Those Mayans knew a thing or two, well ok, maybe they couldn’t accurately predict the end of the world, but they did provide some pretty wonderful additions to our modern life. They invented zero, a more accurate calendar and brain surgery. But to my mind, one of their greatest contributions to our health and happiness is cocoa.
The Mayans used cocoa to create a drink that was a cold, spicy affair, it wasn’t until the Spanish brought it to Europe when it became a warm, sweet drink that we know and love today. The Aztecs invented the chocolate we know and love today about 3100 years ago.
Whether you enjoy a warm up of cocoa, a sliver of dark chocolate, our chocolate Snap cookies or our buckwheat snacks with cocoa nibs, a daily dose of cocoa loving will really boost your wellbeing.
Benefits of cocoa
Cocoa reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body which makes it the perfect good mood food. The tryptophan in cocoa also acts as an anti-depressant. So, if you find yourself reaching for the chocolate ice cream when you are feeling low, go for a healthier snack instead, but don’t deny your cocoa cravings.
Antioxidants combat free radicals in the body and help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and aging. Foods rich in antioxidants are often called super foods and coca is one of the best. A Cornell University study looked at drinks which promote health such as green tea and red wine. What they found was that cocoa has twice the antioxidant power of red wine, two to three times that of green tea and up to five times that found in black tea.
Cocoa is crammed with flavonoids which help to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It is through these properties that cocoa flavonoids may help to prevent dementia.
The flavonoids in cocoa inhibit the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol), promote an increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and prevent the formation of blood clots.
They can help to regulate the degree of constriction of small blood vessels which can contribute to high blood pressure.
The flavonoids also prevent fluid secretion in the small intestine which helps to prevent diarrhea.
Not all cocoa products are good
Of course, not all cocoa products are created equally and this certainly isn’t an invitation to scoff chocolates with wild abandon. Often, the fat and sugar contained in chocolate outweigh any benefits the cocoa will provide. Opt instead for organic cocoa products like our Buckwheat Pineapple and Cocoa Nibs, our Buckwheat Cocoa & Vanilla Snacks or our Cocoa Snap cookies which are made with 100% pure dark chocolate. They are not processed or made with any milk ingredients. Spiced with passion our customers know them as “A Lover’s Treat”.
