocoa:
Support your mind – and your health – with cocoa, the ancient, calming superfood!
Divine Cocoa is as versatile as it is delicious…
Simply add it to your (hot or cold) liquid of choice, including milk or cream, water, coffee, coconut or almond milk. Then stir until it is transformed into a rich chocolate-y dream.
Divine Cocoa pairs especially well with a great book, a cozy chair and a warm, crackling fire…
Consider a few of these delicious creations...
"I love what you do. I am gluten intolerant and reducing sugar, so your products fill the bill perfectly. I started with the Chocolate Bliss, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Drinking Chocolate. I have enjoyed them all! There are a lot of gluten-free products, but it is hard to find products that are gluten-free and low glycemic. Keep coming up with recipes and new products… they’re great!"
— Bari H.
"I’ve been looking for products like yours for a long time. My family loves dessert, but I hate the thought of feeding them so much sugar. We tried desserts with artificial sweeteners, but my kids always responded YUCK! We made our first batch of your cupcakes last night. I’m so impressed! More importantly, my family LOVED them!"
— Karen W.
"Going grain-free and sugar-free has been a challenge. I was looking for ways to have a treat without blowing my new way of eating. I have tried your chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies and ginger cookies. The texture in grain-free, sugar-free products is usually crumbly and mealy. But your products are exceptional! I will be trying new ones and reordering the ones I have already tried."
— Gina S.
"I love your baking mixes. When I decided to eat less gluten and sugar, I dreaded not being able to enjoy my favorite sweets. I tried some gluten-free products but none offered the right flavor and texture, until I found yours! I made the Chocolate Bliss cupcakes and they were soooo good. Didn't even get them frosted before they were gone! I don't recall how your website found me, but I’m sure glad it did!"
— Suzanne Z.
"I am so thankful for your products! I ordered Chocolate Bliss Cake and absolutely LOVE it! It is so nice to enjoy something sweet without the sugar crash of most desserts. I feel great when I eat this cake and I don’t even feel guilty!! I eat low-glycemic and paleo as much as possible. I just feel healthier and more energetic when I eat this way. I have not found anything that compares to your products!"
— Andrea H.
"I want to thank you for the delicious and OOOOH SOOOOOOO good for you desserts! I just tried them and was SO IMPRESSED with the taste, texture and, of course, clean ingredients! I am a drugless health practitioner and weight loss coach and have started sharing your website with my clients. Everyone needs to know about you! Thank you again for all you do and for offering such "wholesome" products!"
— Tracey V.
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