I’m a total chocoholic…literally there have been days where I’ve eaten so many sweets that my teeth have started to ache…oy. How I don’t have a ton of cavities is beyond me! At the moment I’m in recovery from having spent two weeks in Munich where delicious chocolates are available every which way you turn (though given the amount of Milka, Manner, Neuhaus, and Lindt that I brought back with me, my recovery isn’t going so well…). With Valentine’s Day coming-up the chocolate temptations are going to reach an even higher-high, so for those of you who are like me and worried about your consumption levels there is an alternative! Raw chocolate. Righteously Raw one of the most well-respected makers, makes four flavors — Maca, Goji, Caramel, and Acai all of which have a decadent truffle-like consistency (but aren’t nearly as bad for you as say….ooey Godiva carmel). They’re super-satisfying, but very low in sugar and fat, and are high in fiber. Equally as delicious and super-giftable (they’ve even got a special Love Box that comes with an 8 piece raw chocolate truffle set and 4 limited edition valentines raw chocolate bars), is Fine& Raw. Jump for more on the health benefits of these raw delights!
According to Righteously Raw cacao is one of the leading antioxidant rich substances on the planet because it provides an abundant source of iron and magnesium, which support healthy heart function. There are also other chemicals in chocolate which give its reputation as a food associated with love. These include phenylethlamine, tryptophan, and anandamide, “feel good” chemicals that naturally occur in the brain and aid in one’s sense of well-being. However in traditional chocolate, the cacao beans are roasted and all the minerals and antioxidant flavonoids are damaged making your body unable to absorb them at their full potential.
Many people believe that chocolate is high in caffeine. On the contrary, Cacao only contains a fraction (0.2% ) of caffeine and is mainly composed of theobromine which has a similar stimulant effect as caffeine without the harmful side effects. To boot there is no white sugar used in raw chocolate because when you consume white processed sugar and/or carbohydrates in large amounts on a daily basis your body is incapable of fighting off the rise in the insulin level of the blood. When we eat processed sugars we get a chemical high that creates a false mood lift that eventually causes us to crash. After eating processed sugars and carbohydrates the insulin level rises in the blood. This also raises the endorphins which lifts our mood temporarily. Depression is caused by the lack of enough endorphins in the brain. This is caused by eating continuous amounts of sugar and carbohydrates causing the brain’s endorphins sites to slow production and regulate the amount of endorphins in the brain. Eventually one must continue to eat large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates to get out of the depression and create a more normal mood level. What happens to us physically is that with each dose of sugar we eat it goes straight to our blood system. Our own body function is suppose to stabilize our blood sugar. To do so the body must inject a massive dose of insulin to try to neutralize the sugar by acting in opposition to the mood enhancer, thereby acting as a downer. The effect on the body from the sugar does not last more than an hour but the effect from the insulin can stay around much longer. Therefore you have another change in your mood which is called depression which feels like lethargy and exhaustion. Many people want to reach for more sugar to get that euphoria again and then the pattern continues up and down. When you stop eating processed sugar, you have an overabundance of insulin that depresses your system and you lack the endorphins in the brain. Together this causes depression. You have no nutritive value when you eat processed sugar.
All of the above information was provided by Righteously Raw which I would encourage anyone — with or without a chocolate addiction — to try. They’re very tasty and are an easy way to satisfy a sweet craving without the lethargic effect and a ton of sugar. No I won’t be giving up my Milka or Neuhaus, but these are great to add into the mix. One bar retails for $5.99 at my local Health Nut. If you’re looking to pass on the gift of healthier alternative to chocolate I would go with Fine&Raw however. They are just as tasty (the truffles are a bit more creamy; the bars are solid and a lot thinner and have less texture. The raspberry is delicious and very light on fruit. I would just avoid any with salt if you’re a real chocolate lover), but come beautifully packaged (their boxes are just as nice as anything from the likes of Teusher…).
Have you tried raw chocolate yet?
