Ancient Wellness Wisdom Series: 10 Cacao's Health Benefits
I confess I'm a chocolateholic, because chocolate makes me feel good. I used to carry chocolates in my purse and eat them every day. Now I only eat cacao bites with my morning smoothie, but chocolate is still my go-to when I need extra lift-me-up during the day. So I decided to find out if there are any scientific explanations behind the delicious devilish chocolates why they make me feel good. And here is what I found:
First of all, you may be wondering what's the difference between Cacao and Cocoa (powder). They are basically the same thing; cacao is the name of the raw organic plant that grows cacao beans (Theobroma Cacao). Cocoa is a processed version of cacao beans and still can be organic. Cacao has various health and nutrition benefits, such as :
Lower Blood Pressure
Restore Brain Function
Balance Cholesterol
Healthy Heart Regulation
Improve Mood Swing
Support Weight Control
Healthy teeth and skin
Boost Immune System
Support Digestive System
Boost Energy
Cacao is rich in Polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants. Antioxidant has prominent health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, cholesterol level, inflammation, improve blood flow, and brain function.
Cacao has the highest concentration of Flavanols, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. According to the Archive of Internal Medicine, regular consumption of flavanols from flavanols rich food promote longevity, weight management, anti-inflammatory, cancer, diabetes, and neurogenerative disease prevention.
Although chocolate contains significant amount of cacao, but also sugar and fats, to maximize the Cacao benefits, I'd recommend switching from chocolate to cacao nibs or sugarless 60% or more cacao dark chocolates for a healthier choice. The links below are my favorites. Knowing the health benefits of cacao, I'd be even more happier to have my cacao nibs in my morning smoothie or over greek yogurt afternoon snack or dark chocolate bars before meetings.
NAVITAS CACAO NIBS
COCOA SUPPLY ORGANIC CACAO NIBS
RIGHTEOUS CACAO