organic granola benefits

What Is Raw Chocolate and Why Eat It?

Dark chocolate is made from the nutrition-rich cacao plant.  Among its many health benefits such as antioxidants, cacao contains both magnesium and sulfur, both of which are essential to the body’s proper functioning.  It also naturally contains enzymes that preserve anandamide. This chemical promotes happiness, good mood and loving feelings often attributed to chocolate.

Unfortunately, once the chocolate from the cacao plant goes through the standard roasting process, the majority of its nutrients dissipate.  In some cases, roasting increases the negative efffects of some substances such as caffeine.  While raw chocolate naturally promotes alertness, the caffeine present in roasted chocolate causes insomnia, irritability and anxiety.  

In order to get the maximum benefits from chocolate consumption, we recommend eating raw,organic chocolate. Available in a variety of forms, raw chocolate is minimally processed and free of fillers.  It is also available unsweetened or with the addition of unrefined sweeteners. Here are two examples of how you can enjoy raw chocolate in your diet.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is the least processed form of cocoa, making it the highest in flavanols, which research suggests may help protect the body from illnesses.  For a deep, rich chocolate flavor, add cocoa powder to drinks, shakes or ice cream.  Keep in mind that combining cocoa powder with dairy products may minimize its effectiveness, so use soy or rice milks in your recipes if possible.

Cacao Nibs

Another convenient, enjoyable way to eat raw chocolate is cacao nibs.  These resemble chocolate chips and the two can sometimes be used interchangeably.  For example, you may add cacao nibs to a granola or trail mix for a great snack. You’ll find cacao nibs have a deeper, more natural chocolate-y flavor than the chips you’re accustomed to.

While the majority of the world’s chocolate is roasted, processed and contains unwanted sweeteners and fillers, you’ll have plenty of options to incorporate raw, organic chocolate into your diet.  Both cocoa powder and cacao nibs are available from online nutrition shops as well as many grocers and health food stores.  Even some unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate bars, while containing roasted chocolate, still maintain some nutritional value.  However, neither milk chocolate nor white chocolate offer any types of health benefits.

Is this a healthy lunch before my run?

-Whole wheat wrap (90 cal) and 1/4 cup of tuna or 60 calories of turkey breast. which one would be more healthy? Or more protein/benefits?
-serving of organic pretzels (130 cal)
-one pear
- and a Kashi protein granola bar (190 cal)

have a banana – slow released energy

Healthy Or Not? Granola

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Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, Strawberry, 8-Count Bars (Pack of 6) $17.64 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, Strawberry, low fat is made with whole grain oats. This tear strip pack keeps you going in the right direction. Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain with real fruit is also an excellent source of calcium. With real fruit and whole oats, Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain has the energy you need for the whole day….

Carman Original Muesli Bar ( 6×270 GM) $30.26 Carman 6X 270 Gm Original Muesli Bar : (Note: This Product Description Is Informational Only. Always Check The Actual Product Label In Your Possession For The Most Accurate Ingredient Information Before Use. For Any Health Or Dietary Related Matter Always Consult Your Doctor Before Use.)…

Granola & Brown Sugar Body Smoothie 10 oz. 10 Ounces $12.59 Fresh apple and cinnamon, and other organic ingredients bring natural nutrition to skin. Massage scrub into skin either before or after cleansing. Raw Cane Sugar is rich in glycolic acid, a natural alpha-hydroxy acid, excellent for removing impurities and exfoliating the skin’s surface, which leaves skin soft, smooth and glowing. Additional botanical extracts offer plant therapy to revitalize skin…

KIND PLUS Gluten Free Bars (Pack of 12) Top-selling Cranberry Almond + Antioxidants is a delicious complementary blend of tangy cranberries and dry almonds. A delicious way to get 50% DV of Vitamins A, C, & E, 3g fiber and only 190 calories. Made with All Natural Ingredients You Can See and Pronounce™Low GI & Very Low Sodium Free of Wheat & Dairy Non-GMO, No Trans Fats No Hydrogenated Oils or Sulphur Dioxide Gluten Free All Natural…

Sea’s Gift Korean Seaweed Snack (Kim Nori), Roasted & Sea Salted, 0.17-Ounce Bags (Pack of 24) $18.90 Roasted & sea salted snack pack. No MSG. No sugar. A gift from the ancient sea. Eat traditional style with rice ball and spice. Or snack on like potato chips! Use in salads. Add to soup. Try as a pizza topping! Product of Korea….

Coombs Family Farms 100% Pure Organic Maple Syrup Grade B, 32-Ounce Jug $23.01 For seven generations, Coombs Family Farms has produced great tasting, 100% pure and organic sustainably-harvested maple syrup. Coombs Commitment We make 100% pure maple syrup with no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes We never over-tap trees We support the use of “health spouts” for tree-friendly tapping We never use pesticide in our tree farm Our grading standards are never compromised fo…