Food & recipes

5 reasons to add cacao to your diet

Cacao is the titan of health benefits, an ancient known medicine and a modern miracle – probably the greatest super food discovered so far. Here are the Top 5 benefits of cacao:

Cacao is the titan of health benefits, an ancient known medicine and a modern miracle – probably the greatest super food discovered so far. Here are the Top 5 benefits of cacao:

1 ANTIOXIDANTS
Cacao contains over 500 known compounds – the Antioxidant compounds being of particular interest to scientists. These antioxidants contribute to anti-ageing, detoxifying the liver and the blood, cardio-vascular health and reducing the cholesterol and sugar levels in your body.

2 CARDIO-PROTECTIVE
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in adults. In the last years, cacao has been intensely studies, after being associated with a decreased risk for Cardio Vascular Disease in a few studies, some reaching 77% decreases in risk. The impact of this is the benefits of better blood circulation to the brain that increases cognitive capability. This claim has now been registered with the EU in September 2013.

3 HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY
A diet rich in cacao flavanols may help us maintain our cognitive health as we grow older. Cacao has small amounts of Anandamide – a neurotransmitter nicknamed “the bliss chemical” – and Tryptophan (a precursor of Serotonin – a neurotransmitter that makes people relaxed, satisfied and happy. It is essential for a well-balanced mood).

4 NATURAL GOODNESS
Cacao contains a number of nutrients, such as iron (a critical mineral in nutrition), magnesium (which calms sensitivity to pain, neutralizes toxins and builds strong bones), zinc (this plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas and skin), protein, potassium, calcium and many more!

5 PURE CACAO VS ROASTED COCOA
When cacao is roasted, processed and turned into cocoa or furthermore, into chocolate, it loses many of its precious properties. While chocolate is considered unhealthy, pure cacao is at the other end of the spectrum. One of the main dietary benefits of cacao is that it contains a lot of fibre, which is great for the production of new enzymes.Fun fact: Did you know cocoa beans are called “cocoa” and not “cacao” because of a spelling mistake made by English importers in the 18th century?