What Is Cacao And Why Is Natural Chocolate Healthy?

Understanding Super Foods: Cacao and Real Chocolate

For some reason I can't get the vision of John Matuszak out of my head. John Matuszak -- you know -- Sloth, from The Goonies! Choc-o-late...Ruth...Ba-by...Ruth. Yes, none of that cinematic magic would have been possible without cacao. Could you imagine? Cacao is responsible for that delicious, sometimes decadent food group we commonly know as chocolate, but it's oh, so much more. In fact, in its purest form, it has health benefits that might even cause you to furrow or lift your brow. But first -- what exactly is cacao? What Is Cacao? Cacao is an evergreen tree that generally grows from 10 - 30 feet in height and is native to the tropical regions of the American continents. It is found naturally in the Amazon River Basin as well as the Orinoco River Basin, and can also be found bearing its "fruit" at the base of the Andes Mountain range in foothill elevations of 600 - 1300 ft. above sea level. It is widely accepted by many cacao experts, that the tree was native to Mexico, and brought wild to be cultivated in South America. It is now farmed in many tropical nations, and the largest commercial producer is actually the western African nation of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. Ghana, Indonesia and the Philippines also cultivate a prominent amount of cacao, and the Americas round out the majority of the commercial farming. The fruit of the cacao, known as the cacao pod, ripens to a hearty yellow or orange, and weighs about a pound. Within it, you'll find a load of seeds, which are generally referred to as cacao beans. Each seed is made up of about 40 percent fat, which is often extracted and known as cocoa butter. The Cacao Nib Craze Is it true that Cacao Nibs, the peeled, crushed cacao seeds/beans, are full of antioxidants? Antioxidants that rival super foods like blueberries, and many antioxidant rich teas? Yes, it's all true. As a matter of fact, the cacao nib is also rich in good fat and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. All that good energy stuff you'd get from drinking a Gatorade without the multiple grams of refined sugar. You'll also find a natural byproduct that is very much like caffeine. It even seems that the natural MAO inhibitors found in these tasty morsels can suppress an overactive appetite. The Taste of Cacao What do cacao nibs taste like? Chocolately and nutty. You can pick at it like granola, eat it by the spoonful like granola, grind it into your coffee... not like granola... sprinkle it on ice-cream, put it in a smoothie or a personal favorite -- dip a banana into them. If you're intrigued, make sure you snag an organic variety of the cacao nibs. Criollo cacao is the rarest of the organically produced cacao, and what you'd probably enjoy the most in your first sampling. You can generally find the goods for -15 a pound, depending on where you shop. Cacao: Along with Goji Berries [http://www.greeneggsandplanet.com/blog/dieting/goji-berries-what-are-goji-berries], just another example of nature's candies.

Healthy Breakfast Cookie Recipe

Cookies for breakfast? Yes, it is possible to start your day with cookies as long as they are made from healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat germ, peanut butter, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

I know it's a cliche but, for most people, a healthy breakfast is important to get the day started right. What you eat for breakfast can set the tone for how you feel all day. Studies show that a good breakfast with protein and fiber can boost your metabolism and positively influence your eating choices the rest of the day, resulting in a slimmer, healthier, more productive you!

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

Healthy breakfast cookies might be the perfect solution for breakfast skippers. They are quick, easy, tasty, and portable. No time in the morning? With a plate of healthy breakfast cookies on the counter or a bag of individually wrapped ones in the freezer, you can just grab one and go.

I like to enjoy one with a piece of fruit and a little plain organic Greek yogurt for a completely satisfying breakfast.

Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies Recipe
makes about 2 dozen cookies

Packed with the added punch of protein from peanut butter, these wholesome cookies are satisfying. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, especially when you add a piece of fruit. They are good with almond butter and chopped almonds too.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/3 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup raisins or craisins

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

In a large bowl beat together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs and water.

In a medium bowl stir together flours, oats, wheat germ, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix flour mixture into peanut butter mixture. Stir in raisins.

Drop by ice cream scoopfuls (or 1/4 cup measuring cupfuls )2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden but still soft.

Remove from the oven and cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Healthy Breakfast Cookie Recipe

Martha McKinnon is a health coach who believes that healthy eating and losing weight can be simple and delicious when you slow down and learn to trust your body's inner wisdom. Her website, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com, is full of practical tips for losing weight and feeling great & offers a FREE e-cookbooklet of great recipes for healthy homemade granola bars.