Cacao has been a sought-after food for centuries, and rightly so. Whether in the form of powder, nibs or the whole bean. There are quite a few valuable and, as they say, happiness-inducing ingredients in here:
Theobromine: A naturally occurring stimulant from the same chemical family as caffeine, but with a longer-lasting effect than caffeine and causing less nervousness.
Cacao is the richest theobromine source of all foods. While foods that are high in caffeine, such as coffee, can have an impact on your sleep, cacao is one of the richest sources of magnesium, making it a natural sedative. Theobromine keeps you energized throughout the day, but when it’s time to sleep, it contributes to recovery.
Serotonin and serotonin precursors such as tryptophan is a neurotransmitter called phenylethylamine (also known as “the love drug”); and the endogenous, naturally occurring antidepressant called anandamide (known as “the happiness molecule”); both are components of cacao.
There is more: flavonols in cacao help regulate skin health and strengthen collagen. Your skin will thank you.
So the next time you feel guilty while indulging in chocolate, just think about the positive aspects! The crucial factor, however, is the quality of the cacao.
