Did you know that cacao, the highest antioxidant rich food on earth, can only be grown in “in-tact” rainforests? No trees can be cut down if the cacao plant is to be cultivated. Therefore eating chocolate saves the rainforests and the planet! Who would have thought decadence could be so virtuous?

Lucky the choices are many and a personal fav chocolate source of mine is the Green & Blacks brand. I just love the organic Maya gold dark chocolate. Organic chocolate contains minimal pesticides and is preferable. Also, they practice fair trade and sustainability, adding yet another reason to indulge guilt-free.

Here are some more fun facts about the actual cacao beans, the main ingredient in any chocolate, which can be found in the supple, white, cacao fruit, grown on trees of the Amazon rainforest.

Remember that the higher the cacao content, the more of the below benefits apply. Chocolate bars containing 70% cacao are recommended by most nutritionists due to lower sugar and higher in the below beneficial qualities. If you can’t muster the bitter taste of 70%, try 60% cacao and work form there. Some milk chocolate bars contain 30% cacao – any chocolate is better than none! Life is too short.

1.) Cacao beans build strong bones – especially the raw chocolate due to magnesium content which is what women crave, especially during that time of the month when cranky Aunt Flo pays a visit!
2.) Cacao beans contain trace amounts of caffeine.
3.) Cacao contains Sulfur, which helps build strong nails, hair and supple skin. Sulfur is also thought to detoxify mercury. Why not try some chocolate after sushi?
4.) Did you know that some people who are allergic to chocolate are only allergic to the milk and butter mixed in the chocolate bars? Try raw cacao beans or dairy free chocolate and see for yourself.
5) Within the cacao bean is a feel good neurotransmitter, phenylethlamine, which is the same neurotransmitter released when we fall in love. Try a hug rather than a whole box of chocolate if you’re itching for that lovin’ feeling. Alternatively there’s always Barry White! Shazam!

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Featured Contributor: Stephanie Siemion

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