Cocoa, Cacoa, Chocolate - The Sacred, The Ugly and The Good....

The Cacao fruit has been eaten in South America since prehistory and today can be found in almost every juice and smoothie shop in Brazil. The traditional ways of consuming cacao were to eat the fresh fruit, to ferment the fruit to make an alcoholic drink, or to use the alcoholic drink to make a vinegar.
Many millennia ago the cacao tree was first cultivated in Central America where it was held in high esteem as a food of divinity. Consumed during rituals, the fruits of the cacao tree were offered as sacraments to the gods. The botanical name, Theobroma cacao, means “gods" "tree of life"(Theobroma) and "cacao"  is a word borrowed from the Mayan language referring to the tree itself, the fruit, and the drink that is made from the fruit.

Cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals. Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions, constipation, and might trigger migraine headaches. All of this is possible only when you partake too much of it.

Now for the Love of Chocolate - here is all the GOOD.. that this magical bean offers when the cacao is high-quality, raw and organically produced.
Cocoa beans contain over 300 compounds such as: protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium. Magnesium helps strengthen the bones in your body. Cocoa is also high in sulfur, which makes our nails and hair stronger. Cocoa beans also contains a small amount of caffeine.
Today, science confirms chocolate has many favorable qualities that support health and psychological well-being. Cocoa powder, prepared from fermented cocoa seeds, is used to prevent heart disease. Cocoa butter is taken to lower cholesterol levels, although its efficacy is unclear. It is also used widely in foods and pharmaceutical preparations, as well as being used as a rich moisturizer for the skin.
Research into certain aspects of neuro-chemistry has shed some light on this ancient reputation. Scientists at the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego found dark chocolate to contain three Anandamide, derived its name from the Sanskrit word 'Ananda', meaning 'bliss'.

compounds that closely resemble a naturally occurring neurotransmitter known as 'Anandamide', which induces a sense of well-being.
It links to THC receptor sites in the brain, producing a similar, but much less pronounced effect as Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is found in Cannabis.  It is also the primary neurotransmitter present in the uterus during the early stages of pregnancy.
It would appear that its role here is to chemically create an ambiance of bliss and contentment to welcome the embryonic spirit into the womb. 

You don't want to eliminate too many of the health benefits by eating a product that contains a lot of sugar and chemicals... so satisfy your cravings healthily...

Valentine's Day - Love Tonic that works..Recipe

We all know there are foods that will improve the essential fuel to spark your sexual appetite and increase libido. But Chocolate and Cocoa hold the distinction of being super delicious as well!

THE FACTS: 
The Aztecs may have been the first on record to draw a link between the cocoa bean and sexual desire: the emperor Montezuma was said to consume the bean in copious amounts to fuel his romantic trysts. 

Here are 4 easy to access foods, a recipe  and why you must have this today - to BOOST that Valentine appetite for more than food..

1. Dark Chocolate or Rich Dark Drinking Chocolate
Research has shown that chocolate consumption causes a release of phenylethylamine and serotonin, which leads to some aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.1 Release of phenylethylamine upon

eating dark chocolate, gives the same feel good endorphins triggered by sex. It works like Viagra as it is also full of arginine, an amino acid that converts to nitric oxide and increases the nitric oxide levels which enhance and improve blood flow.

2. Honey or Jaggery for Vegans
Honey’s B vitamins aid in the production of testosterone, and its boron content helps the body use estrogen, which is a key factor in proper blood flow and arousal. It cures sterility, impotence, and waning virility. It is prescribed for weak heart and sexual vigor. Honey has chemicals which boost attraction. It is rich in B vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and minerals. Therefore, honey is called an energy booster and helps you sustain high energy levels.

3. Almonds, Coconut, Walnuts
These nuts are a good source of infertility-fighting selenium and can get your blood flowing with the help of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds are rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B and healthy fats and can improve sexual health and reproduction. A glass of warm milk with crushed pepper and powdered almonds taken at bed time is beneficial.

4. Flaxseeds, Pumpkin Seeds And Sesame Seeds
Flax seeds are a rich source of dietary lignans and omega-3s and are strongly linked to a healthier heart and vascular system. They take care of sexual health. Pumpkin seeds are the best food sources of an amino acid known as tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin in your brain. Sesame seeds also possess aphrodisiac properties.

NOW the recipe: (enough for 2)

• 1 cup milk / Almond milk (for vegans)
• 1 banana - chopped
• 2 tbsp - Cocoa Cravings Drinking chocolate (any flavor)  / 1 pack of dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp honey / 2 tsp of jaggery
• 1 tbsp of Almonds, Coconut, Walnuts  (mixed for more potency or as a single item)
• 1 tsp of Flax seed, Pumpkin seed and sesame seed (mixed for more potency or as a single item)

Now the Method: (easy- peasy)

1. Put all ingredients into blender. Blend until creamy and serve (if you like, you can pop in 2-3 ice-cubes to make it extra cold).
2. Sip deliciously!
3. As simple as that!

Happy Valentine's Day - Y'all!