Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day.

By Susan Patterson, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Coconut oil has been gaining a lot of popularity in the fast growing community of health conscious people. People in Asia and the Pacific Rim have used coconut products for thousands of years. They drank the milk, ate the flesh, turned the tree sap into sweet syrup, and weaved baskets with the leaves of coconut trees. In the 1950s, coconut oil, which you receive when you press the meat of the coconut, could be found in every household.

With the low-fat craze that swept through the Western world, coconut oil gave way to margarine and vegetable oils. The “experts” demonized saturated fats. People touted highly processed vegetable oils as heart-healthy, but only in very small amounts.

Fortunately, coconut oil is seeing a comeback of epic proportions. From slathering your baby’s bottom to cooking up some fabulous-tasting eggs, coconut oil is making its way to the top of the charts. How about putting some coconut oil into your morning cup of coffee?

Of course, those who have been using coconut oil for years never truly believed the lipid hypothesis that said saturated fat was bad for us. More and more evidence is being uncovered to say just the opposite.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid with a high saturation level. The main fats in coconut oil are caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. Most fats take much more effort from the body to be digested (26 steps), whereas coconut oil is digested much easier (3 steps). Because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, coconut oil is processed by the liver, so it is converted into energy rather than stored as fat.

Coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures and it has an amazing shelf life due its saturation. It is also an ideal oil to cook with because medium-chain fatty acids are much more stable and will not break down during cooking.

Healthy saturated fat is not only good for us, but essential for numerous bodily functions. Did you know that more than half your brain is made up of saturated fat? Coconut oil is described as one of the healthiest saturated fats on the earth.

Coconuts are revered by people all over the world for their amazing medical and nutritional properties. They have been used for ages by diverse cultures and races, all of whom respect the magnificent qualities of this tree-growing nut. Fortunately, the Western world is quickly catching on. Now there are even numerous studies supporting some of the health claims that so many of us already know to be true.

Medicinal uses for coconut

In traditional medicine, people use coconut for a wide number of health problems. These include kidney stones, nausea, rash, scurvy, infections, wounds, asthma, colds, constipation, cough, earaches, fevers, jaundice, kidney stones, lice and ulcers, to name a few.

Modern medicine is finally coming alongside traditional medicine and echoing the amazing health benefits of coconut. Published studies in a number of prominent health journals note the benefits of various forms of coconut.

Several studies have confirmed that coconut oil has the ability to increase the good cholesterol HDL. In other studies, women and men were fed a diet containing coconut oil and butter. Researchers found that coconut oil increased energy in study participants and was able to help with weight maintenance or weight loss.

What is even more amazing are the results of a study of women with stage III and stage IV breast cancer. The 60 women were fed a diet containing virgin coconut oil and experienced an overall improved quality of life. Coconut oil also reduced the side effects of chemotherapy.

Other benefits of coconut oil

As you can see, saturated fat isn’t necessarily the bad guy, when it is from a good source like coconut oil. The lauric acid in coconut oil can actually prevent high blood pressure. Below, find a list of other proven health benefits of coconut oil which will make you want to run to the store and stock up on this amazing fat.

Proven treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The brain produces its own insulin in healthy people. In people with Alzheimer’s disease, this function is limited or stopped. The ketones produced through coconut oil consumption increase energy for people with Alzheimer’s and can help improve brain function.

Reduces inflammation markers

A study conducted in India found that the antioxidants in coconut oil were able to reduce inflammation in study participants when taken regularly. Researchers have also found coconut oil to be of great value to people with arthritis.

Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties

It is the lauric acid present in coconut oil that has been credited with helping treat parasites, like candida. It is necessary to use coconut oil on a daily basis and usually several times a day.

Improves endurance

The liver processes coconut oil, so it provides a quick boost of energy and endurance. This makes it extremely valuable for athletes, especially those needing a lot of energy for longer workouts.

Helps slow down aging process

The antioxidants in coconut oil can slow the aging process, as stress on the liver is decreased and detoxification is increased.

