Cocoa: Africa's greatest commodity can heal its children

Who knew cocoa, cacao and non-alkalized [un-dutched] dark chocolate are among the healthiest foods on the planet? Who knew the very region where cacao is cultivated, and where it is desperately needed most, is where it is exported out to be processed in Belgium and other parts of the world to distribute for all to savor and enjoy.

Just a few cups of hot cocoa could nourish the children of Africa!!! It would manage diarrhea due to contaminated water resources. It's a no-brainer, people. But these kids don't even get to benefit from their greatest export commodity. It's all about greed.

Raw Cacao, Cocoa and Dark Chocolate are a medicinal foods. Let's review the nutrient density and therapeutic properties. You can try raw, unprocessed, un-dutched cocoa, raw cacao "niblets" or select at least 71% dark chocolate.

http://www.dagobachocolate.com/ is one example of a therapeutic chocolate company which offers a variety of nutrient-dense selections you can experiment with.

Here's the nutrient and phyto-nutrient breakdown of dark chocolate:

• Amino Acids: arginine, glycine, histadine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, tryptophan, tyramine, tyrosine
• Cold Pressed Fats: essential oils linoleic acid & linolenic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid
• Phospho/Waxy Fats: phosphotidylcholine, sitosterol, salsolinol
• Antioxidant Vitamins: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Vitamin E
• Minerals: Copper, Calcium, Chromium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese
• B Vitamins: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), B12
• Loaded with Fibers: soluble and insoluble
• Antioxidant Phytonutrients: polyphenols like phenolic acids, simple phenols, quinines, stilbenes, xanthones, flavonoids or bioflavonoids (Flavanol or flavan-3-ols). They act like hormones, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antibacterials, anti-virals, anti-cancer agents, fight tooth decay, and relieve allergies
• theobromine in dark chocolate helps with breathing
• Dark chocolate raises Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins: helpful with depression, anxiety, addictions, ADD, ADHD
• Weight Loss: [NOT an issue for the children of Africa] one ounce of dark chocolate 15 minutes before a meal will reduce the amount of food you eat at that meal by 50%, according to Dr. Mike Roizen, M.D., and you will be satisfied sooner. Dark chocolate also reduces cravings for carbohydrates.
• Dental Health: reduces gum disease and bleeding

So, chocolate-cocoa-cacao, is a food. Savor the flavor. Buy the best. And, eat between meals!

...and let U2's Bono and Oprah know they need to serve a cup of cocoa or cacao with that Red Campaign...to the children of Africa!!!