Much has been said about the Acai Berry and with good reason. Acai is
a nutrient-packed berry with very high antioxidant levels. I would also
add that eating cacao (yes, chocolate), one of the richest food sources of
antioxidants in the world, is a great way to better your health.

About six months ago a friend of mine introduced me to dark chocolate.
Now this wasn't the kind that you get at the supermarket made by the chocolate
companies we all know and love. My friend told me that this was actually
healthy dark chocolate. To that I said yah right! But my friend is
a health nut and in great shape, so I proceeded to listen with half open
ears. She explained to me that unlike most commercially produced
chocolate (which is”dutched" or alkalized) this dark chocolate was
processed with a "cold-processing" system and used no artificial
ingredients. Basically the method of processing allowed the cacao to
retain its super high levels of antioxidants. She also told me that they
had combined cacao with the acai berry to make the chocolate. Now I had heard
of the health benefits of the acai berry so I was definitely intrigued.

My next question, being the skeptic that I am was.... I've heard dark
chocolate tastes really bitter; this stuff probably tastes awful right?
To that she simply said, come over and try a piece sometime. That was six
months ago, and I have been eating the stuff ever since. The chocolate is
delicious, like fine Belgian chocolate (and I do consider myself somewhat of a
chocolate connoisseur). After tasting the chocolate I did extensive research
about the benefits of dark chocolate (processed correctly) and found that there
were many. I found articles from Time, CNN and Forbes saying things like:

"Antioxidants in chocolate may help protect against cancer, dark chocolate
has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate
mood."

"A recent study found that those with high blood pressure who ate a 3.5
ounce dark chocolate bar daily for 15 days were rewarded with lower blood
pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improved sugar
metabolism."

"The amount of antioxidants in your body is directly related to how
long and healthy you live. Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants."

Personally, I don't have high-blood pressure or cholesterol etc.
However, since I have been eating the chocolate I have definitely felt a
decrease in joint pain (I'm an ex-athlete but still work out six days a week)
and an increase in my energy level. I am also taking it as a preventative
measure because I know the many benefits involved in eating it. Not to
mention it has curbed my appetite for junk food tremendously. I have
"prescribed" the chocolate to family members and friends and many
have seen great results.

Yes, it’s true; I am now a true believer in the benefits of dark chocolate.
Because I know many of you are looking for ways to lead a
healthier lifestyle, I wanted to share with you one way (and a delicious one at
that!) that you can improve your health.

Wishing you health and wellness!