Prevents osteoporosis

The antioxidants in coconut oil fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which count as the main culprits for osteoporosis. Additionally, coconut oil increases calcium absorption. Researchers have found that bone loss due to osteoporosis decreases in patients who take coconut oil regularly.

Coconut in coffee

Replacing processed coffee creamers with organic coconut oil is a smart move. Although it may sound strange, the result is actually quite delicious and highly nutritious. The combination of caffeine and saturated fat gives the body a lasting energy boost.

Prepare a tropical twisted coffee drink by brewing a high-quality organic cup of coffee and place it in a blender. Add in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, blend and enjoy.

The resulting coffee drink is frothy and rich, with a wonderfully smooth taste that is very satisfying. If you like your coffee sweetened, add one teaspoon of coconut crystals.

Add coconut oil to your coffee for a great way to supercharge. Give your body a burst of energy to make it through the day, not to mention all of the other amazing health benefits of coconut!

Supercharging your morning can be as simple as adding coconut oil to your coffee—and believe it or not, a unique form of chocolate can regulate blood sugar levels as well as your appetite.

Did you know there’s one form of chocolate that can nearly DOUBLE your GLP-1 levels in a matter of hours?

See if you can guess which one it is:

A) 85% dark chocolate
B) Ceremonial cacao powder
C) Milk chocolate
D) Sugar-free chocolate bar

While Hollywood celebrities pay $1,200/month for injections…

Over 157,423 people are already using this “chocolate trick” to melt fat fast.

I don’t know about you…

But I’d much rather eat chocolate to lose weight than poke myself with needles.

Click your choice above to see if you’re right…

Or click HERE to skip to the answer.

Original article is found here.

The post Coconut Oil In Your Morning Coffee? Absolutely appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at PaleoHacks, a leading publisher of alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

An honest look at the actual difference between wild and farmed salmon, the benefits of this popular dish and how to cook it to perfection with a one-pan salmon dinner recipe.

Salmon can be one of the best things you can eat for your health, but not all salmon are created equal. There are big differences in quality between farmed salmon you typically find at the grocery store and the wild-caught stuff.

Wild-caught, sustainably-raised salmon is packed full of nutrients and healthy fats. A lot of people eat it multiple times a week to reap the most benefits. Yet others tell you to watch for things like exposure to contaminants and environmental harm.

What gives?

Sorting through this information can be confusing. It’s easy to get comfortable with the standard rotation of beef, chicken, and pork and stop worrying about seafood completely. But finding the right salmon (one that’s as nutritious as possible and ethically-sourced) is worth the trouble. Keep reading to see why.

The Natural Health Benefits of Salmon

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should make wild-caught salmon – the kind you can order direct from suppliers like Alaska Gold Seafood a major part of your Paleo diet:

Extremely High Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

Salmon is loaded with the long chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. We need a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. Yet the typical modern diet leaves us with multiple times more omega-6s than we need. (1) With the balance so out of whack, you end up with an increase in all inflammatory diseases, everything ranging from diabetes and obesity, to metabolic syndrome or autoimmune disorders. (2)

Wild-caught salmon can help. It has many times more omega-3s than farmed salmon. That makes it the best choice to fight inflammation, improve brain function, protect your heart, and reap all the other awesome benefits that come from balancing your omega-3:omega-6 ratio.

Just a single serving of wild-caught salmon has over 500 mg of DHA and EPA! (3)

Loaded with Hard-to-Find Vitamins and Minerals

Salmon is also high in vitamins and minerals which are: 1) critical for your health, and 2) hard to find in other foods.

Vitamins B12 and D are key players here. Vitamin B12 is essential for proper red blood cell formation, synthesizing DNA, and a lot more. (4) Vitamin D supports healthy bones and teeth, your immune system, brain function, and mental health. (5) These vitamins are tough to find in other foods, but salmon is absolutely loaded with them. Just a single 100-gram serving contains more than the recommended daily value of both vitamins. (6)

Salmon is also high in the mineral iodine, which is essential for thyroid and immune system function. (7) Common table salt is enriched with iodine to overcome iodine deficiencies, which are extremely common.

