Antioxidants
We ingest harmful particles known as free radicals in the air we
breathe, the food we eat, and from toxic sources such as cigarettes.
Left unchecked, free radicals damage cells and hasten aging. The body’s
natural mops, antioxidants, counter free radicals and support health and
longevity. While many whole foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts are
rich in antioxidants, cacao is, incredibly, number one of any food.
Cacao boasts about 30 times the antioxidants of red wine, for example.
For the most pleasurable and effective dosing, eat with chocolate with
berries; it’s been shown that you’ll assimilate two to three times the
antioxidants you would otherwise.
Micro-nutrients
Open Cacao Pods
Cacao’s most impressive nutritional boost comes from its magnesium
and chromium; chocolate has the highest amounts of these two minerals of
any food known. Magnesium and chromium deficiencies are the two most
common among Americans, making cacao a truly medicinal food. Chromium
balances blood sugar to soften the landing of chocolate sweets, while
magnesium supports heart health.
Preserving the Flavanols
Cocoapro®, a process developed and patented
by Mars,
Incorporated scientists, helps to preserve the cocoa flavanols that
occur naturally and abundantly in cocoa beans. The Cocoapro® process
begins from the moment the beans are harvested and continues through
every step of the process from fresh beans to finished product. Mars’
Cocoapro® process is different. This patented process centers around a
gentler, less harsh way of handling and processing cocoa beans from the
time they are harvested through the time that they are made into
finished products so that all products made using this Cocoapro® process
deliver more of the flavanols found naturally in cocoa.