Book Nib

Book Nib

Enjoy Your Chocolate, Just Make It Raw

Copyright (c) 2011 Monica Shah

Most people love chocolate but have never tried the raw food where chocolate comes from: cacao beans. People around the world have treasured cacao beans for centuries - in ancient cultures it was used as a currency. Today you can find it in the raw food section of your local health food store. It comes labeled as whole cacao beans, cacao nibs (crushed beans) and raw cacao powder (powdered cacao beans).

And with the dairy and sugar out of the way, you can enjoy raw chocolate without guilt for so many reasons. Below are four reasons to use raw chocolate.

First, the magnesium in raw chocolate supports your heart. Magnesium helps decrease blood coagulation, thus helping to lower blood pressure and helping the heart to beat efficiently.

Second it helps you stay young. Cacao beans contain high amounts of antioxidants comparable to the levels in green tea and red wine. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, major culprits in the aging process.

Third, it helps you focus. Cacao beans can contain up to 2.2% Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA increases the activity of neurotransmitters in your brain, helping you to stay focused, alert and captivated - like when you are reading a really good book.

Fourth, it creates bliss (yes, every chocolate fan knows this one). Cacao beans contain Anandamide. Anandamide is called the "bliss chemical" because it is released when we are feeling great.

And finally, plain and simple: raw chocolate makes you happy. Raw chocolate is a great source of serotonin, phenylethylamine and dopamine, three neurotransmitters that help alleviate depression and promote feelings of well-being.

Chocolate is healthiest if it is dark with less added dairy products and refined sugars. Raw cacao beans have no added dairy or sugar so they are clearly the best option.

So how do you eat these precious beans? Well, cacao beans can be a little bitter to the raw chocolate newbie. So it is best to combine them with something sweet such as raisins. A great snack idea is a trail mix with raisins, cacao nibs (crushed beans), and your choice of nuts. Or make a chocolate smoothie by throwing them in your blender with milk, soy milk, almond milk or yogurt and your favorite sweetener. A 1.4 ounce serving of chocolate has about as much caffeine as one cup of decaffeinated coffee, so you don't have to worry too much about the caffeine. But do be careful, I once overdosed on some raw chocolate goodies and was up until three in the morning. To get you started, my favorite raw chocolate recipe is below: a healthy version of my most coveted 'unhealthy' treat, peanut butter cups. Enjoy it. I know that I do.

Ideal Balance founded in 2006 to help busy professionals find simple ways to eat healthy, exercise consistently, and find peace and balance in their lives. She conducts nutrition and health coaching, live workshops and various events in New York City and San Francisco.

About the Author

Monica Shah helps busy professional women with weight loss and healthy living by giving them simple steps that work no matter how busy they are. Monica put all of her secrets on her "fast track to weight loss and healthy living" MP3. To get the free MP3, please go to

http://ow.ly/3NPQ2

To artists good with ink, a question?

What are some good books to help me ink better, my pencils are very good but my inks are garbage, I mean I can do the outlines well, good weight to the lines and all but as far as detail and textures, I'm garbage with ink so any good how to books?

Also what are some good pen nib sizes to start out with?

Practice is better than any book. Also, go get some Higgins black ink and 3 watercolor brushes: #2 #4 and #00. There are two techniques you should practice -- one is drybrush which is just what it says. Dip it in ink, wipe it almost dry and use the resulting pattern to make marks. The other is to wipe just enough off so it doesn't drip and make lines the regular way. They are thick lines and not easily corrected, but that is the point. They will teach you discipline so practice in your sketch book and definitely draw things.

I recommend any Hunts or rapidograph pens, with thinner nibs.

But no book will teach you as much as practice.

How to clean a Fountain Pen Feed and Nib