Royal chocolate

It was allowed to consummate only by royalty on unique occasions, in golden cups which were used only once. The sure didn’t heard of fair trade chocolate…

The unique and special cocoa tree grows in the shade of the rain forest shade. Increasing loss of rainforest surfaces also means loss of growing space for cacao. So if you are not already contributing your best to save the rainforest for global warming and our wildlife. Now it’s time to do it or no chocolate for you anymore. The most unique feature of this tree is that the blossoms grow on the trunk and lower branches on the contrary to the fruits we are familiar with, growing on the upper and newer growth. Full grown tree can have up to 10,000 blossoms but only 10-50 of them mature in the fruit. The tree self regulates how many pods it can maintain without wearing its own internal systems or breaking its branches. Ripen pods are than manually pick and spilt open the pod to disclose white pulpy material surrounding the seeds. These seeds are the actual cocoa bean, which are saved. The pulp that is thrown away is actually the sweetest part of the pod at that time but the beans are terribly bitter. Workers gather the seed and than fermentation procedure begins for 3 to 7 days. Through this time chemical and physical changes are taking place that result in a seed that is on its way to becoming chocolate.

Nutrition and high fiber content

Unprocessed dark chocolate consistent for potency and purity is an exceptional replacement for other candies and sugar stuff.  Healthy chocolate contains a lot of fibers, which assist the body’s digestive system moving proper nutrients and eliminating wastes.

Antioxidants and lower cholesterol

Healthy fair trade chocolate (cocoa) has a striking ORAC and contains 25 times the antioxidants of grapes. Studies on dark chocolate also showed a typical 13% drop on levels of cholesterol

Weight loss and improved insulin levels

A Japanese study shows that cocoa acts as a hunger suppressant with potential mood and power elevating chemicals, which add to increased weight loss. The measurement of sensitivity (predisposition to diabetes) was also improved in patients.

Healthy Heart & Reduced Blood Pressure

In a recent study, participants enjoyed a twelve-point reduction in systolic blood pressure. Dark chocolate improved the condition of blood vessels in study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive

Increased supply of crucial minerals and omega-3 Fatty Acids

A high magnesium intake is shown to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Studies propose that the necessary fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids can improve higher brain function, protect against inflammation, reduce the danger of cardiovascular disease and support immune system.

Bodies cleanse and relief from Inflammation

Healthy dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which ease inflammation and protect against radiation. A growing number of researches show that persistent inflammation is strongly linked to diverse conditions ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and dementia. Chocolate has enjoyed centuries of utilization as a food staple and in their medicine to cleanse and detoxify the body.

Improved mental health and general sense of well-being

Many studies have shown that cocoa may help defend the brain and improve cognitive functioning. Various chemicals found in cocoa make a sense of happiness and well-being. Some research suggests that healthy fair trade chocolate eating can also increase dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.

Chocolate has always been connected with a range of health problems and it was the main motive why some people avoid this tasty treat for years. Now days there are good news for chocolate lovers. Organic chocolate has been proved to present many health benefits. Studies done recently have shown that chocolate itself is actually good for your body. The health hazard comes from ingredients used to make it, such as pesticide residues and conserving additives.

Organic labeling

When you label chocolate organic it means that the product’s cacao content was farmed in an environmentally appropriate way and must meet or exceed all standards that classify it as an organic product. Fair trade organic chocolate consists from high-quality organic ingredients, insuring that there are no dangerous pesticide residues. Main reason why you should eat organic fair trade chocolate instead of ordinary one is because you minimize the risk of ingesting pesticide residues, which can accumulate in your body. Fair trade organic chocolate is made from organic cocoa which is grown in small plots under a shade cover, therefore is no need to use of pesticides.

So it is vital that you choose organic over non-organic chocolates. Fair trade organic chocolate is a healthier and tastier option for your body. When eaten in moderate amounts, it can contribute to heart health, suppress chronic cough, add much-needed magnesium to the diet and help control blood sugar levels. However, you should avoid excessive intake of chocolate, because of other implications on your body…

Our answer to that is Fair Trade chocolate where principles don’t allow:

• Forced and abusive child labor
• Farming families earn a price that is adequate to meet their basic human needs
• Environmentally sustainable production methods are required

Buying fair trade chocolate means that you care about these problems, and that you are willing to do something about it!

Fair trade creates opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers through poverty alleviation and sustainable development. It helps producers who have been economically marginalized by the conventional trading system.

Fair payment

A fair price payment in the regional or local context must be agreed on through dialogs and participation. It covers the costs of production which are socially just and environmentally sound. Payment provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of even pay for equal work by all, women and men. Fair traders ensure payment on time to their associates help producers with access to pre-harvest or pre-production funding wherever possible. They often also provide money for free primary schools for worker’s children and health care for workers.

Fair development and management

Fair trade is meant to develop producers’ autonomy. Fair trade relationships provide durability, during which farmers and their organizations can improve their management skills and their access to new markets.
Fair trade requires crystal clear management and commercial relations to deal fairly, transparently and respectfully with all trading partners.

Fair trade safe and health requests

Fair trade requests a safe and healthy working conditions for workforce. The participation of children (if any) must not adversely affect their well-being, security, school obligations and need for play. It conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law and norms in the local context.

Fair trade must properly evaluate and reward the work of women and men. Each person must always be paid accordingly for their contribution to the production practice and are empowered in their organizations, regardless of gender.

Enivornmental production

Fair trade openly and actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of long term development methods of production. Fair trade certifiers strictly disallow the use of (GMO) genetically modified organisms , promote integrated farming that improves soil fertility, and strictly limit the use of any harmful agrochemicals in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect workers health and preserve most precious ecosystems for our future generations.