ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RAW CACAO!
4 April 2023
CACAO = HEALTHY CHOCCY?
By now you must have heard people saying how good eating dark chocolate is for you compared to eating milk chocolate ?
Cacao is the main ingredient in ALL chocolate!
Cacao is chocolate in it's rawest , purest form , without anything added or taken away, no nasties , no sugars.
The sad part is most chocolate on the market and in the shops today doesn't contain any health benefits at all infact its full of sugars, fat and bad things because the cacao has been roasted and cooked at high tempretures and lost all or most of its benefits.
On the other hand consuming Raw cacao has many incredible health and wellness benefits which we will talk about in this blog.
ABOUT RAW CACA0
Cacao is a powerful medicinal superfood plant, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and flavonoids that heal, protect and supercharge your mind body and soul.
It's full of fibre and protein, which support digestion and build muscle, respectively, booming with antioxidants, trace minerals like potassium and magnesium, which support neurological and metabolic function.
Cacao has one of the highest planet based sources of Magnesium, that our brain needs to function well.
With zero sugar and no harmful additives, cacao can be blended into a natural energy drink that supports and nourishes our body and mind.
Theobroma Cacao is an evergreen tree which the Cacao pods grown on.
Inside the pod can be found the beans , the beans are what the Cacao paste/liquor is made from.
Cacao is the most complex food on Earth. It contains a number of ingredients that have a positive effect on the mind and body.
Raw Cacao is nature's most magical superfood due to its mineral content and nutrients.
Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants and magnesium of any food in the world. Raw Cacao is rich in zinc, chromium, theobromine, vitaminC, iron, copper, tryptophan, manganese, omega-6 fatty acids, serotonin, and more.
Cacao is a highly effective natural energy enhancer and is used with great popularity by superfood lovers.
Cacao and cocoa are very similar they are not be confused with one another!
Think of raw cacao as the healthier relative of cocoa, raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans, which preserves the beans nutritional content, where as cocoa is heavily processed, roasted at high temperatures and has a lot of sugar added to it, which almost zaps away the health benefits.
Cacao also has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food , blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas.
It has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea.
Simply put Raw Cacao = Super healthy chocolate with no sugars nothing added and nothing taken away!
HEART HEALTH
Cacao is rich in flavanoids a powerful antioxidant agents that support cardiovascular health and nitrates, which improves blood flow and reduces oxygen consumption. The polyphenols in cacao also help reduce inflammation.
In recent studies Cacao was found to increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
ENERGY
Cacao contains theobromine, which is a natural stimulant that can vastly improve energy levels and alertness without the crash associated with a coffee and caffienne. Generally the caffienne in Raw Cacao is less than a decaf coffee!
Cacao contains an abundance of nutrients that can help replenish our bodies following physical exercise, including iron, which helps carry oxygen from the lungs to cells all over the body, magnesium, which supports the proper function of bones and muscles, and potassium which may help prevent muscle cramps.
Nowadays more people are becoming aware of how sensitive they are to the effects of caffeine and the negative effects it can have on your body and mind and are searching for alternatives that still give them a much needed boost when performing physical activity.
Raw Cacao is much more of a longer lasting , slow energy release , without the jitters or crash of caffeinne.
The Aztec Emperor Montezuma drank cacao in large quantities, describing it as a ‘divine drink' building up resistance and fighting fatigue and promoting energy.
SLEEP
Cacao is also high in magnesium content, which helps relax muscles and promote restful sleep.
Cacao contains serotonin and tryptophan. Both of these chemicals have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression.
They also promote better sleep which is also associated with better mood.
SKIN HEALTH
Cacao is rich in antioxidants, which can help improve the appearance of skin by reducing inflammation and protecting against free radicals.
Cacao contains sulfur which builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, and detoxifies the liver.
It's one of the highest foods on the ORAC scale, which measures the antioxidant levels in foods , leading skin care companies across the globe are now starting to also incorporate cacao into their products with many of the leading labs in France & Switzerland manufacturing products from Organic Raw Cacao.
DIGESTION
Cacao is also high in fibre , a major nutritional benefit of cacao. Consuming just 2 tablespoons of cacao powder provides you with 3.6 grams of dietary fiber around 9%-15% of the recommended fiber intake.
The fiber in cacao promotes healthy digestion. Getting enough fiber can help with regular bowel movements, prevent hemorrhoids and help with other digestive conditions.
Per serving, cacao contains more heart-healthy flavonoids than red wine. The flavonoids in cacao have been linked to improved heart health.
PMS
Women who suffer from period cramps or PMS symptoms, cacao contains anandamide that can help alleviate discomfort.
The magnesium in cacao can also help to ease cramping during menstruation, while the antioxidants help to reduce inflammation.
Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain, thus acting as an anti-depressant, helping to reduce PMS symptoms, and promoting a sense of well-being.
In addition, it contains high levels of plant based iron, zinc and magnesium – all essential nutrients for a healthy menstrual cycle and relief from period cramps.
Many women crave chocolate during their period, and now we know why, our bodies are actually telling us to consume more magnesium and iron, both found in cacao.
