I Got Nibs in the Mail!

which means I can now make this:

Goji, Cacao & Almond Jet Lag Smoothie

Ingredients
50gr almonds
50gr goji berries
30gr raw cacao nibs
1 banana
500 ml of water

Preparation
Place the almonds, goji berries and cacao in a blender.

Grind it to a nice fine, smooth consistency, then slowly add the water.

Finally add the banana, which will make the smoothie creamier and sweeter.

If you don’t have a high speed blender, and you like your smoothie to have a finer consistency, try putting it through a sieve or a nutmilk bag.

And you should make one too because:

Goji Berries are legendary for their nutritional value.
They are "nutrient-dense", which means that they contain an
amazing variety of nutrients. In fact, Goji Berries are often
quoted as "the most nutrient-dense food on the planet."
Goji Berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids (more than
bee pollen which I like to use too), all 8 essential amino acids, up
to 21 trace minerals and more carotenoids, (more beta
carotene than carrots) than any other food. They contain
500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges
making them second only to camu camu berries as the richest
vitamin C source on earth. Goji berries also contain vitamins
B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E. They also contain abundant polysaccharides, which strengthen the immune
system and slow the aging process. Thus, Gogi Berries
are known as the "anti-aging berry."

AND:

Why Unprocessed Chocolate is Good for You
Antioxidants: Cacao(It is pronounced ku-kow)has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. Health benefits of these antioxidants include:
Promote cardiovascular health - Help dilate bloods vessels, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Protect from environmental and metabolic toxins - Help repair and resist damage caused by free radicals, and may reduce risk of certain cancers.
Neurotransmitters: By increasing the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains, cacao promotes positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation and simply helps us feel good.
Serotonin - Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS systems, and promotes a sense of well-being.
Endorphins - Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles.
Phenylethylamine - Found in chocolate, phenylethylamine is also created within the brain and released when we are in love. Acts as mild mood elevator and anti-depressant, and helps increase focus and alertness.
Anandamide - Anandamide is known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great. Cacao contains both N-acylethanolamines, believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in the brain, and enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. Promotes relaxation, and helps us feel good longer.
Essential Minerals: Cacao beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese.

Magnesium - Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency, present in 80% of Americans, is linked with PMT, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and joint problems.
Sulfur - Cacao is high in the beauty mineral sulfur. Sulfur builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports healthy pancreas functioning.
Essential fats: There is a misconception that chocolate is fattening. In truth, the fats in cocoa butter are healthy fats. Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, also found in olive oil, that may raise good cholesterol. Also, substances found in cacao are known to help reduce appetite.


Lastly:

Almonds contain monounsaturated fats and some polyunsaturated fats and hence they help to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol, while maintaining healthy high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol levels.
Almonds decrease the after-meal rises in blood sugar and are hence help in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
Almonds also have antioxidant properties.
Almonds contain Alpha-tocopherol, which is a major source of Vitamin E and is hence really great for healthy hair and skin.
Almonds also increase the blood flow to the vital organs and are also used as aphrodisiacs.
Almonds provide nutrients that help to increase the bone mineral density, which helps to strengthen the skeletal system. Owing to this it can also be considered as a remedy to cope up with osteoporosis in the elderly.

Side Note: I've made this smoothie with out the almonds, and with just banana and cacao. It's yummy every way...very chocolately and decadent.

I've convinced you to try this???

Please only buy Fair Trade Certified cacao beans and research first if you want to consume them raw. The above article is one sided and there are some arguments that say they are not great for you, but none that make me want to stop eating them. I suggest reading for yourself "the other side" of the cacao bean. If you decide to try them buy the nibs (husks removed).