In previous blogs I have presented some very “heavy” information about oxidation andwhat a destructive force it is to our bodies. The creation of free radicals of oxygen in our environment has been demonstrated by scientific evidence as the basic underlying cause of many destructive diseases that cause pain, suffering and death. Dr. Steven E. Warren, M.D., D.P.A., in his book, The Healthy Chocolate DeskReference has stated that more than sixty diseases including some forms of cancer are linked to oxidative free radical damage. He further states that “the research linking free radicals and disease is growing steadily.

In fact, some experts estimate that more than 80 percent of debilitating disease is related to the effects of free radicals.” He also lists these diseases – “Heart disease, High cholesterol, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s/dementia, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune dysfunction, Diabetes, Cataracts, Cancer, Multiple sclerosis, Lung disease and fibromyalgia.” The cacao bean is a great source of phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients) which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In fact, the flavonoids found in cacao, through abundant research, have proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and antiviral properties. Antioxidants add an electron to unstable free radicals and neutralize them so that they do not attack the healthy cells in our bodies. Antioxidants reduce our risk of disease and slow down the aging process.

Without sufficient antioxidants, experts estimate that every cell in our bodies experiences ten thousand free radical attacks each hour of every day. As we age, the free radicals begin to win the battle with the cells in our bodies and our cells suffer loss of proper function and can often lead to death. Baby Boomers are in an age group that is likely to begin to experience cellular damage. This can manifest itself as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, joint pain and memory lapse. This is a signal to ingest large quantities of antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and above all, cold processed cacao found in Xocai products.

This will help you avoid many of the serious diseases listed above and could extend your life as much as ten years. To protect yourself, eat three pieces of Xocai chocolate spread out over the entire day. Do not eat any more. Give your digestive system time to adjust. You can expect your bowel movements to be larger than usual as the chocolate has a lot of fiber in it. You may choose to drink Activ instead. Follow the same directions drinking one ounce, three times a day. You may wish to add a small amount of orange juice to the drink. Do not carry chocolate pieces near your body as they will become soft due to body heat because they are so pure and avoid heat contact. My next blog will be about how you can achieve optimal weight with healthy chocolate and control your weight for a lifetime. I will discuss why many diets do not work as planned and why many diet and exercise programs are not necessarily the best answer.

Blessings,

Dr. Bernard Press, O.D.