Eating Chocolate in its Raw state- for health benefits

HOME-MADE CHOCOLATE


* 2 cups certified-organic raw cacao powder


* 1 cup certified-organic unrefined virgin coconut oil


* ½ cup certified organic hazelnut oil


* ½ cup agave nectar


* a pinch of Himalayan salt


* Mix it all together in a bowl and then put in the fridge to set.



It’s a great recipe to experiment with. Sometimes I add almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and/or maca powder.


NUTRITION NOTES: CACAO
Chocolate in its raw, unprocessed and unadulterated state — raw cacao.


Firstly, let’s clear up any confusion you may have about cacao, cocoa and mainstream chocolate.

* Cacao powder is simply the cacao bean that has been through a cold-pressing process — and is what I am making all this fuss about. It is rich in nutrients and beneficial to our health and beauty.


* Cocoa is basically cacao that has been cooked and adulterated, therefore not as nutrient-dense as raw cacao.


* Mainstream chocolate is junk food, with negative health affects attributed to the harmful effects of commercial processing and refining techniques, and the other ingredients commonly added (eg: sugar).
BENEFITS
Cacao helps to increase the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brain that in turn promotes feelings of happiness. Cacao helps to raise the level of serotonin — the feel-good hormone — that acts as an anti-depressant. Phenylethylamine, which is found in cacao, is what is released from the brain when we are in love, and acts as a mild mood elevator. Cacao also helps to stimulate the secretion of endorphins that produces a similar sensation after the “high” you feel after a long run.
Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested, including blueberries, red wine, and green tea. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. Cacao is also rich in a number of essential minerals including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. In fact, cacao is thought to be the best source of magnesium, which is particularly relevant considering a large proportion of people are deficient in this mineral. As previously mentioned, cacao is rich in sulfur, the mineral that helps to promote healthy skin and build strong nails and hair.

Improving & increasing your metabolic rate?

Balance hormone production



The thyroid gland is mainly responsible for stimulating your basal metabolic rate, by producing the hormone thyroxine, which controls how quickly the body uses and burns energy from fat stores. For your thyroid to be able to synthesise thyroxine, it needs the mineral iodine, of which seafood (especially deep-sea fish) is abundant.

The Right Protein Powder-Mercola Pure Power Protein

To show you the extraordinary nutrients incorporated into Mercola Pure Power Protein, let’s take a deeper dive into a sample of the natural ingredients and their potential benefits….

Mercola Pure Power Protein…nutritious ingredients combined into a unique formula ready to help give athletes the performance edge they've been looking for.* 

Immuno Whey™ – Non-denatured, cold pressed grass fed cows’ whey protein… needed to support athletic performance, muscle recovery and buildup.*  

This is the first time we have been able to introduce this higher quality whey protein. It is a very serious upgrade with immune supporting components.*

• Organic Sweet Whey – Non-denatured natural whey… helps replenish essential elements, electrolytes, and trace minerals lost during exercise.*
• Natural sweeteners – Both digestive resistant maltodextrin and Luo Han used to enhance the overall taste and provide other natural benefits.*
• Omega 3 EFA (N-3) – Plant bases ALA will help complement any animal based sources of omega-3 , like krill you may be taking. These essential fatty acids which can play an important role in muscle recuperation and buildup.*
• Chia Seeds – Regarded by botanical experts as a super food, chia seeds are high in protein, fiber, and essential oils. Due to its high fiber content, chia helps support weight management, blood sugar levels, detoxification, and regularity.*
• Coconut MCT (medium chain triglycerides) – Medium chain fatty acids have been shown to be an ideal muscle fuel. MCT can replenish muscle energy without raising insulin, support weight management, and promote lean muscle gain.* 
• Sunflower Seed Lecithin – Unlike soy lecithin which is typically GMO, sunflower lecithin is 100% chemical free and non-GMO… provides phospholipds and nutrients to support muscle performance and increase resiliency to stress.*
• Probiotics – 15 billion count per serving of blended ‘good’ bacteria… helps keep your gut healthy and helps synthesize leucine to support muscle development.*

If you’re a demanding athlete and serious about the healthiest whey protein powder I’ve help develop to date, you must be impressed by the ingredients that make up Mercola Pure Power Protein.

Bike Cleaning-How to clean your bike

Why clean your bike?
It is not uncommon for some keen cycling enthusiasts to spend more money on their bike than they do on their car. Regular cleaning of your bike is important if you want to keep it in the best possible condition and protect your investment. Cleaning ensures that your gears, brakes and other moving components are smooth and always fully operational.



How often should you clean your bike?


This depends on how often you ride and the style of riding you do. The more often and harder you ride the more you should clean your bike. As a rule of thumb for someone who values their bike and rides two to three times a week, you should clean your bike weekly. We have found that a regular quick clean is better than the occasional thorough clean. If you are riding off road or in a dirty environment it is advised that you clean your bike after every use. Once you have your cleaning routine set up you should be able to clean your bike in about 30 minutes.






What do I need?


Degreaser


Detergent


Warm water


Sponge


Brush


Rag


Oil (Teflon based oil is recommended as it does not collect as much dirt and grime)


How to clean your bike


Step 1 – Brush degreaser on to your chain, allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.
Step 2 – With a rag between your fingers, carefully hold on to the chain and turn the pedal in an anti-clock wise direction. You will see the grease coming off onto the rag.
Step 3 – Remove the back wheel and brush degreaser over the cog. Lean the wheel forward to prevent liquids going into the hub. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.
Step 4 – Brush degreaser over the rest of the components and greasy areas. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.
Step 5 – Add detergent, warm water and a splash of degreaser and repeat steps 1 to 4. Also clean the rest the bike with this detergent solution. You may want to use a new cleaner brush for Step 5.
Step 6 – Rinse the whole bike in fresh water. This is best done with a sponge or brush. Do not place high pressure water on your bike as it will force water into components which are meant to remain dry.
Step 7 – Reattach your rear wheel.
Step 8 – Before your next ride reapply oil to your chain.