Cacao (pronounced ka-cow) is the raw bean that is roasted and often fermented to make the chocolate you know and love. However, during these processes, the nutrients and antioxidants naturally found in cacao are weakened, all the while making the delicious cocoa powder that is used to make chocolate. So yes, while dark, mildly sweetened chocolate is an antioxidant rich food, raw cacao is far better for you to eat.
Possibly one of the greatest gifts of nature is that chocolate is anti-aging. With one of the highest measured antioxidant (ORAC) capacities, cacao helps protect your cells from oxidation and aging. Improving vascular health, increasing HDL (the good) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure have all been studied as benefits of incorporating antioxidant-rich cacao into your diet. Cacao also contains other important minerals like iron, selenium, copper, zinc and manganese.
As a valuable source of whole food magnesium, cacao helps to maintain a healthy brain, thyroid, and anti-inflammatory response but is particularly helpful to women in alleviating symptoms of PMS. Cacao has been widely studied for delivering a healthy dose of phenylethylamine, a derivative of the amino acid phenylalanine that regulates your mood and energy levels, and one of the reasons the world is full of chocolate lovers. Are you feeling less guilty about those cravings yet? Good!
Cacao helps in increasing blood circulation in your scalp, increasing the growth of healthy and lustrous locks. As it also acts as a circulation booster, it helps in reducing hair loss. Cacao also helps in improving overall health of the hair. It can help you get that dream voluminous and super glossy hair! Cacao Vida has shared that there is anti inflammatory properties, which helps in minimizing the odds of getting scalp infections.
When you learn more about raw cacao and it’s benefits calling it a super food is a severe understatement. To get even more benefits you have to add it to other healthy foods.
from Cacao Vida
Delicious Cacao Powder
Cited From Honey Guard
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