5 Reasons Cacao is Good for You

Guest post from local Holistic Health Coach Vivienne Alexa

Whatever the time of year, chocolate is all around! But we are digging deeper and focusing on cacao, the magical ingredient at the heart of chocolate.

We reached out to Local Holistic Health Coach Vivienne Alexa to find out about some of the health benefits of cacao and she also offered up some alternative ways to enjoy this little bean.

 

 

1.  It Raises Your Energy Levels

Cacao contains iron that can be easily absorbed by the body, which helps to keep our energy levels up. Two of the more iron-rich ways to enjoy it are unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids or higher.

 

2.  It Reduces Inflammation

Plain dark chocolate is included in the anti-inflammatory food pyramid created by Dr Weil, a leading practitioner and teacher of integrative medicine. In this pyramid, he suggests savouring about 30g of dark chocolate (70% or higher), several times a week. Editor's note: We’re personally very happy to take that recommendation! 

 

3.  It Has Many Health Benefits

Cacao is a rich source of polyphenols which are thought to provide many health benefits such as improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol, blood sugar levels and even improved brain function… that's a pretty impressive list!  

 

4.  It Helps You To Relax 

Cacao does actually make us happy and relaxed! Cacao helps our bodies to produce serotonin, often called a happy hormone. To get the most benefit, quality and quantity are key. Choose bars of chocolate that are 70% or higher, as they have more cocoa solids which contain more of the health giving polyphenols. Higher cocoa solids often means there's less sugar too. Check the ingredients list and go for options that list cocoa solids first.

 

5.  It Makes You Feel Good

Look for brands with a purpose and feel good knowing that you are bringing parity to the chocolate supply chain. Shockingly, slavery and illegal child labour still exists in the chocolate industry. Tony's Chocolonely has a roadmap to 100% slave-free chocolate, buying their bars helps us to be part of the solution, and brands that carry the Fairtrade logo are also working towards fairer pay and better working conditions.

 

 

And remember, it doesn’t have to be all about chocolate!

There are other ways to enjoy cacao with an extra bonus list from Viv… 

 

5 Alternative Ways To Enjoy Chocolate

1.  For an afternoon pick-me-up try the BOSH boys' Choconana Smoothie

2.  For the most flavour-packed chilli - the BOSH boys' Ultimate Chilli

3.  For an intense chocolatey dessert - Healthy Living James' Vegan Chocolate Tart

4.  For a refined sugar free and dairy free hot drink - Deliciously Ella's nutty hot chocolate

5.  At the weekend, Vivienne loves making a Black Forest inspired bowl (for breakfast or dessert!) with coconut yoghurt, frozen cherries that have been cooked to release the juices then topped with a sprinkling of almonds and cacao nibs - delicious!

 

 

A bit about Vivienne Alexa

"Hello, I’m Viv, a Holistic Health Coach, and co-author of From Plant To Planet. I love helping clients discover ways to live, move and eat more consciously, bringing them health and happiness now, and in the future. I believe health is truly personal and I work with clients to make sustainable changes (that they love!) to achieve long-term transformation.

For years, I suffered with terrible tonsillitis, hives, inflammation and fatigue. After trialling what felt like every diet and exercise programme, I eventually identified that I am severely intolerant to dairy and eggs. What works best for me is a home-cooked, plant-based diet and some form of high energy exercise everyday. I believe in going back to basics and that what’s good for us is also good for the planet.

I am a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and hold a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from e-Cornell." 

"You will always be you, so don’t try and find a new one. Instead reconnect with yourself and find what it is that you want to gain, not just this year but in the years to come. Have these challenges got you thinking? If you would like to find out more, contact me or follow me on Instagram and Facebook."