Now that I have shared so many wonderful benefits of cacao, I just wanted to end by saying – cacao is for everyone!  There are so many yummy, fun facts about CACAO- it’s time to spread the ‘sweet’ word. As we always say at sweetriot -a riot never happens alone!  Cacao is something that is meant to be enjoyed, and celebrated. 

Next time you pop open a tin of sweetriot keep in mind that you are supporting the farmers in Latin America, emerging artists everywhere, getting a serious antioxidant boost, and helping rioters continue to spread the health movement of dark chocolate & story of CACAO!  A sweetriot is a joyful celebration of culture, diversity, and understanding-wont you join us?! Life is short. Make it sweet!

For more CACAO FUN hit www.sweetriot.com

Moral of the story – Dark chocolate/cacao is the ultimate fix!

And in my almost last cacao post, I must say – cacao is for lovers.  And I am truly not kidding.  Cacao releases the same feeling you feel when you are in love.  The centuries of history of relating cacao to romance are actually based in practicality.  When a couple breaks up, a woman reaches for chocolate.  When a man wants to shower his woman with love (or vice versa), he reaches for chocolate.  These traditions are all rooted in the fact that chocolate has the same type of natural chemicals.

To begin, Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in chocolate. PEA is a chemical associated with adrenal health. It is created within the brain and released when we are in love. Supposedly, chocolate has the ability to create a mild version of the “warm fuzzies” you experience when you are in love. It’s so true that this food is a love potion! PEA is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness, which can certainly help if you’re in love.

Anandamide, also known as the “bliss chemical”, is released by the brain when we are feeling great. This “bliss chemical” is also found in the properties of chocolate, which could explain why we consider chocolate to be a natural mood enhancer. As an additional bonus, chocolate contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease the body’s ability to metabolize anandamide prolonging feelings of bliss.

http://www.sweetriot.com/cacaofun/health_facts.php

Moral of the story – looking for love?! – add chocolate to your daily mix!

Yes, that’s right! Raw chocolate actually has appetite-suppressant properties and often added to weight loss products to help control hunger! Simply enjoy a couple of Raw CHOC’s or add half a teaspoon of raw chocolate powder to a teacup of tepid water 20 minutes before a meal for a delicious, natural way to reduce your appetite.

Aphrodisiac

Chocolate has long been the food for lovers and is a symbol of sensuality and sexuality. The ancient Aztecs gave chocolate as wedding presents and other South American civilizations believed that chocolate was the food of the heart. Raw chocolate from South America has to be the best chocolate aphrodisiac around!

Sense of well being

Long considered a ‘happy food’, chocolate is a popular treat when we need ‘cheering up’, recent research has discovered that cacao contains chemicals which are scientifically proven to be present in the brains of people when they are happy, more relaxed, playful and creative.

*The content of this page is provided for educational purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

http://www.sweetriot.com/cacaofun/health_facts.php

Moral of the story – eat lots of chocolate!

Everyone should know the origin of their food.  Although eating local is encouraged, in the case of cacao, eating local probably won’t be possible for you.  Cacao is grown + or – 20 degrees of the equator and comes from a fruit.

http://www.sweetriot.com/cacaofun/cacao_map.php

Yes it’s true – Dark chocolate really comes from fruit – the cacao fruit grown on the cacao tree.

Long long ago, far far away, deep in the jungles of Central America and all within 10 degrees either side of the equator, cacao was being used by the Mayans, Olmecs, and Aztecs as a ritualistic and indulgent beverage. This South American concoction was seen as possessing aphrodisiac and revitalizing powers. A cold, foamy mixture of cacao paste and water was coveted and revered while the actual beans were so precious they were used as money.  Did you know that in ancient times one large tomato was equivalent to a single cacao bean?  For more cacao currency fun facts check out the link below.

http://www.sweetriot.com/cacaofun/cacao_exchange.php

Moral of the story – eat the most amazing fruit on earth – chocolate!

As mentioned earlier, Dark chocolate really comes from fruit – the cacao fruit.  Due to its real origin, it is often compared with other superfoods out there.  In fact, there are many antioxidant charts that show the power of cacao and it’s stronger than blueberries and red wine!

Antioxidants have the power to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. It is amazing to note the abundance of antioxidants present in chocolate in comparison to other well-known antioxidant rich foods. Among these are teas, red wines, fruits, legumes and vegetables. Check out the following chart published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

A phrase we often use at sweetriot is dark chocolate per day, keeps the doctor away-yum!

http://www.sweetriot.com/cacaofun/health_facts.php

Moral of the story – next time you are reaching for an apple, you may want to find dark chocolate instead!