Cacao is a complex foodstuff rich in more than 300 chemically identifiable compounds. It contains more antioxidants than green tea or blueberries. Antioxidants are thought to have the following benefits: decreasing blood pressure, improving circulation, promoting cardiovascular functions, and improving digestion, as well providing protection from free radicals. Cacao is also a very rich source of magnesium, as well as many other essential minerals (calcium, zinc, iron, copper, sulphur, potassium). Magnesium is a muscle and nerve relaxant, it helps circulation and bone density, and it can only be obtained by diet. Cacao also contains MAO inhibitors which may explain why studies that suggest that cacao suppresses appetite – the dieter's dream. Those same inhibitors help the neurotransmitters dopamine and anandamide (the 'bliss' chemical) to circulate longer in the brain, and so cacao can improve your mood. It can improve your mood even further with arginine, aka nature's 'Viagra'! Cacao is also great for energy, since it contains theobromine, which has a similar effect to caffeine, stimulating the central nervous system, although doing this without such a shock to your system!
For further information contact our resident nutritional expert, Jess Taylor: jesstaylornutrition@yahoo.co.uk.
