When I have back pains, colds, coughs or wheezing, I crave for hot chocolate. I make hot chocolate by boiling one tablet of Tablea (more or less 100% Cacao) and drink it hot without milk nor any sugar added. I usually add either Tarragon, Mint or Peppermint and after a few sips I definitely feel r-e-l-a-x-e-d!
We are lucky in the Philippines because we produce Cacao. These beans are processed in the form of Tableaeither using the traditional way with a manual grinder or its modern machine counterpart. Out of Cacao, chocolate bars, truffles and cocoa powder for chocolate drinks and baked products can be produced. Processed milk chocolate bars may contain 49% cocoa while dark chocolate contains about 70% cocoa.
The closer to the bean, the healthier chocolate is for you. But drinking it pure and dark with its bitter taste may only be acceptable to the health conscious. It may be made more enjoyable and healthy by adding low- fat milk, and sugar. You can use coconut sugar or real pure honey or leaves from Stevia sugar plant (Check out Herbal Tea and Juice for more information). Chocolate is a definitely good medium for nutrition and creativity.
I got hold of a book “Healing Powers of Chocolate”. I swooned while reading its delicious content! Our chocolate favourite does not only justify our taste buds, it is also a healer!
Let me tell you about its beginnings. Chocolate was discovered by Mayan Indians and called it Chocolatlor ‘food for the gods’. Then, the Aztec Indians followed suit. Notably Montezuma II, an Aztec royalty became a chocoholic. And when Christopher Columbus came, he brought it back to Spain . But it was only when the enterprising Hernando Cortes, who creatively added sugar to Chocolatl, that the royalty of Spain greatly appreciated it. Then, in the 1500’s, it spread out to Europe and in 1600’s, reached America where it was a hit!
During World War II, chocolate bars were supplied to the Allied Forces to provide them with energy. And in the 21st century, soldiers were given provisions of chocolate bars for energy and nutrition. Even astronauts brought their chocolates in space!
Thus, for our daily challenges, an ounce or two of pure chocolate can nourish us with Vitamin B1, B2 and B6. It also has minerals, antioxidants and compounds that can make our day filled with energy and zest! Some are:
- IRON for anemia, memory and concentration
- MAGNESIUM as bone builder, laxative, headache and stress, and relaxed muscles
- MANGANESE for bone growth
- GOOD FATS for energy
- ANTIOXIDANTS (Epicatechin, Flavanols, Resveratrol) to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer
- MOOD ENHANCING COMPOUNDS like
– ENDORPHIN - same compound as what is produced during exercise
– SEROTONIN - to calm, memory and brain power
– THEOBROMINE- to relax nervous system and heartbeat
– Very minimal caffeine stimulant
(Source: What 101 Doctors Do to Stay Healthy, The Great Chocolate Books)
Get your Pure Batangas Tablea at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php40/50 gram pack.
Get your Pure Batangas Tablea at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php40/50 gram pack.
Enjoy your favorite! Add more health with fruits, nuts, herbs and low-fat milk. Be happy, healthy and lovely!
EM-EM
Herbal Gardener, MBA
Herbal Gardener, MBA
Source: Healing Power of Chocolate