David Wolfe, nutritionist and creator of the Longevity Now Program, is a strong advocate of chocolate and has written about the health benefits of this superfood in his book, Naked Chocolate. Chocolate is made from cacao and cacao in its raw “naked” form is a super nutritious source of minerals. Wolfe’s book, Naked Chocolate, promotes the benefit of adding raw chocolate to ones diet. He discusses specific nutritious elements found in cacao and how it helps keep the body healthy. Some of the these elements include:

Magnesium: Magnesium helps to support the heart, brain, and digestive system. Magnesium is also important for building strong bones. Magnesium balances brain chemistry and builds strong bones.
Iron: Iron is a critical mineral in nutrition. Iron is part of the oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin that keeps our blood healthy.

Chromium: Chromium is an important trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar.

Theobromine: Theobromine is an effective anti-bacterial substance and kills streptococci mutans (the primary organism that causes cavities).

Antioxidants: These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins.

Manganese: Manganese is an essential trace mineral. Manganese helps assist iron in the oxygenation of the blood and formation of hemoglobin.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral. Zinc plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas, and skin.

Copper: Copper is an essential trace mineral. Copper is found naturally in plants with vitamin C. In the human body, copper helps to build healthy blood. 



Vitamin C: Cacao must be raw to contain vitamin C. All cooked and processed chocolate has no vitamin C.

Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Cacao contains essential omega 6 fatty acids. Note: Cooked and processed chocolate contains rancid omega 6 fatty acids (trans-fat) that can cause an inflammatory reaction when one eats cooked chocolate.



Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin.

Serotonin: Serotonin is similar in its chemistry to tryptophan and melatonin. Serotonin helps us build up our “stress defense shield.”



Anandamide: Anandamide is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise and is associated with feeling “blissful”.

David Wolfe is a well-known health educator who has written many books and given many lectures on various health and wellness subjects including nutrition, diet and longevity. His newest health program, the Longevity Now Program, releases in June and teaches techniques on living a healthier longer life. For more detailed information, click on Longevity Now Review.