But Paleos typically eat fewer salty foods, and many of them switch to sea salt (which isn’t iodized). So it’s critical to make sure you’re getting enough iodine in your diet.

Finally, salmon is also packed with selenium. This antioxidant mineral has been linked to decreased joint inflammation, as well as protecting brain against oxidative damage. (8) Selenium also counteracts any adverse effects of mercury exposure, so you don’t have to worry about that when you’re eating salmon. (9)

High in Protein, with a Balanced Profile of Essential Amino Acids

Salmon is also high in protein. Just one 100-gram serving (around 3.5 ounces) contains 23 grams, which is slightly less than a steak or chicken breast of comparable size but certainly nothing to sniff about!

Research also shows that the amino acids in salmon are more “bioavailable” (easier for your body to absorb and use) than amino acids from beef, pork, or chicken. (10) Salmon has an extremely balanced quantity of essential amino acids. It’s especially high in taurine, a powerful antioxidant. (11)

Wild-Caught Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon: Why It Matters

Unfortunately, the vast majority of salmon sold in the United States today is “farmed salmon” – the seafood equivalent of a factory farm. In terms of nutrition, ethics, and sustainability, wild-caught salmon is light-years ahead of the farmed stuff.

Here are some of the most important differences and why they matter for your health.

WILD
– High in vitamin B12 and vitamin D
– Loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids
– Wild-caught salmon can be sourced sustainably and ethically
– High in mineral iodine
– Packed with selenium
– Naturally fights inflammation

FARMED
– Only has about 1/4 the vitamin D of wild-caught salmon
– Exposed to more toxins and contaminants
– Salmon farming creates unhealthy, unnatural living conditions
– Fed corn and grains, which aren’t part of their typical diets
– Fed synthetic pigments to turn flesh pink
– The first genetically modified animal approved for human consumption

Wild-Caught Salmon Contains Vastly More Nutrients

Wild-caught salmon has multiple times more omega-3 fatty acids than farmed salmon. One study found that wild salmon had 12.4 times as many omega-3s than omega-6s, while the farmed salmon only had 2.9 times as many. (12)

Wild-caught salmon also has a lot more vitamins and minerals. One study found that farmed salmon only had about one-quarter the vitamin D of wild-caught salmon. (13) This is critical because salmon is one of the few foods that offers sizable amounts of vitamin D. Eating it wild-caught makes the most of it.

Farmed Salmon Is Exposed to More Toxins and

Contaminants

Farmed salmon has much higher rates of contamination and exposure to toxic chemicals. One study found that farmed salmon had higher levels of 14 different contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and DDT (an insecticide). (14)

It’s exposure to toxins like these that causes people to hesitate before eating seafood and drives health professionals to recommend limiting intake of it, when in reality, you could be eating it much more often as long as the quality is high.

Wild-Caught Salmon Can be Sourced Sustainably and Ethically

Just like factory farming for chickens and cows, salmon farming creates unhealthy, unnatural living conditions for salmon before they are harvested.

You end up with thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of large, carnivorous fish trapped in small, crowded nets. Living in such close quarters in salmon feedlots makes farmed salmon more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses, which can spread through the population quickly.

There’s also the diet to think about. Farmed fish are fed corn and grains, which aren’t part of their typical diets. This changes the very makeup of the fish, forcing farmers to use synthetic pigments to turn the flesh pink just so things “look right” (otherwise their salmon would be pale gray!)

Farmed Salmon Could be Genetically Modified

Farmed salmon also has the dubious title of being the first genetically modified animal approved for human consumption. Late last year, the FDA approved a specific type of Atlantic salmon genetically modified to grow twice as fast as natural salmon, considering it “as safe to eat” as non-GMO salmon. (15)

This raises all kinds of concerns about ethics, food safety, and the effects on local ecosystems. Because we don’t fully understand the potential for long-term health effects, many people will choose to stay away from this stuff.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Salmon?

