Top 5 Forgotten Superfoods (Three)

Superfood number three is cocoa. Everyone loves chocolate and by G-d it should be on everyone’s Top 5 list!
My favorite is Vivani, come get a little taste of this chocolate masterpiece. Vivani has made making chocolate into an art, http://www.vivanichocolate.com
In my opinion this company sets the standard for good business. They care. When you browse the site make sure you read about the history of chocolate, chocology, ecological farming and don’t miss the documentary.
I eat 85% cocoa chocolate and most people can’t because its bitter. I admit it is an acquired taste. But no need for acquiring tastes with Vivani. This chocolate is absolutely amazing, no bitter taste just pure heaven.
When I compared 85% cocoa Vivani with the same cocoa content found in Lindt chocolate the fiber score was 90 vs. 37. The fiber score is the number you get when you divide the grams of fiber in food by the grams of total carbohydrates and multiply by 100. It was a tool I created for the Stubborn Fat Fix, http://www.amazon.com/Stubborn-Fat-Fix-Metabolic-Exercise/dp/159486828X, to help people select healthier carbohydrate containing foods.
As far as the health benefits, well I’m gonna quote Vivani and Wiki on the nutritional profile.
CATECHINS have strong antioxidant capabilities. Catechins may help to protect against heart disease and cancer by catching free radicals and preventing deposits in blood vessels, helping to regulate blood pressure, and by stimulating the immune system.
PHENYLETHYLAMINE has a stimulating euphoric effect, and is considered a mood enhancer.
VITAMIN E is an antioxidant. It protects the body´ s cells against free radical damage.
COPPER is a trace element and acts as a catalyst in the formation of red blood cells.
ENDORPHINS or “hormones of happiness” make us happy. They stimulate the natural opiates in our bodies, resulting in a feeling of calmness and a positive mood.
TANNINS protect against bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa,
“Researchers found that the Kuna Indians living on the islands had significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those on the mainland who do not drink cocoa as on the islands.”
Wikipedia also provides additional nutrition information about the nutritional components of cocoa, ” According to research at Cornell University, cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Cocoa also contains magnesium, iron, chromium, vitamin C, zinc and others.”
If you find a brand of 85% cocoa chocolate and it tastes bitter, try eating the chocolate with a few almonds. You may also want to melt it to make chocolate covered strawberries.
But whatever you do, enjoy eating chocolate for the health of it.