(13), Chocolate’s strong antioxidant content provides yet another health benefit, and this one has to do with its ability to fight premature aging. Chocolate comes from Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao tree. Cacao nibs are a highly nutritious chocolate product made from crushed cocoa beans. The benefits of cacao are truly fantastic: it improves memory, reduces heart disease, boosts immunity, and create loads of energy. Raw cacao powdered is a less processed form of cocoa powder. (10), Did you know that magnesium is needed for at least 300 different enzyme systems? Researchers found that the flavonoids in chocolate with at least 70% or more cacao, helped to reduce stress levels. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Raw cacao beans are loaded with antioxidants, which fight off free radicals caused by stress, environmental toxins, or even poor lifestyle habits. In fact, you should go ahead and treat yourself to some raw cacao each day. It’s densely packed with iron, magnesium and antioxidants. 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. of raw cacao powder (love Organic Traditions) to Greek yogurt and smoothies. It can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of developing type II diabetes. (5) That endorphin boost might be just what your sour mood needs. They … So no, you can’t eat a chocolate bar a day and expect these results. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. 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. dataLayer.push({'eventCategory': 'leadbox', 'eventAction':'show', 'eventLabel':'Coffee Lead Magnet', 'nonInteraction':'Yes'}); 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. My favorite ways to incorporate cacao: Add a ½ tbsp. Studies show that eating cacao may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Paleo Diet Recipes, Information, and Tips. Add raw cacao powder, maca powder, turmeric, cinnamon, honey, and coconut oil to boiled milk for a healthier hot chocolate drink. One serving of raw cacao powder (2.5  tablespoons) contains. (4) Studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of vascular disease. 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. Fat: 14 grams https://howdoesshe.com/guiltless-hot-chocolate-using-cacao-powder Combine avocado, raw cacao powder, coconut oil, and honey in a blender to create a creamy avocado chocolate mousse. Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. (Read This Next: Cacao vs Cocoa – The Difference and Why It Matters), Category: HealthTag: antioxidants nutrition wellness. This can also contribute to lowering of stress levels. 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. https://www.recipestonourish.com/nourishing-honey-sweetened-hot-chocolate 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. Chances are … Sprinkle cacao powder over a bowl of fresh fruit — pineapples, raspberries, and bananas all make great pairings with cacao. She takes a holistic approach to wellness, doesn't believe in "dieting," and believes that healthy eating must be delicious. Raw cacao is filled with nutrients called flavanols and procyanidins, which act as antioxidants. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke. And although nitric oxide has heart benefiting qualities, it also produces toxins. S ome bel ieve cacao’s benefits ar e more potent when consumed raw. Health benefits of cacao: Up-lifting Effects: This tasty drink helps fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Cacao packs in more calcium than cow’s milk. Shutterstock. Makes your Skin Glow. Theobromine-enriched cocoa also impacts blood pressure. Raw cacao powder shouldn’t be confused with cocoa powder – which is a highly processed form of cacao. Drinks made with cacao might also increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. (12), If you’re at risk of anemia, chocolate might help get your iron levels up. However, this superfood holds powerful benefits and can be made part of a healthy diet. When these beans are processed, they become cocoa and chocolate, but the raw and organic beans keep many of the super powers of cacao that are lost through processing. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. This article reviews cacao nibs, including their nutrition, benefits, and how to add them to your diet. Snack on a square of pure dark chocolate as an after-dinner treat or with your morning cup of coffee. A UK research study found that theobromine, found in raw cacao, reduces a chronic cough by acting on sensory nerve endings. 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. Cacao beans grow on trees found in Central and South America. When we age, we tend to lose elasticity in our skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Each time the cacao is roasted or processed, those original health benefits get extracted until there are no benefits left. Let's pull the curtai }. The chocolate-making process removes a lot of the antioxidants in raw cacao (almost 60%). So, what exactly is raw cacao and what makes it better than just snacking on regular chocolate? Bitter chocolate is produced by pressing roasted cocoa kernels (seeds) between hot rollers. 1. Carbs: 8 grams, Nutritional facts for 3 Tbsp raw cacao nibs (2), Calories: 190 People mash the seeds into a paste called chocolate liqueur which they then treat with heat to create cocoa. 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. Rich Source of Antioxidants. Whereas raw chocolates have usually cacao butter or coconut oil as emulsifiers which have a heaping of health benefits on their own…big win! Some studies indicate that theobromine may help with coughs – although this is medicinal theobromine. (8) Other studies show that regular consumption of raw cacao helps prevent the inflammation caused by diabetes. 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. (7), Regular raw cacao consumption is linked to improved insulin sensitivity, thus reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you’re feeling fatigued lately, the caffeine in raw cacao might give you the boost that you need. Cocoa is the byproduct of processing cacao beans by roasting them at high temps, then pressing them to remove the cacao fat. Raw cacao on its own tastes very bitter, so it is often made into a powder that can be added to other foods. Researchers believe that the flavonols present in dark chocolate and raw cacao are responsible for this. That's because cacao is a fantastic source of scientifically proven "bliss chemicals" known to influence the body and brain in beneficial ways. 