Chocolate The Superfood

April's Theme at Elan Family Wellness Centre is Mother Nature. Here's an article from Dr Rob Clarke, chiropractor at Elan, on Chocolate-the Superfood! 

Chocolate is a SUPERFOOD. There! I said it! A bold statement, I know. The Mayans and the Incas understood. The beans were highly valued and were honoured with the ceremonial drinking of a hot and spicy cacao drink. Now science is telling us that cacao/chocolate is an incredible antioxidant, and antioxidants are essential to being healthy.

Most people know that kale and blueberries are very good for us as they are both rich in antioxidants. What many don’t know is that one square of high-quality chocolate is, in fact, comparable to a kale salad or a cup of blueberries.

Chocolate is also rich in a chemical called theobromine which has relaxing effects, contains a lot of magnesium and has great fats from the cacao butter. We are learning more and more about how the nutrients in chocolate are good for our hearts, our brains and can stimulate our pleasure receptors, helping us feel mildly euphoric.

The best is to get your hands on some raw chocolate as it usually comes with a lot less sweetener and the sweeteners used are quality ingredients like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. Then you can add goji berries, sour cherries or cashews making the chocolate even more nutrient rich. If you want to go straight to the source, get cacao nibs. These come right out of the cacao seed pods and they are slightly bitter, yet quite delightful. Chew them on their own or add them to smoothies, granola, or trail mix to kick them up a notch.  

This summer, I have plans to offer an entirely chocolate centered evening. We will enjoy a ceremony honouring cacao, indulge in spicy cacao drinks like the Mayans did thousands of years ago, savour raw chocolates, and all while we listen to the soothing sounds of the flute and the drum. Keep your eye out for the event date, this will be a delicious evening you will not want to miss.