Salmon is easy to find. You can find it in practically every grocery store under the sun… even in landlocked areas (though it can be more expensive in those).

You can also find salmon online through websites like Alaska Gold Seafood, which is a great way to source wild-caught, sustainably-fished salmon without having to worry about quality.

The truly important issue to consider: where did the salmon come from before it got to the store?

The vast majority of salmon we eat comes from:

1. Atlantic ocean. There are only a few wild salmon runs in the Atlantic left. Because these runs are too small to fish commercially, all Atlantic salmon found in grocery stores, restaurants, and elsewhere is farmed.
2. Pacific ocean. More salmon is wild-caught in the Pacific, though there are serious concerns about sustainability. (16)
3. Alaska. All Alaskan salmon is wild-caught because Alaska law prohibits salmon farms. Alaskan laws also ensure salmon is fished in a sustainable way. There’s actually enough wild-caught salmon produced in Alaska each year to feed the entire population of the United States!

Salmon caught in Alaska offers the best balance of nutrition and sustainability, thanks to strategic conservation efforts and strict sustainability laws. But Alaskan salmon can be hard to find at the grocery store, especially if you live far from the state.

It’s much easier to buy salmon online from a reputable source and have it sent straight to your door.

Look for Alaskan salmon rated as “green” or “best choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, an organization that helps consumers choose seafood fished in a sustainable way that respects sea life and habitats. (17) Ideally, salmon should also be certified as a sustainable seafood by the Marine Stewardship Council. (18)

A few suppliers use hooks and lines to deliver the highest-quality wild-caught salmon in a sustainable way. Using the right combination of lines, lures, and boat speed, fishermen are able to minimize stress on the fish and “bycatch” (other marine life caught unintentionally).

Less than five percent of Alaskan seafood comes from hook and line fishermen, as most operations use other methods to maximize their catch. But what hook and line fishermen lack in quantity, they make up for in quality and care in handling.

Finally, look for salmon that comes direct from the producer. Buying direct ensures maximum freshness, and it helps you save money that would have gone to a middleman. It’s even more cost-effective if you have a large freezer and order in bulk!

Here is link to the original article.

Eating fish, especially salmon can help reduce heart attacks, but our friends at PhysioTru want to share something on how you can predict a heart attack before it happens.

Can you really predict a heart attack?

According to America’s #1 heart nutrition expert, Dr. Sam Walters… this 7-second “feet test” can reveal if your heart is dying.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Just sit on a chair.
2. Touch your right foot.

If THIS happens… then your heart is desperately starving for oxygen (but most people only realize when it’s too late).

>> 7-second “feet test” can predict a heart attack (this could SAVE your life).

The post How to Eat Safe, Healthy Salmon + One-Pan Salmon Dinner for Two Recipe appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Cacao trees are native to the Amazon area. It was used and consumed by the pre-Columbian societies, including the Mayans as far back as 5,000 years ago. The ancient Mayans worshiped the cacao tree and the fruit of the cacao tree–cacao beans. It was even named, “Food of the Gods”. The Aztecs also consumed copious amounts of cacao. Montezuma emperor of the Aztecs is said to have consumed up to 60 portions a day. By the 18th century, cacao, and processed cocoa had become wildly popular all over Europe and North America, and today, most of the world enjoys cacao, cocoa or chocolate in some form or another.

Raw cacao contains some amazing health benefits for your entire body. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to indulge in cacao or chocolate, read the REAL truth below.

What is the difference between cacao and cocoa—or chocolate? “Cacao” is not just a fancy way to say cocoa. Even though cocoa and cacao begin as the same substance—the seed pods from the Theobroma Cacao tree, the processing changes everything!

