I am on a massive health kick at the moment, being guided by my spirit doctors to take action, to assist me in my adrenal crisis and chronic fatigue.
Historical documentation cites cocoa and its products a cure for almost everything from fatigue, indigestion, emaciation, and haemorrhoids to respiratory ailments, cancer, depression, and heart problems. The ancient people of Central America, the Mayans and Aztecs, believed this plant could impart immortality. Well, this amazing plant probably will not impart immortality to its consumer, but if there was ever a food to do so, cocoa would be the one. Immune cells and help modulate immune function. It appears to increase brain oxygenation which has beneficial implications for diseases like dementia. And finally, raw organic cocoa powder with its high fibre content has been shown to facilitate the excretion and detoxification of environmental contaminants from the body. Thalamus and pituitary glands are the “master glands” of the body. These glands actually regulate the other glands, so when in balance they can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands. Instead of providing hormones to the body, maca works as an adaptogen which means that it responds to different bodies’ needs individually. If you’re producing too much of a particular hormone, maca will regulate the production downward. However, if you’re producing too little, it’ll regulate the production upward.
Hmm, I thought to myself, Maca sounds like it covers all the symptoms adrenal disease imparts.
The next super food I was asked to take was raw cocoa.
Chocolate! How could I say no to my favourite food?
Historical documentation cites cocoa and its products a cure for almost everything from fatigue, indigestion, emaciation, and hemorrhoids to respiratory ailments, cancer, depression, and heart problems. The ancient people of Central America, the Mayans and Aztecs, believed this plant could impart immortality. Well, this amazing plant probably will not impart immortality to its consumer, but if there was ever a food to do so, cocoa would be the one.
There has been much modern research conducted on this ancient plant with astoundingly positive results. Most notably, the positive effects of drinking raw organic cocoa have been illustrated for various parameters of cardiovascular dysfunction including high blood pressure and diabetes. There is also sound research stating that cocoa has immune stimulating effects, can be used adjunctively to treat cancer, help oxygenate the brain and promotes detoxification of industrial chemicals in the body.
Through randomized controlled trials, it has been demonstrated that habitual cocoa intake lowers blood pressure via its high arginine content and the nitric oxide pathway. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Other protective mechanisms cocoa can offer against cardiovascular disease come from its potent antioxidant profile. The flavonoids in cocoa raise HDL, the “good” cholesterol and both lower and protect LDL or “bad” cholesterol from being oxidized (damaged by free radicals) in the blood, which helps fight against plaque formation. It has also been demonstrated that cocoa reduces platelet aggregation or in other words thins the blood. Cocoa acts as a natural blood thinner when taken daily.
One of the most deadly complications from diabetes mellitus (type II diabetes) is heart disease. Cocoa protects us from these complications and also helps to promote insulin sensitivity according to Grassi et al.
Cancer is fast becoming the number one killer all over our planet. Colon and reproductive cancers like breast and prostate cancer are among the most common types of cancers. Components of cocoa, notably the polyphenols have shown to stop proliferation of breast, prostate and colon cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Research is also showing cocoa powder to help immune function, cognition, and detoxification. Cocoa can both upregulate specific immune cells and help modulate immune function. It appears to increase brain oxygenation which has beneficial implications for diseases like dementia. And finally, raw organic cocoa powder with its high fiber content has been shown to facilitate the excretion and detoxification of environmental contaminants from the body.
It is easy to see that cocoa not only plays a multi-factorial role in protecting us from chronic degenerative diseases but also goes a long way to making us feel good by its mood enhancing and nutritive properties. It may not impart immortality to us yet, but it is certainly immortalized in human history.
How wise the ancient peoples were to realize the powerful and far reaching implications of this amazing plant.
Modern research is beginning to prove what the ancients already knew: raw organic cocoa is truly a gift from the gods. We think modern technology is so advanced, yet both of these products were used over 4000 years ago!
Here is a magical recipe for an extra boost of energy. Little balls of protein and energy made from pureed raw dates, nuts and seeds – now with a shot of protein powder as well. Otherwise known as bliss balls, date bombs, goji balls and even amazeballs…and they are gluten-free!
Recipe: Cocoa Bliss Protein balls Add a tablespoon of natural protein powder if you’re in training mode. The more raw, unprocessed and organic the ingredients, the better.
100g chopped walnuts or cashews, lightly toasted.
100g almond meal.
2 tbsp linseed, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and pepitas.
170g dates, pitted and chopped.
100g soft dried apricots, chopped.
1/2 cup goji berries.
2 tbsp raw cacao powder or Dutch dark cocoa powder.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes.
2 tbsp honey or agave syrup.
Pinch of sea salt.
100g desiccated coconut for coating or extra cocoa powder for dusting.
Combine the walnuts, almond meal and seeds in a food processor and whiz until fine crumbs. Add the dates, goji berries and apricots and whiz until smooth. Add a little water to moisten, cacao powder, protein powder, cinnamon, honey, sea salt and chilli and whiz for two minutes or until the mixture starts to form into a ball.
Divide into golf ball-sized portions and roll into balls between lightly wet palms. Roll in coconut, or dust with extra cocoa powder and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two months.
Tip Freezing makes them deliciously firm and chewy.
Enjoy!
From my kitchen to yours with much love…Jen xxx