In the last Energy Boost episode 19 I discussed why being dehydrated in the morning will result in your body having less energy and a simple 3 step scientific method to determine whether or not you are in fact dehydrated. You can check out that episode here for more info.

In this episode I discuss the key ingredient that has a direct effect on our mental and physical energy when we consume chocolate. A well made chocolate can be delicious and it's been mentioned many times that as a bonus it can be beneficial to us, although an excess of other fillers such as sugar can quickly negate any benefits. But the key ingredient being cacao becomes a confusing subject when you hear other words thrown around like raw cacao or cocoa or Dutch processed cocoa powder with lots of claims made for one over the other. You can easily learn by listening to this short Energy Boost episode of TheEdTalks what is actually best for you - raw cacao, cocoa or some other version of the dark brown treat most of us enjoy.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• The difference between Raw Cacao, Cocoa, Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder and Natural Cocoa Powder
• The important role Cacao played in the Aztec empire
• Why Cacao beans are fermented
• What role chocolate played in the longest confirmed recorded lifespan
• The amazing benefits associated with consumption of Cacao, Cocoa and Chocolate
• The stimulant found in Cacao, Cocoa and Chocolate that it lethal to dogs
• The negatives associated with Cacao, Cocoa and Chocolate
• Why milk may not be a beneficial addition in chocolate bars and chocolate drinks
• Why lead poisoning is a good excuse to prevent children from eating too much chocolate
• How much is too much.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• First hints of cocoa consumption and more info here
• Chocolate and The Aztecs
• Longest confirmed human lifespan on record, Jeanne Louise Calment
• The Kuna Indians
• Consumption of cocoa containing foods associated with a reduced risk of mortality
• High antioxidant activity of cocoa
• Dutch processed cocoa powder has a reduced antioxidant and flavanol content
• Chronic fatigue improvement
• Cocoa's possible ability in prevention or treatment of allergic diseases
• Benefits of high flavanol cocoa for skin health
• Interactive National Geographic chart on risk level of Theobromine for various dog breeds
• Theobromine and caffeine and more info here
• Cocoa flavonoids and brain energy
• Reducing Phytic acid
• Kidney stone prevention and more info here
• The effect of milk on antioxidant and flavonoid benefits and more info here and here and here
• Lead contamination in chocolate
• David Wolfe's RDI of raw cacao.

Help Spread the Word!

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Ed Talks. What is the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below or on the Facebook page.

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