Once the pods are picked, the cacao beans are separated out and dried. After that, the processing makes all the difference in whether it stays as ‘cacao’ or becomes ‘cocoa’. Cocoa is heated with high heat and processed for a smoother, sweeter taste, but the heat processing kills much of its amazing nutrients and powerful antioxidants.

We hear about health benefits of chocolate all the time, but the bottom line is that most of these health benefits relate to ‘cacao’ and not nearly as much to ‘cocoa’. Most of the scientific studies done on the health benefits have been with cacao, not processed cocoa. Buying a chocolate bar at the store will not give you the same fantastic health benefits of cacao.

100 grams of raw cacao powder contains an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 95,500–which is its antioxidant value. Once it’s processed into cacao nibs, the ORAC value drops to 62,100, and it drops down to 26,000 for processed cocoa. As you can see, cacao has almost four times the antioxidant power as processed cocoa.

This means raw or minimally-processed cacao is a superfood. In addition to its massive supply of antioxidants, and over 300 powerful and unique phytochemicals, it also is rich in nutrients including magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese. And add to that protein, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, sulfur, flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. The perfect balance of all these elements together work synergistically to create amazing healthy benefits throughout the body! Cacao benefits your mind, your body and your health.

Cacao Fights Depression and Brings on Bliss

Cacao is a great source of four scientifically-proven natural happiness chemicals including serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters and brain nutrients are associated with feelings of calmness, happiness, and well being.

Cacao also contains an ingredient called ‘anandamide’, which is a molecule that actually creates a feeling of euphoria and bliss. Cacao nibs or raw cacao contain the highest levels of anandamide. Anandamide actually helps to increase neurogenesis, which is the formation of new nerve or brain cells. This also helps to create both an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect.

Anandamide actually binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, similar to marijuana, which brings about a state of blissful happiness and relaxation. But—in addition to the anandamide, cacao contains ingredients that help to inhibit the breakdown of the anandamide in the body, helping to increase its uptake and prolonging that feeling of bliss.

Cacao also boosts the body’s natural production of serotonin, that neurotransmitter that creates a calm and happy feeling. Most prescription antidepressants contain ingredients maintain and prolong the body’s serotonin, but of course, cacao is a much safer natural antidepressant.

Cacao Helps Put You in the ‘Mood’ and Improve Sex Life

The brain’s primary love chemical is a neurotransmitter chemical called ‘phenylethylamine’, or PEA for short. We get a rush of this compound when we’re attracted to someone, along with endorphins and opium-like neurochemicals that hit our pleasure centers. PEA helps to create the neurotransmitter, dopamine, that contributes to that pleasurable, on-top-of-the-world feeling that attraction brings.

Cacao contains PEA in slightly less intense doses but is it any wonder cacao and chocolate have been associated with love, lovers, and Valentine’s Day? In addition, PEA helps improve libido, which is another reason chocolate is popular on Valentine ’s Day!

Brain scans in a British study showed that eating dark chocolate creates a more intense and longer brain buzz than a passionate kiss does. Researchers monitored the brains and heart rates of couples while they kissed passionately or ate chocolate. The brains of both men and women showed greater stimulation while the chocolate melted on their tongues than when their tongues were tied in a passionate kiss. Keep in mind, though, PEA is heat-sensitive and only present in un-roasted, unprocessed raw cacao.

Because cacao also contains high levels of magnesium, it acts as a relaxant for blood vessels, opening them up and increasing blood flow. Increased blood flow works on the sexual organs as well, increasing blood supply for men and women where it counts, which aids in sexual arousal and stimulation as well. It also combats erectile dysfunction, helping men perform better and longer.

Prevents Heart Attack and Strokes

Flavanols are the powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds found in cacao. These antioxidants help to reduce the sticky platelets that form in the blood, one of the key factors in the blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Cacao has been shown to prevent blood clots better than aspirin.

Cacao’s generous amounts of magnesium and other antioxidants help to lower blood pressure, one of the risk factors in heart disease. Cacao helps to produce nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. What’s even better, cacao helps to reduce the harmful LDL cholesterol that is a risk factor in heart disease.