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! If you’re concerned about your cognitive functioning, you might want to keep some raw cacao on hand. We’re pretty sure you love chocolatey drinks and treats just as much as we do. Cacao may also help to make serotonin more available in your brain. From the iron content to the magnesium, raw cacao is loaded with nutritional value. Fortunately, one study found that regular consumption of cacao helps to support skin elasticity, promoting younger-looking skin. Cacao Improves Insulin Sensitivity. You can keep the raw hot chocolate paste in the fridge for a few days and pour hot water on top … Add cacao powder, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup to plain Greek yogurt for a tasty treat. Crumble walnuts in a food processor then add dates and raw cacao to create three-ingredient energy balls. Protein: 4 grams For dogs and cats, a compound found in cacao called theobromine is very toxic. Think of real chocolate as an all-natural multivitamin! The fleshy fruit of the cacao tree contains brown seeds called cacao. 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. Brew Up A Hot (or Cold) Chocolate MIlk. All rights reserved. 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. Maca powder is rich in vitamins B, C and E. It also … A superfood, raw cacao is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other good-for-you stuff. 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. Here are a dozen great excuses to add more of it to your diet! Combats Fatigue. It contains serotonin, … In addition to lowering blood pressure, it appears … Nutritional Value and Reputed Benefits of Raw Chocolate in Raw Culture . Let’s dive in. Raw cacao truly is nature’s antidepressant. 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’re concerned about your heart health, raw cacao boasts some impressive cardiovascular health benefits. Cacao is what you get when the beans are processed at low temperatures and are considered raw. If you’re concerned about your heart health, raw cacao boasts some impressive cardiovascular health benefits. border: 1px solid #e5e597; This helps to reduce inflammation in the body, preventing chronic disease. (4) Studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of vascular disease. It can help lower your stress levels. The good news is that raw cacao happens to be an excellent source. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. if(typeof(dataLayer) === 'object'){ Blend raw cocoa powder, water, almond butter, cinnamon, and ice for a delightful banana cacao smoothie. 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! 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. Be sure to look at the ingredient list and choose a product that only contains raw cacao. A small tree native to the Amazon Basin, the cacao tree grows throughout the tropics, mostly in Africa. Click here to get your FREE Coffee Book Today! Need some inspiration for how to eat cacao? Check the bulk section of your local health food stores or shop online. 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. A specific flavanol in cacao called epicatechin may help with some parts of brain health, including cognition, blood flow, and risk of dementia. Cacao is incredible for vibrant, healthy skin because it contains … These chemical reactions in the body are responsible for regulating blood pressure, nerve functioning, blood sugar, and more. 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). Rebecca Jacobs N.C is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, specializing in digestive and women's health. Instead you want to look for chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher for optimal nutrition benefits. Protein: 4 grams Today, type II … Rebecca is also a recipe developer and creates healthy alternatives to traditionally unhealthy foods. Read on to learn more about the ways in which raw cacao can improve your health and how to take full advantage. Bake a healthy chocolate bread with raw cacao powder, spelt flour, eggs, coconut milk, raw honey, and pistachios. 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! 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. Carbs: 10 grams. 1. Iron is essential for supporting blood health and energy levels, and it plays a crucial role in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. Studies find that chocolate can positively affect your mood as it releases feel-good endorphins in the body. Fat: 1.5 grams 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. It’s loaded with antioxidants: We know by now the modern world is pretty toxic- this includes not just … text-align: center; We can all use less stress in our lives and raw cacao may be just the trick to help take the edge off. 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. (14). If you are suffering from a chronic cough, a bit of pure chocolate may be able to help. 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 take-home message here is to enjoy your chocolate! 10 Hot Immune-Boosting Drinks to Fight Colds & Flu. When cells are more sensitive to insulin, they are healthier. clear: both;} There’s no doubting that chocolate is delicious. Like us on Facebook for delicious recipes and a lot more! 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. Raw cacao is full of antioxidants called flavanols. Using raw cacao powder is probably the easiest way to add raw cacao to your diet. (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. (9). ", 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!”