My treasured Willy Wonka moment!
A trek across this 700-ft suspension bridge, over the raging Saripiquí river, didn’t lead me to any Oompa Loompas or sideways elevators. But, it did lead me to the purest chocolate on earth.
Say hello to the world’s number one SUPERFOOD
I traveled back in time through the Tirimbina forest to a former plantation. There, I witnessed the artisanal process of how the Mayans and Aztecs prepare this superfood – the cacao!
The natives already modified the preparation process through time. However, its cultivation is still one of the friendliest to the environment. And, this incredible tour aids in conserving one of Costa Rica’s native plants.
Eventually, I ventured deep into the middle of the Reserva Curare (private + protected forest), towards the Cacao Rancho. Here, I learned about the history of cacao. I took my palate on a ride through the different tastes and stages of the cacao process. And, I even got to grind the seeds and melt the chocolate myself!
A Cacao pod is actually a FRUIT!
I first learned about the incredible benefits of cacao, thanks to David “Avocado” Wolfe. Cacao refers to the Theobroma Cacao tree, which is both unprocessed and raw.
Unfortunately, most chocolate that we eat today is already chemically processed and roasted. This destroys all of its antioxidants and flavanols. In fact, non-organic chocolate is treated heavily with toxic pesticides and fumigation chemicals. And most likely, it also contains GMO products.
Furthermore, over 70% of the world’s cacao is grown by indigenous communities living in poverty. So, this is exactly why I urge you to reach for the bar of fair trade chocolate upon your next choco-craving!
Magical benefits of consuming raw and organic cacao
Did you know that King Montezuma of the Aztec Empire drank 50 cups of cacao a day?
Read on and learn why!
1) 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Yes, 40 times!
With an ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g.
2) It is the HIGHEST plant-based source of IRON.
3) Chock-full of MAGNESIUM for a healthy heart and brain.
P.S. Magnesium is the most deficient mineral in the Western World.
4) More Calcium than Cow’s Milk.
5) A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant. Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, anandamide, and phenylethylamine.
Hello HAPPINESS!
As a result of its incredible benefits, cacao boasts the right to the title:‘drink of the gods’. Five thousand years later, and three cups in, I’m already feeling the “happy” effects of this superfood.
Now, grab your cup and bottoms up!
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