The Mayesa team has long known that cacao, Dark Chocolate in its purest form, has many health benefits. Recently, on his Living to 100 series for CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the Emmy Award winning chief medical correspondent for the health and wellness unit at CNN, took a look at habits that aid in a living a long and healthy life including staying active, eating less red meat, get plenty of sleep AND eating cacao. Below are some of the highlights from the video, as well as a few other healthy reasons to eat, or even better, drink Cacao.
Increased Metabolic Rate
The ingredients in Dark Chocolate tend to increase the body’s metabolic rate. This means that consuming dark chocolate can help the body burn calories, even when at rest. Although calories are being taken in, the comparison of the caloric intake to the increase in metabolic rate is such that the body is burning more calories than it is receiving. Of course, remember the key is moderation.
Down with Bad Cholesterol
Cacao can also lower the body’s levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), while at the same time increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). High levels of LDL can increase the risk of heart disease, as LDL causes plaque to build up in arteries which leads to blockages that can lead to heart attacks and/or strokes. HDL is considered good cholesterol since it helps to remove LDL from the arteries.
Components in Dark Chocolate called polyphenols are also believed to lower blood pressure and improve the flexibility of blood vessels.
Antioxidant Rich
Cacao is also rich in antioxidants. It is believed that when we eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as cacao, their benefits are passed on to us. Antioxidants protect our bodies from damage caused by free radicals. These unstable oxygen molecules are thought to be responsible for aging and some diseases.
High in Potassium
Another amazing benefit of Dark Chocolate is that it is high in potassium, a mineral that is essential for good health. Potassium reduces the risk of stroke, increases the body’s level of calcium and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
Cacao as a Probiotic
Dark Chocolate is also a probiotic, so consuming Dark Chocolate can help maintain a balanced digestive system, as well as a healthy immune system.
Mayesa and Cacao
Mayesa is a delicious Healthy Dark Chocolate Drink, made from organic cacao. Indulge Your Health with one of Mayesa’s four flavors: Original, Mint, Banana and Mixed Berry!
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