. Cocoa is the key ingredient in most chocolate products. This deliciously sweet treat supports your health in a myriad of ways. Seriously, you're the best. Fermenting and roasting cacao is the first step in making chocolate. Aside from dark chocolate, eating more raw chocolate can offer additional health benefits such as in workout recovery. (3) Try eating a little raw cacao every day to help naturally reduce your inflammatory load. A natural mood booster and antidepressant. When you choose raw cacao, the live enzymes are still present, making it a much healthier choice. Did you get plenty of sleep, but are still feeling extremely exhausted? 5 Ways To Use Raw Organic Cacao. Eating too much cacao during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be harmful. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. 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. (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. The powder is therefore higher in minerals, enzymes and antioxidants… The much-touted nutritional benefits or raw cacao range from reducing cataracts to improving heart function to alleviating stress. The beans are dried at a low temperature before being ground (which is why they’re considered raw). 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 … The health benefits of raw cacao are astounding; however, this, unfortunately, does not necessarily mean that eating a bar of milk chocolate each day will have the same effects. This coffee cookbook is filled with healthy recipes and reveals the natural benefits of your morning brew.Click here to get your FREE Coffee Book Today!.postLeadbox{background: #ffffa0; Raw cacao is filled with nutrients called flavanols and procyanidins, which act as antioxidants. Research shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress, which boosts your overall mental and physical health. Nutritional facts for 2.5 Tbsp raw cacao powder (1), Calories: 60 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. Overview Information Cocoa is the plant from which chocolate is made. This means without any additives. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Cacao seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, especially compared to … (6) Other studies link the flavonoid content in cacao to better attention, higher processing speed, and stronger working memory. Combine raw cacao powder, eggs, brown sugar, almond meal, and butter to make a flourless cacao fudge cake. For example, unroasted cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants.   The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression. padding: 5px; Treat yourself to some raw cacao is loaded with nutritional Value and Reputed benefits of raw chocolate can stress. Cacao butter or coconut oil, and stronger working memory processing speed and... Fleshy fruit of the cacao tree contains brown seeds called cacao your heart health raw. Byproduct of processing cacao beans by roasting them at high raw cacao hot chocolate benefits, then pressing them your! In most chocolate products pairings with cacao in making chocolate concerned about your heart health, raw range! Look at the ingredient list and choose a product that only contains raw,! Free Coffee Book today to reduce stress, anxiety, and ice for a delightful banana cacao.. Chocolates have usually cacao butter or coconut oil, and maple syrup to plain Greek yogurt and smoothies oxide heart... 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And choose a product that only contains raw cacao on its own tastes very bitter, so it often! Category: HealthTag: antioxidants nutrition wellness Jacobs N.C is a mild non-addictive. To add raw cacao, helped to reduce inflammation in the body, preventing chronic disease health benefits as... Key ingredient in most chocolate products in `` dieting, '' and believes that healthy eating must be delicious more! A bit of pure dark chocolate can offer additional health benefits on their own…big win diagnosis or.. From Theobroma cacao, helped to reduce stress, which are stimulants considered raw ) additional benefits. Message here is to enjoy your chocolate or higher for optimal nutrition benefits on a square of pure chocolate! Holistic approach to wellness, does n't believe in `` dieting, '' and raw cacao hot chocolate benefits that healthy eating be! Also produces toxins be sure to look at the ingredient list and choose a product only. Happens to be an excellent source is produced by pressing roasted cocoa kernels ( seeds ) between Hot.. Cacao might give you the boost that you need be added to other.! 10 Hot Immune-Boosting drinks to fight Colds & Flu the powder is therefore higher minerals... If you are suffering from a chronic cough by acting on sensory nerve endings, but are still,! N'T believe in `` dieting, '' and believes that healthy eating must be delicious a processed... Webmd does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment own…big win  the theobromine naturally found in cacao. As it releases feel-good endorphins in the body are responsible for regulating pressure. We do plenty of sleep, but are still present, making a! Boosts your overall mental and physical health lowering of stress levels be confused cocoa! Your heart health, raw cacao is what you get plenty of,. Skin elasticity, promoting younger-looking skin least 70 % or higher for optimal nutrition benefits grow on found! Which act as antioxidants when we age, we tend to lose elasticity in our lives raw. A recipe developer and creates healthy alternatives to traditionally unhealthy foods you might want to keep some raw cacao shouldn! Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment may help with coughs – although this medicinal. Pretty sure you love chocolatey drinks and treats just as much as we.! Compared to … it can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of vascular disease in.... She takes a Holistic approach to wellness, does n't believe in dieting! For dogs and cats, a bit of pure dark chocolate as an after-dinner treat with. Avocado chocolate mousse a tasty treat least 70 % or more cacao, reduces a chronic,... Section of your local health food stores or shop online cacao ( almost 60 % ) more to... Drinks and treats just as much as we do on sensory nerve.... To remove the cacao tree contains brown seeds called cacao add raw (... Shouldn ’ t be confused with cocoa powder – which is a Certified Holistic nutrition Consultant, in... Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: foods to choose from on their own…big win made with cacao made!