Hey, dessert lovers! We’ve got a treat for you (no pun intended). That sweet tooth of yours may not be so bad afterward.
If you love chocolate but don’t want to shock your body with a ton of processed sugar (like in the form of a Snickers bar), then pure cacao is the way to go. Not to be confused with cocoa, cacao is loaded with nourishing nutrients like flavonoids and antioxidants and calcium and carotene. In fact, the Incas considered this superfood the drink of the gods.
Here are several amazing health benefits this delicious bean brings to the table:
Cacao is energizing
If you’re someone who constantly feels exhausted even after a good night’s rest, you may be magnesium-deficient. Cacao is one of the best sources of this mineral, making it an instant energy-booster and productivity-promoter (well, one can hope). Magnesium is also essential for a healthy brain and nervous system and strong bones and teeth. So, the next time you’re feeling sluggish, skip the espresso and opt for a cacao latte instead.
Cacao keeps skin healthy
Cacao is a great source of sulfur and flavonoids, which increase the flow of blood to the skin, promoting cell turnover and a healthy, glowing complexing. Cacao is also loaded with antioxidants, a powerful component in anti-aging. Cacao actually has over 40x the number of antioxidants that blueberries do. Yes, you read that right!
Cacao prevents tooth decay
Teeth tend to wear as we age, and the thinning of enamel can cause problems with tooth sensitivity and corrosion. Along with good dental hygiene, cacao can help. This is because cacao contains a chemical called theobromine, which has antibacterial agents that harden the enamel and lessen the risk of tooth decay. In fact, it’s said to be more effective at preventing cavities than fluoride!
Cacao supports digestion
When we think of chocolate, we don’t often think of it as being good for our gut, right? At least in the physical sense. Cacao actually contains healthy probiotics and prebiotics that stimulate the growth of good bacteria and promote a healthy microbiome. Multiplying the amount of these microorganisms present in the body has a ton of benefits, including improved digestion and weight management.
Cacao improves cognitive function
The flavanols in cacao also help to produce nitric oxide, which assists in relaxing blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow to the brain and promoting the growth of new neurons. This makes it the perfect snack or beverage for when the afternoon brain fog hits.
Cacao lifts your mood
Some days, we all just need a little “pick me up”. Cacao actually contains four scientifically proven “feel-good” molecules - serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine - which not only boost mood but calm hormones as well. So, the next time you find yourself drowning in a sea of emotions, simply blend up a cacao latte and sit back, sip and simmer.
We know what you’re thinking. Holy cacao! This is exactly what you wanted to hear, right? And these are just a handful of the impressive benefits that the bean has to offer. It’s no doubt a powerful superfood, and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is a great time to do so. If you’re looking for a convenient and tasty way to incorporate it into your diet, you can find it as the main ingredient in our super-versatile and easy-to-use Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend. Smooth and creamy with a chocolatey kapow, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat. We also use cacao in our Reishi Hot Cacao, an adaptogenic hot chocolate. Don't know about the healing benefits of Reishi? Learn all about Reishi's Health Benefits here.
References:
http://www2.tulane.edu/news/releases/archive/
https://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/chocolate-alzheimer-dementia-cocoa/2013/10/22/id/532369/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3488419/