Coca leaf is the Erythroxylum coca plant. This makes cocaine alkaloids similar to novocaine. A good local anaesthetic. Coca Cola contained very small amounts of this until 1929.
Cacao trees produce the Cocoa bean (notice the different spelling - it appears to be interchangeable, the former more applying to the plant often.) which produces chocolate. This plant is Theobroma cacao. The bean contains magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus, calcium, anand-amide, phenylethylamine, arginine, polyphenols, epicatechins, serotonin, potassium, procyanidins, flavanols, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. It is a good source of anti-oxidants.
Cocoa pods.
Health benefits from Wiki:
Chocolate and cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. The ingestion of flavonol-rich cocoa is associated with acute elevation of circulating nitric oxide, enhanced flow-mediated vasodilation, and augmented microcirculation.
Prolonged intake of flavonol-rich cocoa has been linked to cardiovascular health benefits,though it should be noted that this refers to plain cocoa and dark chocolate. Milk chocolate's addition of whole milk reduces the overall cocoa content per ounce while increasing saturated fat levels, possibly negating some of cocoa's heart-healthy potential benefits. Nevertheless, studies have still found short term benefits in LDL cholesterol levels from dark chocolate consumption.
Hollenberg and colleagues of Harvard Medical School studied the effects of cocoa and flavanols on Panama's Kuna Indian population, who are heavy consumers of cocoa. The researchers found that the Kuna Indians living on the islands had significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those on the mainland who do not drink cocoa as on the islands. It is believed that the improved blood flow after consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa may help to achieve health benefits in hearts and other organs. In particular, the benefits may extend to the brain and have important implications for learning and memory.
Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure but drinking green and black tea may not, according to an analysis of previously published research in the April 9, 2007 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Chocolate is midly addictive due to the theobromine and caffiene, but this has never been proven harmful to health.
Chocolate should be eaten dark without milk or sugar as these cancel the anti-oxidant effects. Add stevia for sweetness.
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Carob is often compared to chocolate but is different flavour and goes better with fruit.
It is Ceratonia siliqua. It produces seed pods and leaves. It is a mild sweetener with anti-oxidant properties. It is rich in tannins. It is high in fibre and can treat diarrhea. Protein content is low. 5 grams to the cup. Calories 230 to the cup. Contains calcium, potassium and B2.
It may be beneficial in preventing colon cancer.
Carob will reduce LDL rather quickly. nutraingredients-usa.com
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