Hidden Gems: The Hidden Health Benefits in Plant-Based Foods

This was written as part of my paid role in partnership with CocoaVia® supplement.

Fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains:  These plant-based foods contain vitamins, minerals and fiber - all of which are known to promote good health.  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating a range of fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains for their varied nutrient profiles that contribute to good health.  In addition, they contain hidden gems known as phytonutrients.  Phyto is the Greek word for plants, and phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that have positive biological activity.  Though these phytonutrients are not essential nutrients, there is research to support that these phytonutrients may work to support your health in a variety of ways.

Some of the health benefits of soy, for instance, are attributed to the phytonutrient isoflavone, which is abundant in soy and a variety of soy-based foods.  All berries, red and black grapes and red cabbage contain the phytonutrients anthocyanins, which is associated with heart health.

We often hear about the health benefits of chocolate.  While exciting to hear, it really is not that simple and often, not true. However, the key components of chocolate, the cocoa bean, does contain phytonutrients called cocoa flavanols. What makes these natural compounds so intriguing is that numerous studies have found that the intake of cocoa flavanols is linked to a range of benefits that help to support your overall health.  An easy way to get those cocoa flavanols is by incorporating CocoaVia® daily cocoa extract supplement into your daily routine. CocoaVia® supplement delivers the highest concentration of cocoa flavanols in a cocoa extract supplement today; and it’s available in capsules as well as powdered stick packs. It is made using the patented Cocoapro® process that guarantees the highest concentration of cocoa flavanols available in a cocoa extract supplement today.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that these flavanols in CocoaVia® supplement promote healthy blood flow from head to toe.[1]  The circulatory system is the pathway for delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues in the body.  Therefore, the circulatory system is a key component to overall health.

Getting your cocoa flavanols can be easy and versatile.  It’s easy to start your day with cocoa flavanols by adding one delicious CocoaVia® powdered stick pack to the beverage or food of your choice.  I like to include a CocoaVia® stick pack in a smoothie, or stir it into yogurt. For more recipes and information on CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement, please visit CocoaVia.com.

[1]This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease