Health Glossary

There is a reason behind every ingredient that is used in our chocolates. Here are some of the health benefits:

Black Sesame

  • Based on the Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), a Chinese herbology volume written by Li Shizhen during the Ming dynasty, it is said that eating black sesame for 100 days can heal all chronic illnesses, improves body and face’s skin tone after a year, reverses grey hair after 2 years, and regrows teeth after 3 years of consumption (in Chinese 《服黑芝麻百日能除一切痼疾，一年身面光泽不饥，二年发白返黑，三年齿落更生》).

  • According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), black sesame tonifies the liver and kidneys, nourishes the blood to boost essence and its fatty oil content helps to relieve constipation. Due to its sesamin and melanin contents, it is widely used in treating hair loss and grey hair, and helps to inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells from UV rays. The linoleic acid in black sesame reduces blood sugar level and helps to lower blood cholesterol level preventing atherosclerosis (i.e. good for the heart).

  • It also moisturises the skin, delays aging and extends life expectancy due to its rich antioxidant and Vitamin E content (its vitamin E content is the highest of all plant based foods).

Fun fact: Did you know that black sesame is 4 times higher in calcium than milk?

[ Try our “Glossy Hair” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame here! ]

Cacao

Did you know that name of cacao tree “Theobroma” means “food for the gods” in Greek? It is said that the first cacao tree was grown since 4000 BC in the shaded valleys around the Amazon River. To the Mayans and the Aztecs, cacao was seen as a divine food, given to them by the gods, and they had used cacao as medicinal treatments for a range of ailments.

  •  Cacao is very nutrient dense and it’s good for the brain, heart and skin due to its high antioxidant (flavonoids in particular) and anti-inflammatory properties. It has one of the highest ORAC* score with more than twice the antioxidants of red wine and three times that of green tea. Cacao is also rich in nutrients like magnesium (for healthy heart and brain and helps reduce stress), potassium (reduces risk of stroke), and iron (reduces anemia). Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron, at 12mg per 100g, 5x higher than that of beef and spinach.

  • It also boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as an antidepressant and triggers the release of endorphins that makes us feel good and happy. 

  • Cacao butter (the fat in cacao) is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil that is good for the heart), stearic and palmitic acids.

*ORAC = Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

Fun fact: In olden days in France (1600s), chocolate was used as a medicine by the royalities and aristocrats.

[ Check out our handmade from scratch range of 80% Dark Chocolates here! ]

Ceylon Cinnamon

Did you know that Ceylon cinnamon has such high levels of antioxidants, it could be used as a natural food preservative?

  • The 2 main known species of cinnamon are Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia. Cassia is the one we commonly see in supermarkets (because it’s cheap) while Ceylon cinnamon is the expensive, rare, safe and recommended species. Cassia cinnamon contains 1200 times more of coumarin* than Ceylon cinnamon that could cause kidney and liver problems if consumed in large amounts on a regular basis. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, does not have any negative effect on health and is in fact good for health. 

  • Ceylon cinnamon reduces insulin resistance in the body and helps to control blood sugar level (useful for diabetes treatment). It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects to boost immunity. It helps to control blood pressure (for high blood pressure), lower cholesterol levels (lowers the risk of heart disease), helps in weight loss and also aids in Alzheimer’s prevention.

*Coumarin is a flavouring that is found in many plants and it is moderately toxic to the liver and kidneys. According to German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), one teaspoon of cassia cinnamon powder contains 5.8 to 12.1 mg of coumarin, which is above the tolerable daily intake level of 0.1mg/kg of body weight for a mid-sized adult.

 Psst… this hero ingredient is added in all our chocolates except for “Classico” that is handmade with just 3 ingredients.

Chrysanthemum

  • Chrysanthemum has been widely used for its medicinal value since many centuries ago in ancient China. It is regarded as “cooling” in nature in TCM and is often used for dispelling heat in the body, detoxification and conditions relating to the liver and eyes. It is often prescribed for heat-related ailments, such as sore throats, acne, ulcers and headaches. It is known to soothe dry and irritated eyes, improve blurred vision and minimize excessive tearing. It also helps to reduce inflammation, varicose veins and promotes circulatory health in the prevention of arterial plaque build-up.

  • Chrysanthemum is often paired with goji berries to relieve eye fatigue, improve vision, relieve tinnitus and headaches. This concoction is especially beneficial for those who spend long hours on the computer.

[ Try our “Bling Bling Eyes” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry here! ]

Coconut Sugar

  • Coconut sugar has a low Glycemic Index (GI) of 35, nearly half of regular sugar. It would not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level as compared to high GI food. It is a good source of inulin, a soluble fiber that slows down glucose absorption, promotes digestive health and may lower cholesterol.

  • It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium. Due to its high potassium, magnesium and sodium contents, it helps to regulate the body’s water content and many heart, nerve, and muscle functions. It has nearly 400 times more potassium than regular sugar.

  • Did you know that in some cases, regular sugar is processed with bone char from animals in order to produce its white color and fine consistency? Whereas coconut sugar is an unprocessed product made from the sap of flower buds from the coconut tree and is completely vegan.

* Note that although coconut sugar is a healthier alternative as compared to regular refined sugar, it is still sugar ultimately and should be consumed in moderation.

[ Check out our range of 80% Dark Chocolates handcrafted with coconut sugar here! ]

Goji Berry

Did you know that the earliest record of the goji berry dates back about 4,000 years ago to the Xia Dynasty?

  • Goji berry is a good source of antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, iron, zinc and contains all eight essential amino acids. It boosts immunity, improves visual acuity, stabilises blood sugar, detoxifies the body, elevates mood and overall well-being, and increases fertility. TCM believes that it nourishes the liver and kidney, and helps to moisten the lungs.

  • However, goji berries could interact with some drugs. If you are currently taking warfarin (blood thinner) or certain diabetes and blood pressure medicines, you may wish to talk to your health care provider first before taking goji berries.

 [ Try our “Glowy Skin” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Red Date & Goji Berry here! Or “Bling Bling Eyes” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry! Both are our top sellers ]

Matcha

Did you know that matcha green tea has over 137 times the antioxidants of standard green tea?

  • Matcha is the healthiest form of green tea. Like other green teas, it contains a class of antioxidants called catechins. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Its extremely high antioxidant properties help protect skin cells from wrinkles, skin cancer and loss of collagen and skin elasticity – certainly good for anti-aging!

  • It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce redness, blemishes and age spots. 

  • Matcha also strengthens immunity, purifies the body, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), reduces and prevents high blood pressure and prevents Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons and dementia.

  • Not only is Matcha good for the heart, brain, kidney and skin, it also reduces stress and improves mood due to an amino acid called “L-theanine” that helps promote Alpha waves in the brain and stimulates the production of happiness hormones: serotonin and dopamine.

[ Try our “The All-in-One Health Elixir” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Matcha here! ]

Pink Himalayan Salt

  • Sodium is an essential trace mineral found in salt. The body needs it for a variety of functions such as maintaining proper fluid balance and preventing dehydration, contracting and relaxing muscles, sending nervous system impulses and preventing low blood pressure. Salt could also reduce risk of infection and kill harmful bacteria. 

  • The Pink Himalayan salt that we use is 100% natural and completely free of additives and artificial ingredients unlike regular table salt, which is heavily refined and mixed with anti-caking agents such as sodium aluminosilicate or magnesium carbonate to prevent clumping.

  • Pink Himalayan salt is estimated to contain 84 minerals and trace elements such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which nourish the human body. When mixed with water as a solution, it is said to detoxify the human body effectively. 

[ Try our “Mineral Booster” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt here! ]

Red Date

Did you know that red date has been around since 8000 years ago? It is frequently used in Chinese cuisines, wines and medicines since the Zhou dynasty (circa 1046 – 256 BC).

  • Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards red date as a valuable source of nutrients. Touted as a “natural vitamin supplement”, it is packed with protein, vitamins A, B and C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron. It contains 70 to 80 times more vitamin C than grapes! Its high antioxidant content could prevent cancer and aids in anti-aging. 

  • Due to its iron content, TCM believes that red date helps to replenish and nourish the blood, improving blood circulation and thus preventing anemia and giving a natural flush to one’s cheeks (also great for post-surgery, postpartum or after menstrual period).

  • TCM also believes that red date helps to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach Qi (energy) that can lead to better liver and digestive function, balance of inner body energy (qi), improved immunity and sleep, and achieve a calmer mind. 

  • The combination of goji berries and red dates helps to improve the blood circulation, achieving glowing skin and anti-aging benefits as a result. 

[ Try our “Glowy Skin” – 80% Dark Chocolate with Red Date & Goji Berry here! ]


*Psst… Do note that everything must be eaten in moderation. Even good and healthy food that is consumed in excess could have negative effects on our body and health.