A scientific review of nine different studies involving 158,000 people found a strong correlation with higher chocolate consumption and a lowered risk of heart disease, strokes, and death. Definitely strong reasons to turn to chocolate, especially raw cacao, for heart health and a longer life.

Besides a lowered risk of heart attacks, cacao is also valuable in helping to prevent heart failure issues. A couple of Swedish studies showed a daily dose of about 1 ounce of chocolate helped lower the rate of heart failure.

Slows Down Aging

Blueberries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants, but raw cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries! Its super high ORAC (antioxidant rating) score shows cacao’s ability to conquer free radicals that cause cell damage and death—which also leads to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

These potent polyphenol antioxidants in cacao belong to the same group of antioxidants as green tea and red wine, known for their anti-aging benefits. These anthocyanins (similar to what is in grapes), and catechins (similar to what is in green tea) protect our cells from premature oxidation and help us stay looking and feeling younger, longer. Not only does the consumption of raw cacao improve the quality of your skin, but it can also prevent premature aging elsewhere in your body as well.

Improves Asthma

Asthma is a serious chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that causes the bronchial tubes to go into spasms and constrict, restricting air flow to the lungs. Cacao contains the substances theobromine and theophylline which are highly beneficial to those with asthma.

These two compounds together work to relax the bronchial spasms, open up the airways, and help stop coughing. Theophylline also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which also soothes asthma attacks.

Polyphenols Improve Brain Function

Several studies have found that polyphenols, such as those in cocoa, may reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain function and blood flow. These natural chemicals can actually cross over into the brain, improving brain function.

Flavanols from cacao are absorbed into the bloodstream and accumulate in the brain’s hippocampus, a region responsible for memory and learning. These flavanols then begin to form new brain cells, while improving their function and also protecting them from dangerous free radicals.

Flavanols from cacao also increase production of nitric oxide, which opens up blood vessels in the brain, improving the blood supply to your brain. This creates better brain function, and this increased blood flow also helps clear toxins from the brain. This increase in blood flow and better brain function also has positive impacts on those with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease as well.

Fights Cancer

Many types of cancer develop when the cells in our body have mutations in the DNA. Mutations in cells are often cancerous and can grow into tumors which then spread through the body. Powerful antioxidants can actually protect the cells’ DNA from mutations, and help to create strong, healthy cells that resist cancer.

Studies on some of the components of cacao have found that the antioxidants in cacao protect cells against the oxidative stress of free radicals, reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer cell growth, induce cancer cell death and help prevent the spread of cancer cells. Animal studies with cacao and diets have shown positive results fighting breast, pancreatic, prostate, liver and colon cancer, as well as leukemia.

Cacao Improves Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Antioxidants are very helpful for those with type 2 diabetes; they help to control blood sugar and protect against the harmful effects of glucose. Epicatechin, a flavanol in cacao, activates key proteins and help regulate glucose production, even among diabetics, helping to keep glucose levels more stable.

Test tube studies indicate that the flavanols in cacao can slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut, improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation and stimulate the uptake of sugar out of the blood and into the muscle. Eating small amounts of flavanol-rich dark chocolate or cacao helps to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, and reduce inflammation in diabetic and nondiabetic people. Some studies have shown that a higher intake of flavanols, including those from cocoa, can result in a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Note of caution: Commercially prepared cocoa, dark chocolate and chocolate bars from the grocery store are generally low in these helpful antioxidants and high in added sugars and should be avoided. Raw unprocessed cacao should be the only type of chocolate considered for its beneficial health effects.

Immune Boosting and Anti-Inflammatory

As you probably know, many of the disease processes in our body are related to inflammation. Inflammation comes from our body’s immune response. A healthy immune response successfully battles outside invaders like viruses, bacteria, cancer, and other pathogens.