Coffee is a staple morning beverage for many people around the world, but it's not always the healthiest choice. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, consider cacao. Ceremonial cacao is a raw form of chocolate that offers several potential health benefits and can be a delicious and energising way to start your day. Here are some reasons why cacao is a great healthy replacement for coffee. Less caffeine Cacao contains less caffeine than coffee, which can be beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or experience negative side effects from consuming too much caffeine. While cacao does contain some caffeine, it also contains theobromine, a compound that has a milder stimulating effect than caffeine and can provide a gentle energy boost without the jitters or anxiety associated with coffee. Rich in antioxidants Cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. This may have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Mood-enhancing properties Cacao contains several compounds that can positively affect mood and reduce stress. For example, it contains anandamide, which is often referred to as the "bliss molecule" due to its mood-enhancing effects. Cacao can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting hormones. May improve cognitive function Cacao is rich in flavanols, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time. This may be due to their ability to increase blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells from damage. Versatility Cacao can be consumed in a variety of forms, including raw cacao powder, cacao nibs, and ceremonial cacao drinks. This makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies to baked goods. Rich in essential minerals Cacao is a good source of several essential minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals play a role in various bodily functions, such as supporting bone health, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and boosting immunity. Conclusion While coffee may be a habitual 'go to' morning beverage for many people, it's not always the healthiest choice. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, consider incorporating cacao into your morning routine. With less caffeine, mood-enhancing properties, potential cognitive benefits, and a range of potential health benefits, cacao is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. So why not give it a try and discover the delicious flavor and potential health benefits of this raw form of chocolate?
Coffee is a staple morning beverage for many people around the world, but it's not always the healthiest choice. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, consider cacao. Ceremonial cacao is a raw form of chocolate that offers several potential health benefits and can be a delicious and energising way to start your day. Here are some reasons why cacao is a great healthy replacement for coffee. Less caffeine Cacao contains less caffeine than coffee, which can be beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or experience negative side effects from consuming too much caffeine. While cacao does contain some caffeine, it also contains theobromine, a compound that has a milder stimulating effect than caffeine and can provide a gentle energy boost without the jitters or anxiety associated with coffee. Rich in antioxidants Cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. This may have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Mood-enhancing properties Cacao contains several compounds that can positively affect mood and reduce stress. For example, it contains anandamide, which is often referred to as the "bliss molecule" due to its mood-enhancing effects. Cacao can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting hormones. May improve cognitive function Cacao is rich in flavanols, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time. This may be due to their ability to increase blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells from damage. Versatility Cacao can be consumed in a variety of forms, including raw cacao powder, cacao nibs, and ceremonial cacao drinks. This makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies to baked goods. Rich in essential minerals Cacao is a good source of several essential minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals play a role in various bodily functions, such as supporting bone health, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and boosting immunity. Conclusion While coffee may be a habitual 'go to' morning beverage for many people, it's not always the healthiest choice. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, consider incorporating cacao into your morning routine. With less caffeine, mood-enhancing properties, potential cognitive benefits, and a range of potential health benefits, cacao is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. So why not give it a try and discover the delicious flavor and potential health benefits of this raw form of chocolate?
Ceremonial cacao, a type of high-quality, raw cacao, is often used in spiritual and healing ceremonies for its potential health benefits. But did you know that you can also incorporate ceremonial cacao into your breakfast routine for a delicious and nutritious start to your day? Here are some tips for supercharging your breakfast routine with ceremonial cacao. 1) Make a ceremonial cacao drink One of the simplest ways to incorporate ceremonial cacao into your breakfast routine is to make a traditional cacao drink. Start by heating up some water or plant-based milk in a pot, and then add in a few tablespoons of ceremonial cacao. You can also add in some sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, and spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavour. Stir until everything is well-combined and then pour into a mug for a delicious and energising morning drink. 2) Add cacao powder to your smoothie Another easy way to incorporate ceremonial cacao into your breakfast routine is to add cacao powder to your smoothie. Blend together some frozen fruit, like berries or banana, with some plant-based milk or yogurt and a scoop of cacao powder. This will give your smoothie a delicious chocolate flavour while also providing you with the potential health benefits of cacao. 3) Use cacao nibs as a topping Cacao nibs are small pieces of roasted cacao beans that can be used as a topping for your breakfast foods. Sprinkle some cacao nibs on top of your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowl for a crunchy and flavorful addition. Cacao nibs are also high in antioxidants and flavanols, so they offer potential health benefits as well. 4) Make cacao-infused oatmeal Oatmeal is a classic breakfast food that can be easily infused with the flavours of ceremonial cacao. Start by cooking your oatmeal as you normally would, and then add in a tablespoon or two of cacao powder and some sweetener, like maple syrup or brown sugar. Mix everything together until the cacao powder is well-combined and then enjoy a warm and delicious breakfast that is both satisfying and nutritious. 5) Bake with cacao powder If you enjoy baking, consider using cacao powder in your breakfast recipes. You can use cacao powder to make chocolate muffins, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent and indulgent breakfast treat. Just make sure to use high-quality, minimally processed cacao powder to maximize the potential health benefits. Conclusion Ceremonial cacao is a delicious and nutritious food that can be easily incorporated into your breakfast routine. Whether you prefer a traditional cacao drink, a cacao-infused smoothie, or cacao-infused oatmeal, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the potential health benefits of cacao as part of a balanced and healthy breakfast. So why not try supercharging your breakfast routine with some ceremonial cacao today? We sell a variety of cacao products and adaptogen combos! I've completely replaced coffee with cacao and love the energy it gives me in the morning. Whether you're cacao-curious or looking for a top-quality cacao at great prices, please get in touch :)