You may have noticed that all our BODi products use cocoa, but this isn’t just because it tastes delicious… So what is so good about cocoa!? (besides the obvious that it’s used to make chocolate!)

It’s all about antioxidants

Cocoa is made from cocoa beans, which are naturally rich in flavonoid antioxidants. They even contain more of these antioxidants than red wine and green tea! Flavonoids are part of a powerful antioxidant group called polyphenols and have been shown to have a multitude of health benefits. They can reduce “bad” cholesterol and help raise “good” cholesterol, which is great for our heart health. And this is just the beginning! The antioxidants in cocoa have also been shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and also lower blood pressure.

Nutrient Rich

Cocoa naturally contains a lot of nutrients such as; sulphur (required for shiny hair and strong nails), magnesium (involved in energy creation), and iron to help transport oxygen around the body.  Add in some fibre and a bunch of other naturally occurring vitamins and minerals and cocoa is actually pretty damn nutritious!

Go happy with cocoa

Cocoa contains a substance called phenethylamine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as a natural antidepressant and mood lifter! Cocoa can also boost the feel good endorphins in a similar way to how exercise does… no wonder we feel so good when we eat chocolate!

Does this mean I can eat chocolate!?

Chocolate comes in several different forms. Cocoa powder contains the most antioxidants, followed by dark chocolate and then other types of chocolate. As you go from milk chocolate to compound chocolate (used in Easter eggs and chocolate bars) and then to white chocolate, the antioxidant levels begin to decrease and the sugar levels tend to rise, so these aren’t a great choice! A good rule to follow is that the darker and richer the chocolate is, the better.

So there you have it – chocolate is good for you and you don’t need to feel guilty indulging in a few gifts from the Easter bunny! Just remember, moderation is the key!