Finding it quite challenging sometimes to eat healthily? Or struggling with getting the munchies more often while being stuck at home? It's good to keep in mind that a healthy diet is not just a weight management thing but an important factor in preventing illness, too. 

So could raw chocolate help protect your body against getting sick? We believe so!

First of all, let’s be clear. Chocolate makes a lot of things in life SO much better, but it will definitely not cure you of a virus. However, chocolate is naturally rich in some pretty amazing substances. According to Dr Edward Ampofo of Ghana’s Cacao Clinic, cacao does not only help boost your immune system, it equally helps to protect the human body against virus infection, too! 

“There is oxidative stress in infections and the body usually mobilizes, for example white blood cells in such situations. Polyphenol-rich cocoa is a strong antioxidant and therefore able to mop up these radicals produced via oxidative stress and in turn normalizes the functions of the immune system.“ – Dr Edward Ampofo of Ghana’s Cocoa Clinic. 

The two most important substances in cacao to help you withstand infections more easily are flavonoids and polyphenols. Both are natural antioxidants found in plants and are associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation. Green tea and blueberries are a good source of flavonoids, but raw cacao really tops the list. It can contains up to 6 times more flavonoids than blueberries! A true hero of superfruits. This study from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA), found that the people who may benefit the most from consuming more flavonoids are people at the lowest levels of intake and it doesn’t take much to improve levels. Meaning you can easily maintain a healthy flavonoid intake when eating small amounts of products which are high in flavonoids. According to Dr Esra Shishtar, one cup of green tea a day would be adequate. And enjoyed best with a delicious piece of Lovechock of course. 

Besides flavonoids, selenium is also an essential antioxidant that affects an optimal immune response. A team of international researchers identified that a positive selenium status even contributes to the recovery of patients with COVID-19! Selenium is an essential trace element for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and naturally occurs in fish, meat and poultry. As a vegan brand, we always look for plant-based ingredients that are good natural sources of nutritional benefits while also making a delicious combination with our Raw Chocolate. This is how we came across brazil nuts who are naturally high in selenium. Meaning you’re all set for your recommended daily selenium intake of 55 micrograms when enjoying 2 pieces of Lovechock’s Yacon Brazil Nut bar a day!