Raw Chocolate As Nature Intended

Raw chocolate is the latest health food craze due to its superfood status, health benefits and pure guilt free indulgence. Cacao products include:

• raw chocolate bars
• organic raw chocolate powder
• cacao butter
• cacao nibs

Why is raw chocolate a superfood?

 Over 300 beneficial compounds

Raw chocolate contains an incredible range of minerals and compounds. So far over 300 have been identified. Cacao is rich in copper, manganese, zinc and sulphur - the 'beauty mineral', and is high in B -vitamins including niacin. 

Raw chocolate also contains many psycho- active chemicals including tryptophan - a precursor to seretonin, PEA and  anandamide -a natural cannabinoid.

It's high in magnesium -  alleged to be a reason why some women crave chocolate around menstruation time.

Free radical busting antioxidants

Raw cacao is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants. It has three times the levels of those in green tea and twice that found in red wine. Antioxidants help to cancel the effects of damaging free radicals in the body which destroy cells. Antioxidants have been proven to promote cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol and protect against many diseases including cancer.

No sugar, no artificial ingredients and only healthy fats.

Raw cacao is actually slightly bitter tasting, but unlike sugary processed chocolate it can actually help prevent tooth decay . Raw cacao can contain up to 40% fat content - but unlike the fat found in milk chocolate, this does not raise your cholesterol levels. Raw cacao is a source of beneficial complex carbohydrates.

The 'love molecule' P.E.A.

The feel good effects attributed to chocolate can be attributed in part to the chemical phenylethylamine (P.E.A.) sometimes called the 'love molecule' because it is also released in the brain when we are in love. Another compound found in chocolate is anandamide, also known as the 'bliss chemical'. It is a natural cannibinoid which our brains naturally produce when we're feeling great or 'high'.  

Raw chocolate products 

Cacao nibs,  the edible part of the cacao bean after it has been harvested, which look like small shavings. These can be chewed on their own or combined with other raw ingredients to produce smoothies, raw chocolate cakes or even raw ice cream.

Raw chocolate powder, useful for adding to drinks, recipes or as a dessert topping. 

Cacao butter can be used in raw dessert recipes and also as an organic skin care product.

Raw chocolate bars containing ingredients such as carob, lucuma, goji berries, raw fruits, nuts and seeds 

Chocolate is the ancient food of the gods

  The scientific name for chocolate is Theobroma cacao. Theobrama literally means 'food of the gods'. The use of cacao goes back thousands of years to the Olmec, Mayan and Aztec civilizations. It was an important luxury commodity, used for trading and even as a currency.

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