(6) Other studies link the flavonoid content in cacao to better attention, higher processing speed, and stronger working memory. Cacao is incredible for vibrant, healthy skin because it contains … 1.   The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression. Raw cacao is full of antioxidants called flavanols. Let's pull the curtai So, what exactly is raw cacao and what makes it better than just snacking on regular chocolate? All rights reserved. Fortunately, one study found that regular consumption of cacao helps to support skin elasticity, promoting younger-looking skin. ", Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medical Perspective: “Use of Dark Chocolate for Diabetic Patients: a Review of the Literature and Current Evidence.”, Loma Linda University Health: “New Studies Show Dark Chocolate Consumption Reduces Stress and Inflammation While Improving Memory, Immunity, and Mood.”, Michigan State University Extension: “Chocolate Science, History, and Fun Facts Part II.”, National History Museum of Utah: "Cacao Grinding Curriculum", North Dakota State University: Prairie Fare: "Does Chocolate Have Health Benefits?”, Pennington Biological Research Center: “Cocoa Polyphenols.”, Scientific American: “The Race to Save Chocolate.”, UMass Medical School: “Chocolate — It’s okay to indulge!”. Rebecca Jacobs N.C is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, specializing in digestive and women's health. When you don’t get enough iron in your diet, you may not be able to make enough of these blood cells, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Raw cacao powder shouldn’t be confused with cocoa powder – which is a highly processed form of cacao. Check the bulk section of your local health food stores or shop online. Fat: 14 grams Paleo Diet Recipes, Information, and Tips. https://www.recipestonourish.com/nourishing-honey-sweetened-hot-chocolate clear: both;} Carbs: 8 grams, Nutritional facts for 3 Tbsp raw cacao nibs (2), Calories: 190 Add raw cacao powder, maca powder, turmeric, cinnamon, honey, and coconut oil to boiled milk for a healthier hot chocolate drink. Cacao nibs are a highly nutritious chocolate product made from crushed cocoa beans. (13), Chocolate’s strong antioxidant content provides yet another health benefit, and this one has to do with its ability to fight premature aging. Protein: 4 grams We can all use less stress in our lives and raw cacao may be just the trick to help take the edge off. They … If you’re concerned about your heart health, raw cacao boasts some impressive cardiovascular health benefits. In fact, you should go ahead and treat yourself to some raw cacao each day. Unlike processed cocoa powder and regular old chocolate bars, raw cacao is not exposed to the high temperatures that diminish many of its unique health benefits. People mash the seeds into a paste called chocolate liqueur which they then treat with heat to create cocoa. One serving of raw cacao powder (2.5  tablespoons) contains. (4) Studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of vascular disease. We’re pretty sure you love chocolatey drinks and treats just as much as we do. (15) The next time you’re facing an annoying cough that just won’t go away, make yourself a warm mug of hot chocolate with raw cacao to stop it at its source. Cold-pressing unroasted cacao makes raw cacao, which has gained a reputation as a “superfood” due to its high amount of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Brew Up A Hot (or Cold) Chocolate MIlk. Health benefits of cacao: Combats Fatigue. It’s a well studied phenomenon that chocolate makes us feel good, that’s one of the reasons it’s so popular as a Valentines Day treat.The happy cozy feelings associated with chocolate come from 4 major feel good chemicals found in cacao – Serotonin, Tryptophan, Theobromine, and Phenylethylamine. Read on to learn more about the ways in which raw cacao can improve your health and how to take full advantage. Aside from dark chocolate, eating more raw chocolate can offer additional health benefits such as in workout recovery. So no, you can’t eat a chocolate bar a day and expect these results. A UK research study found that theobromine, found in raw cacao, reduces a chronic cough by acting on sensory nerve endings. Click here to get your FREE Coffee Book Today! Let’s dive in. When we age, we tend to lose elasticity in our skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. A natural mood booster and antidepressant. (8) Other studies show that regular consumption of raw cacao helps prevent the inflammation caused by diabetes. Cacao packs in more calcium than cow’s milk. The health benefits of cacao powder and dark chocolate have been linked to keeping your heart healthy, lifting your mood, preventing cancer, and even helping to lose weight. Cocoa is the key ingredient in most chocolate products. The beans are dried at a low temperature before being ground (which is why they’re considered raw). If you've participated in cacao ceremony before, then you're familiar with the feel-good feelings that arrive anywhere from 20-40 minutes after ingestion. 