Valentines Day is fast approaching, a popular day to gift and eat chocolate. Who doesn’t like chocolate? It certainly is one of my favorite foods. When choosing chocolate we might stop to think about the sugar content but it doesn’t have to filled with processed ingredients. In fact, raw cacao itself is chock full of fiber, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. It is also know to be an antioxidant and good for your cardiovascular health. Conventional chocolate can be highly processed containing anti nutrients such as soy lecithin, as well as refined sugar and other additives our bodies don’t recognize.
For those of you who are interested in giving the gift of chocolate this Valentines Day but don’t want to veer off your clean eating path, I have the answer for you. Head down to the I Love Health Store in Coal Harbour! I Love Health is a holistic nutritional shop, specializing in excellent natural supplements, as well as beautiful handcrafted organic chocolate. Free of gluten, dairy and processed sugars, I Love Health carries several lines of chocolate in a variety of flavors. It’s mostly dark chocolate however, check out the gorgeous dairy free ‘mylk’ chocolate and you won’t be disappointed. I also highly recommend the locally made GLOW chocolates https://www.loveoffood.ca/
I Love Health is located conveniently at 1428 West Pender, is open from 1-6 pm, and there is parking available. Check out their website https://www.ilovehealth.ca/ and get down there before the 14th! Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Key Takeaways
- Raw cacao offers nutritional benefits including antioxidants, minerals, and fiber.
- Choosing raw or organic chocolate can help avoid processed sugars and artificial additives.
- Healthy Valentine’s Day treats don’t have to sacrifice flavor or indulgence.
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free chocolate options are becoming more accessible.
- Supporting local health-focused businesses is a great way to discover cleaner food alternatives.
FAQs
What is raw cacao?
Raw cacao is minimally processed chocolate that retains more of its natural nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals compared to conventional chocolate.
Is dark chocolate healthier than regular chocolate?
Generally, yes. Dark chocolate often contains less sugar and more cacao, which provides antioxidants and potential cardiovascular benefits.
Are there healthy alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day chocolate?
Absolutely. Many brands now offer organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free chocolate options.
Why should I avoid heavily processed chocolate?
Highly processed chocolate can contain refined sugars, additives, and ingredients that may reduce its nutritional value.
Where can I find healthier chocolate options?
Health food stores and specialty nutrition shops often carry organic and handcrafted chocolate brands made with cleaner ingredients.