A new study by UK scientists suggests that a natural plant compound called Theobromine, which is abundant in cocoa can potentially slow down cellular aging. Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in the Theobroma (Greek for food of the Gods) cacao plant. Apart from polyphenols, that’s what makes cocoa taste bitter, Theobromine is also found in tea and coffee though in lesser amounts.

What are its benefits?

• It enhances mental clarity and focus, elevates mood and provides a gentle energy boost without caffeine jitters and also works for depression.
• It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It reduces inflammation by modulating inflammatory mediators and protects against oxidative stress, benefitting against chronic disease risk.
• It improves cardiovascular health.
• It prevents kidney stones and is a diuretic.
• It supports respiratory, skin and metabolic health.
• It is a wonderful compound. Many of us love chocolate. Now we can justify the consumption of chocolate for ourselves.

Again, pause and think. The countries where cocoa is produced, cannot afford the consumption of the finished products because of extreme poverty and the high cost of processed cocoa goods locally. Cocoa is a cash crop. Most small scale farmers in West Africa which produces over 60% of the world’s supply, live below the extreme poverty line.

Dear ones, I am not judging but it makes my heart break that some of us can only think of ourselves and our wellbeing.

We must follow Swami Sivananda’s preachings, love, serve and give.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by Keith Weller, USDA ARS – This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID K4636-14 (next)., Public Domain, Link