5 Ways To Use Raw Organic Cacao. If you’re feeling fatigued lately, the caffeine in raw cacao might give you the boost that you need. Difference between raw cacao and dark chocolate (and raw cocoa): No added sugars: Dark chocolate usually has added sugars (read the label) and milks so typically not dairy free. It can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of developing type II diabetes. Raw cacao powdered is a less processed form of cocoa powder. Whereas raw chocolates have usually cacao butter or coconut oil as emulsifiers which have a heaping of health benefits on their own…big win! The trick is to skip the sugar-laden chocolate bars and opt for raw cacao instead, which is filled with some pretty impressive health benefits. The much-touted nutritional benefits or raw cacao range from reducing cataracts to improving heart function to alleviating stress. Studies done on rats found that the flavonoids present in chocolate can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while human studies discovered that raw cacao reduces the risk of stroke. That's because cacao is a fantastic source of scientifically proven "bliss chemicals" known to influence the body and brain in beneficial ways. (9). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Cacao vs Cocoa – The Difference and Why It Matters, 'Whatever Floats Your Boat' Raw Cacao Energy Bars, 5 Easy, Effortless Ways to Live and Eat Healthier, 17 Tasty Ways to Eat Turmeric for Dessert, The 12 Best Low Carb Vegetables and Their Benefits, The 7 Best Natural Substitutes for White Sugar, The Easy Guide to Baking with Gluten-Free Flours, Sprinkle raw cacao nibs over dairy-free chia pudding or coconut milk yogurt, Add a scoop of raw unsweetened cacao powder to smoothies, Enjoy it straight! Bake a healthy chocolate bread with raw cacao powder, spelt flour, eggs, coconut milk, raw honey, and pistachios. (4) Studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of vascular disease. This article reviews cacao nibs, including their nutrition, benefits, and how to add them to your diet. Makes your Skin Glow. Raw cacao is filled with nutrients called flavanols and procyanidins, which act as antioxidants. Raw cacao is also a great source of B vitamins which are essential for energy and boasts plenty of zinc to help the immune system. When you choose raw cacao, the live enzymes are still present, making it a much healthier choice. (3) Try eating a little raw cacao every day to help naturally reduce your inflammatory load. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it appears … Researchers believe that the flavonols present in dark chocolate and raw cacao are responsible for this. The take-home message here is to enjoy your chocolate! There’s no doubting that chocolate is delicious. Cacao seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, especially compared to … Drinks made with cacao might also increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. Oh yeah, and when you sign up, we'll also give you some neat free bonuses like our Paleo for Beginners guide, with 15 extra delicious recipes! (14). Blend raw cocoa powder, water, almond butter, cinnamon, and ice for a delightful banana cacao smoothie. Combine raw cacao powder, eggs, brown sugar, almond meal, and butter to make a flourless cacao fudge cake. (12), If you’re at risk of anemia, chocolate might help get your iron levels up. Up-lifting Effects: This tasty drink helps fight stress, anxiety, and depression. This means without any additives. Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. Protein: 4 grams Bitter chocolate is produced by pressing roasted cocoa kernels (seeds) between hot rollers. Eating foods rich in flavanols has a variety of health benefits for your body, including the following: Many scientific studies show that flavanol-rich foods might help lower your blood pressure and improve the way your blood vessels’ walls function, lowering your risk of heart disease. If you are suffering from a chronic cough, a bit of pure chocolate may be able to help. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke. For dogs and cats, a compound found in cacao called theobromine is very toxic. Instead you want to look for chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher for optimal nutrition benefits. Maca powder is rich in vitamins B, C and E. It also … Rebecca is also a recipe developer and creates healthy alternatives to traditionally unhealthy foods. Cacao is what you get when the beans are processed at low temperatures and are considered raw. If coffee isn’t your thing, or it makes you too jittery, try adding a sprinkle or two of raw cacao to your morning cup of coconut yogurt or smoothie for an added energy boost. Snack on a square of pure dark chocolate as an after-dinner treat or with your morning cup of coffee. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. Cacao may also help to make serotonin more available in your brain. text-align: center; © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. The benefits of cacao are truly fantastic: it improves memory, reduces heart disease, boosts immunity, and create loads of energy. (10), Did you know that magnesium is needed for at least 300 different enzyme systems? Iron is essential for supporting blood health and energy levels, and it plays a crucial role in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. Think of real chocolate as an all-natural multivitamin! Crumble walnuts in a food processor then add dates and raw cacao to create three-ingredient energy balls. Carbs: 10 grams. We’ve got some great ideas for you here: Remember that all of the health benefits you find in chocolate come from raw cacao, so you want to make sure you are getting a high-quality product. This helps to reduce inflammation in the body, preventing chronic disease. Did you get plenty of sleep, but are still feeling extremely exhausted? How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? However, this superfood holds powerful benefits and can be made part of a healthy diet. Today, type II … From