Out of control inflammation often turns on itself, creating inflammation in the body, which leads to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and more. An out of control immune system can become an autoimmune disease when the immune system goes haywire and begins to attack the body. Cacao helps to not only cool the autoimmune fires in your body, but it also helps to strengthen the immune system against dangerous outside invaders as well.

Boosts Energy

Raw cacao contains both caffeine, a stimulant, and theobromine, another milder stimulant, similar to what is found in green tea. Both these two ingredients provide an energy boost, along with its high magnesium content.

Magnesium is essential for humans and is required in relatively large amounts. Magnesium is a co-factor in >300 enzymatic reactions and essential to many crucial body functions, including a regular heartbeat, blood vessel function, proper nerve function and muscle relaxation. Magnesium is also needed for bone formation and can also be referred to as a natural ‘calcium antagonist’. Magnesium is helpful to restful sleep as well as energy production.

If you are not getting a restful night’s sleep and constantly feel stressed, tight and anxious, it is likely you have a magnesium deficiency—as does about 80% of the population. Thankfully, raw cacao is an incredibly delicious source of magnesium which will significantly boost your energy levels, help you sleep better and relax.

Helps with Weight Control

Cacao and even dark chocolate are a body’s best friend when it comes to weight control. Surprised? A population study found that those who ate chocolate more often had a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than people who ate it less often—even though the chocolate eaters ate more calories and fat.

Another weight loss study published in the prestigious Internal Archives of Medicine found that a group on a low-carbohydrate diet given 42 grams or about 1.5 ounces of 81% cocoa a day lost weight faster than the regular diet group. A dieter’s BEST friend!

However, heavy chocolate consumption of milk chocolate or commercially prepared chocolate can make you GAIN weight, but in controlled studies with low-sugar chocolate that is 81% cocoa or even better, cacao—you lose weight. Cacao has the highest amounts of bioflavonoids, and therefore has the biggest weight loss benefits.

Better Gut Health

We have all by now probably heard about all those lovely critters in our gut and how the right balance of them contributes to our good health. But did you know that those cute little guys down in our digestive system LOVE chocolate too? We also need to feed and nourish our little intestinal pets, and one of those foods or ‘prebiotics’ as they are called, is chocolate. Prebiotics are little fibers in certain plant-based foods that don’t get fully digested until they get down in our large intestine where our happy little gut bacteria feast on them.

A healthy gut microbiome helps to support a healthy immune system, produce serotonin to balance out our moods, optimize our weight, absorb nutrients, and keep us healthy. In one study, 22 subjects eating a high-flavanol cacao experienced significant increases in their gut populations of the probiotic superheroes, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

Shiny, Healthy Hair and Smooth Skin

Cacao helps you have glowing, healthy skin due to its flavonoids. Flavonoids help to create that warm, rosy, healthy glow you see in some individuals who eat diets high in antioxidants. Studies show that people actually are more attracted to those with glowing healthy skin from diets high in antioxidants.

In 2006, a study published in Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank cacao containing at least 326 mg of flavanols a day had better skin texture, improved micro-circulation in their skin, better skin color and increased oxygen saturation. Increased blood flow also promotes better cell regeneration which is necessary for younger looking, soft, glowing skin.

Collagen and keratin are key ingredients for thick healthy hair, soft firm skin and nails. Cacao contains plenty of sulphur to help our bodies produce collagen and keratin. Sulphur also helps with blood sugar regulation, tissue repair and strong immune systems. And one more thing for beautiful smooth skin–long-term ingestion of cocoa has been known to protect against wrinkles and aging from sun exposure, prevent skin cancer, and improve hydration of your skin.

Eases Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

Women who are having trouble with PMS often reach for chocolate. There is actually a scientific reason for this. PMS sufferers are often low in magnesium, especially during certain parts of their cycles. Cacao contains very high levels of this essential nutrient, and helps in relieving symptoms of PMS including irritability, moodiness, sleeplessness, menstrual cramps, headache and more.

