This is a brief description of what I witnessed in the aqua-colored eyes of a close friend, as we discussed things we could not live with out. I had my own list of things I could not live with out which included my dogs, water and something - anything to read – (my brain needs stimulation that way). So my friend began naming things she could not live without, and I heard her say "chocolate", I stopped her, to make sure I understood, and said, "Chocolate?" "YES!" she replied, "chocolate." "Are you telling me if there were no more chocolate in the world you would not be able to function?" – and she looked at me with those beautiful but temporarily crazed eyes and said, "If there was no more chocolate, I would go crazy." In that moment I actually thought she had gone crazy by her facial expression, as if an out of body experience had occurred. And just to bring her back to reality I asked in a cheerful tone, "Isn't it great th
at we can roll over to Worldgate Shopping Center and eat a creamy, cold, delicious, chocolaty cone right now?" The spell broke; she looked at me and said, "Yeah let's do it." And off we went.
Chocolate - Compared to gold for its universal appeal, chocolate is a part of our fabric in America. Statistic reports indicate that the average American consumes 12 lbs of chocolate annually. That is a LOT of chocolate!!! Clearly we are in the chocolate thing for the long haul, so let's indulge in ways that are best for our health and the health of our planet. If you are not buying organic, fair trade chocolate, you could be helping organizations that utilize either slave labor or employ unfair labor practices. Make sure the chocolate your purchase doesn't support unfair or slave labor practices.
Buying Fair Trade also means that farmers receive a guaranteed fair price, good labor conditions, including safe working conditions and fair living wages. Brokers acting as middlemen are eliminated, which allows farmers to strengthen their organizations and be competitive in the global economy.
Organic chocolate has many advantages, the obvious being, pesticide free. Organic, cold pressed chocolate is ideal. Organic chocolate will also retain antioxidants and other nutrient value of the raw cocoa bean.
Add a little love to your chocolate - 7 reasons to buy and eat organic chocolate.
7. Chocolate makes you happy – Studies have shown time and again that participants who ate a small piece of chocolate daily were happier than their counterparts who did not have the daily square of chocolate. Get Happy, Eat Chocolate!
6. The "Anti Factor" – Chocolate is an Anti-depressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, which equals anti-aging. Dark chocolate is known to have flavonoids which prevent cholesterol from collecting in blood vessels, it reduces and improves glucose metabolism/diabetic control and improves high blood pressure.
(Next week I will talk antioxidants and why I believe they improve your overall health)
5. Stimulate the economy – If you are buying chocolate anyway, it makes a big difference when you buy fair trade and organic chocolate as it supports sustainable farmers.
4. Buying organic chocolate – It is a better choice as it is "grown on living soil, free of harmful chemicals."
3. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac – enough said.
2. Chocolate - Buying Fair Trade chocolate empowers women and reduces forced child labor, AND it's the greenest, most eco-friendly option for chocolate.
1. The very best reason to buy organic fair trade chocolate is the delicious, creamy, decadent taste that melts on your tongue, and into your heart.
As I proofread this blog entry and fully absorb the 7 reasons to eat organic fair trade chocolate, I completely understand the wild look in the eyes of my friend.
For more information on fair trade chocolate: http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/
Photography credit: Deryl Bell