the iron content to the magnesium, raw cacao is loaded with nutritional value. Raw cacao contains theobromine, an alkaloid that may help give you an energy boost and may also help to reduce stress.Research has linked eating dark chocolate (the kind with the most cacao intact) to lowered stress levels. Chances are … If you’re concerned about your heart health, raw cacao boasts some impressive cardiovascular health benefits. Researchers found that the flavonoids in chocolate with at least 70% or more cacao, helped to reduce stress levels. Cocoa is the byproduct of processing cacao beans by roasting them at high temps, then pressing them to remove the cacao fat. It contains serotonin, … The powder is therefore higher in minerals, enzymes and antioxidants… Need some inspiration for how to eat cacao? This can also contribute to lowering of stress levels. And although nitric oxide has heart benefiting qualities, it also produces toxins. This deliciously sweet treat supports your health in a myriad of ways. Cacao Improves Insulin Sensitivity. (11) Many of us don’t get enough magnesium from our diet, and raw cacao happens to be one of nature’s biggest sources of magnesium. Here are a few ways to start enjoying the health benefits of cacao: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: “The Neuroprotective Effects of Cocoa Flavanol and Its Influence on Cognitive Performance. Research shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress, which boosts your overall mental and physical health. The chocolate-making process removes a lot of the antioxidants in raw cacao (almost 60%). 10 Hot Immune-Boosting Drinks to Fight Colds & Flu. dataLayer.push({'eventCategory': 'leadbox', 'eventAction':'show', 'eventLabel':'Coffee Lead Magnet', 'nonInteraction':'Yes'}); The chocolate being eaten in this study was processed milk chocolate mostly, so just imagine the difference that would come from eating raw cacao beans, nibs or other raw cacao products instead! My favorite ways to incorporate cacao: Add a ½ tbsp. https://howdoesshe.com/guiltless-hot-chocolate-using-cacao-powder Here are a dozen great excuses to add more of it to your diet! Add 1 Tbsp of raw cacao powder to a mug, pour in 1c of warmed plant-based milk, and add 1-2 tsp of natural organic unprocessed sweetener such as yacon syrup, agave syrup, coconut nectar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup.Or for a super easy version, try my Warming Hot Cacao Chocolate recipe. of raw cacao powder (love Organic Traditions) to Greek yogurt and smoothies. For example, unroasted cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants. For the other .01%, here’s a few points on the incredible health benefits cacao offers: *Please keep in mind these are benefits that have been studied with the use of raw cacao. Studies find that chocolate can positively affect your mood as it releases feel-good endorphins in the body. Raw cacao on its own tastes very bitter, so it is often made into a powder that can be added to other foods. Raw cacao is filled with nutrients called flavanols and procyanidins, which act as antioxidants. A superfood, raw cacao is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other good-for-you stuff. Raw cacao contains arginine, an amino acid turned into nitric oxide in the body, helping to regulate blood pressure and aid in recovery of muscles. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. First and foremost, when you hear about the amazing health benefits of chocolate, it’s important to note that the health benefits come from raw cacao and not just regular old chocolate. Seriously, you're the best. When cells are more sensitive to insulin, they are healthier. Chocolate comes from Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao tree. Make a homemade, low-sugar hot chocolate by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cacao powder and 1 teaspoon of sweetener … S ome bel ieve cacao’s benefits ar e more potent when consumed raw. These chemical reactions in the body are responsible for regulating blood pressure, nerve functioning, blood sugar, and more. (Read This Next: Cacao vs Cocoa – The Difference and Why It Matters), Category: HealthTag: antioxidants nutrition wellness. }. Theobromine-enriched cocoa also impacts blood pressure. You can keep the raw hot chocolate paste in the fridge for a few days and pour hot water on top … if(typeof(dataLayer) === 'object'){ Like us on Facebook for delicious recipes and a lot more! Fermenting and roasting cacao is the first step in making chocolate. Nutritional Value and Reputed Benefits of Raw Chocolate in Raw Culture . padding: 5px; If you liked that article, you'll absolutely LOVE our daily newsletter -- with more recipes, workouts, and tips and tricks to be the healthiest version of yourself. Combine avocado, raw cacao powder, coconut oil, and honey in a blender to create a creamy avocado chocolate mousse. However, if you’d still prefer to eat raw cacao in the form of chocolate, you can still get many of the nutrients by eating very dark chocolate (60% to 70% cacao). Cold-pressing unroasted cacao makes raw cacao, which has gained a reputation as a “superfood” due to its high amount of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Sprinkle cacao powder over a bowl of fresh fruit — pineapples, raspberries, and bananas all make great pairings with cacao. Aside from the fact that eating chocolate makes us happy simply because it tastes so good, there may actually be some valid reasons to reach for some chocolate on a bad day. 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