Cacao boosts brain levels of serotonin, the body’s feel-good brain chemical, also helping ease the symptoms of PMS. Serotonin levels often drop dramatically in many women who struggle with PMS, so boosting this neurotransmitter aids in pain-relief, lessens irritability and smooths out moodiness, and eases the pain of menstrual cramps. This delightful treat helps create calming hormones and restores feelings of well-being.

Helps Fight Cavities

Recent studies from Tulane University have discovered cacao has an extract in it that is actually more effective than fluoride in preventing cavities—and definitely less toxic! The theobromine in cacao also combats plaque, that sticky film that can stick to your teeth. This crystalline substance from cacao can actually help to harden teeth enamel, protecting against cavities.

In addition, cacao contains many other compounds that fight bacteria in the mouth and help to protect the teeth against decay. In one study, rats infected with oral bacteria that were given cocoa extract had a significant reduction in dental cavities, compared to those given only water. I’d love to find a toothpaste made from cacao, but thus far there isn’t one! Instead of ingesting potentially harmful fluoride, try nibbling on cacao nibs for stronger, healthy teeth.

Tastes Divine

What is it that makes cacao and chocolate so sinfully delicious and addictive?

Scientists have been trying to study this phenomenon for years. Eating chocolate lights up all the pleasure regions of the brain similar to when a drug addict uses cocaine. And as you may have read, eating chocolate can actually stimulate those pleasure centers of the brain more than a passionate juicy kiss!

Cacao is full of natural ‘feel good’ chemicals like anandamide, a chemical that exists naturally in the brain. Normally our bodies break down anandamide fairly quickly but some scientists think the anandamide in chocolate helps the natural anandamide in our brain to last longer—in other words, giving us a longer-lasting “chocolate high.”

Another theory about those who crave and eat large quantities of chocolate is that they may be deficient in magnesium. Your body will crave foods that contain those things it is deficient in, so if you are missing out on magnesium, you may be eating chocolate or cacao to make up the difference.

Raw cacao is available in nibs, powder and some chocolate bars. Cacao nibs are basically just dried cacao that is virtually unprocessed. Best ways to get cacao in your diet? Try these ideas–

• Hot/cold cacao drink–Mix cacao with your favorite type of milk for a warm chocolate drink or a cacao milkshake.
• Smoothies–Cacao can be added to your favorite healthy smoothie recipe to give it a richer, chocolatey taste.
• Dairy free chocolate mousse—Blend avocado, cacao, almond milk and a sweetener like dates or maple syrup, for a thick vegan chocolate mousse.
• Sprinkle on Greek Yogurt—Add some delicious antioxidants to your yogurt!

Cacao is still the food of the gods, but be sure you get raw, organic unprocessed cacao to fully enjoy the total bliss of its magnificent health benefits. Mmm. Mmm.

Speaking of cacao…

Costa Rican blue zone dessert helps them live to 100

Most Americans think eating sweets for breakfast is unhealthy…

But according to Stanford researchers, there’s one delicious “dessert” food that Costa Ricans in the famous “blue zone” there eat each morning that…

✅ Keeps them lean even into their 70s, 80s, and 90s…
✅ Slows blood sugar spikes, and maintains healthy insulin sensitivity…
✅ Keeps their blood pressure at normal healthy levels…
✅ Keeps their hearts and arteries strong and clean well into old age, with a striking lack of heart disease in their population…
✅ Even helps them have 7x more Centenarians than Japanese people…

So what’s the #1 “dessert” food that helps Costa Ricans live healthy, lean, and energetic past 100?

Click below to discover Costa Rica’s Blue Zone secret:

>> Eat this Costa Rican longevity “dessert” for breakfast.

P.S. Here’s the crazy part – while Costa Ricans are living longer with this morning ritual, Americans trying it are losing 7 lbs in a couple weeks as a “side effect.” Not a bad bonus, right?

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The post Think Cacao is Good for You? Here’s the Real Truth About Cacao (Also Cacao vs Cocoa: What’s the Difference?) appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.