Raw chocolate is derived from the cacao bean. While most chocolate has been processed with unhealthy additives like dairy or sugar, chocolate consumed in its raw, natural form – cacao – actually provides many health benefits. Yes, chocolate can be good for you, which is very good news for chocoholics.

Raw cacao contains a lot of magnesium, which is one of the most essential alkaline minerals necessary for our bodies. Magnesium performs an instrumental role in maintaining our body’s metabolism by helping veins and arteries relax, improving circulation and allowing for more efficient blood flow and the transport of oxygen and essential nutrients. Magnesium is also good for the bones and teeth. It helps to energize and relax the muscles, boosts brainpower and increases the body’s overall pH, which is the key to good health.

Unfortunately, most of the Western World’s population is magnesium deficient. Consuming plenty of raw, natural cacao can actually help to reverse that deficiency, but most people are unaware of the health properties of this highly coveted, yet often avoided food.

Cacao also contains high amounts of other minerals, including iron, which is also critical to the transport of oxygen in the blood. Raw cacao also contains chromium, manganese and zinc. Chromium and manganese are important for health as well; chromium helps the body to maintain balanced blood sugar levels, while manganese assists iron in the formation of hemoglobin, which oxygenates the blood. Zinc is essential for our body’s immune system function.

Chocolate is also a mood enhancer in its raw form, and not just because it tastes delicious. Raw cacao contains natural chemicals and amino acids, which boost mood and concentration, including phenylethylamine (PEA, which is a neurotransmitter that our bodies naturally produce when we fall in love). It also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid responsible for serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to boost mood. Many Americans are tryptophan deficient, accounting for the increasing depression rates in this country.

Raw cacao is rich in antioxidants as well. Antioxidants support immune function by ridding the body of excessive free radicals, which contribute to the growth of cancer cells and disease. Dark chocolate is especially rich in antioxidants. Several studies have shown that raw cacao may, in fact be linked with increased human longevity. The world’s oldest, documented human to have ever lived – Jeanne Lousie Calment of France – lived to be 122. Rumor has it one of her secrets was the consumption of more 2 and a half pounds of bitter, dark chocolate per week. Apparently, the world’s 3rd oldest person to have ever lived also enjoyed the benefits of dark chocolate. The most surprising statistic surrounding the health benefits of chocolate is that the world’s oldest dog to have ever lived – Chanel – also enjoyed it regularly, and even once consumed an entire bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. While it is normally considered toxic for dogs, Chanel ate chocolate and still lived to be 21, hich is 147 in dog years!

Raw cacao is packed with many health benefits, and if consumed regularly, in its natural form, it may even help to increase your overall life span.

Sources:

http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/raw-cacao-benefits.html
http://www.suite101.com/content/health-benefits-of-raw-cacao-products-a272136
http://www.hidalgofoods.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=42