Blog

The Benefits of Raw Chocolate

The Benefits of RAW CHOCOLATE versus COMMERCIAL

 

We often hear that chocolate’s good for us – but what they don’t often tell us is what kind. Truth is, there’s a big difference between the commercial chocolate many of us are used to eating (Cadburys, Lindt, Nestle and so on) and raw chocolate – the kind with the amazing health benefits.

 

Making chocolate is actually a pretty straightforward business: Heat the cacao beans, grind them up, add fat and sweeten.

 

The big difference is that unlike commercial chocolate (which is roasted at temperatures above 130 C – destroying nutrients and changing its inherent structure), raw chocolate is never heated above 45 C – so none of its natural antioxidants, enzymes and nutrients are lost.

 

Raw chocolate is pure – just cacao beans, cacao butter and natural sweeteners. Commercial chocolate on the other hand, is full of sugar, milk, unhealthy fats and added flavourings. Most raw chocolate comes from organic farmers in Ecuador and Peru – so you know it’s free from pesticides. You can’t say that about commercial chocolate.

 

So cacao and cocoa are not just different ways of spelling the same word. Raw cacao is the nutrient rich product of unroasted cacao beans and cocoa powder is the nutrient depleted product of the roasting process.

 

So what are some of the health benefits of raw chocolate?

 

• Loaded with antioxidants that combat the damaging effects of free radicals and protect us against degenerative disease and premature aging.
• High in vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper and zinc.
• Makes us feel happier – raw chocolate contains tryptophan to elevate mood, phenylethylamine that simulates the feeling of falling in love and encourages our brain to release endorphins – natural painkillers.
• Lowers insulin resistance because of its low glycemic index raw chocolate doesn’t cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

 

Once you know the difference the healthy choice is easy – although it may take a little time to get used to the more intense flavour if you are an aficionado of dairy milk chocolate! Indulge in raw organic chocolate bars and use raw organic cacao and cacao butter at home.