Herbal Hub

Someone said, “Humans are passionate about health and pleasure.” We yearn for a tasty, fat-free, sugar-free chocolate bar, smoke organic tobaccos and drink Coke zero. A hedonist and health junkie what a combo! As they say, life is short, live your life the way it makes you happy. Some people find pleasure in eating a chocolate bar or visiting a chocolate factory. Though chocolates are not considered “good” snack option, do you know that chocolates comes from an herb called Theobroma cacao that contains many health benefits? The “Chocolate tree” thrive in tropical countries and it can grow up to 20 feet. The main ingredient in chocolates are the seeds or beans are fermented, dried, roasted and then ground into a paste. It becomes yummy by adding sugar.

What’s hot: Studies show that cocoa powder have a variety of health benefits. An alkaloid found in the beans (theobromine) stimulates heart, kidneys and muscles. It’s a stimulating herb, both cooling and warming. It’s also diuretic and lowers high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Cocoa is also used in many cosmetic products, especially cocoa butter as a very effective skin moisturizer. For culinary use, chocolate flavoring is added in sauces, drinks and many more. My favorites are chocolate cakes and chocolate milk shakes.

What’s not-so-hot: Not all chocolates we love are fat-free and sugar-free. Chocolates is a common trigger of allergies and for some migraines.

Photo Source: Kalyx.com

Cocoa butter lip balm $5, organic cocoa powder $10.35, fat-free chocolate chip cookies $3.49

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