The Benefits of Cacao

Chocolate is the most craved food in the world, and for good reason [1].

It’s the go-to comfort food whether you're feeling sad, happy, stressed, or celebrating. Its rich, decadent flavor is simply unmatched.

But did you know that chocolate, derived from cacao, is more than just a tasty treat? It's a powerful superfood packed with tons of health benefits.

Let’s dive into the positive effect of cocoa on the body...

What is Raw Cacao?

Cacao, also known as cocoa, comes from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, which thrives in humid tropical climates. This cacao tree is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America and can be found in Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico, and Peru [2].

The seeds, commonly referred to as cacao beans, are what we use to produce many cacao products, like cocoa mass, cocoa butter, cacao nibs, cocoa powder, and of course, milk and dark chocolate.

Cacao has a rich history and cultural significance, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. Cacao was known as a “Food of the gods” to the Mayans and was used as currency alongside its amazing health benefits. [2]

What are the Health Benefits of Cacao?

Raw cacao is a nutritional powerhouse and works wonders for the body. Here are just some of the positive effects of adding cacao to your health arsenal:

• Metabolism Booster - Cacao has been shown to boost metabolism, making it easier to lose excess weight.

• Rich in Antioxidants - Cacao has even more antioxidants than blueberries. Its naturally occurring antioxidant properties protect the body against free radicals. These antioxidants are known as flavanols.

  Free radicals can cause cellular damage, leading to various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, and even cancer.

  Cocoa flavanols help neutralize these harmful molecules, promoting good heart health and overall well-being.

• Rich in Selenium - This powerful antioxidant is especially beneficial for your thyroid health. It’s especially beneficial to metabolize your thyroid hormones.

• Rich in Magnesium - Cacao is packed with heart-healthy magnesium (In fact, it is one of the highest magnesium sources in nature). Magnesium helps your body to better absorb calcium, making it a great addition to any healthy lifestyle.

• Anti-inflammatory - The potent antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce chronic inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of disease in the body.

• Rich in Potassium - Potassium is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and raw cacao is a great source of this vital mineral. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.

• Improves Mood - Cacao increases serotonin production. It contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can help improve your mood. This is one reason why you crave that pint of chocolate ice cream when you’re feeling down.

• Can Improve Cognition - Cacao enhances cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress, and boosting mood and mental clarity through its rich flavanol content and theobromine.

• Can Improve Cardiovascular Health - Consuming can significantly improve your heart health. The flavonoids in cacao help reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance blood circulation, all of which contribute to a healthier heart and lower risk of heart disease.

• Can Lower Blood Pressure - Raw cacao is rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower high blood pressure. These natural compounds enhance nitric oxide production in the body, which helps relax blood vessels and improves blood flow [2].

• Can Reduce Insulin Resistance - Cocoa Polyphenols, naturally occurring chemical compounds found in dark chocolate can actually reduce insulin resistance [3].

The Aztecs and the Mayans had it right—those small cacao seeds truly are an amazing superfood.

How Much Cacao Should You Consume Daily For Health Benefits?

While cacao is amazing, like anything in life it’s important to not go overboard.

Cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and iron, which can boost your mood, improve heart health, and enhance overall wellness. But how much is too much...or too little?

Too much cacao can actually have the reverse effect... leading to caffeine overload, dehydration, and migraines.

Aim for 1 to 2 tablespoons of cacao powder or nibs per day. This amount can provide a wealth of health benefits without overloading calories or stimulating effects.

Finding the right cacao can be difficult. Most cacao supplements and powders contain refined sugar and other chemical additives. Plus, they can be really expensive.

At Raw Generation, we make it easy to get your daily dose of cacao with incredibly delicious flavors.

Get Your Dose of Cacao Here

The Truth About Chocolate

Those decadent milk chocolate bars you love are anything BUT healthy and they are very far removed from the precious cocoa bean.

The one downside of eating chocolate is it is almost always combined with refined carbohydrates and added sugars, unhealthy fats, processed dairy, and chemicals. And the same reigns true for dark chocolate.

Consuming these highly processed candy bars as opposed to raw cacao powder can have its downsides such as weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, blood sugar spikes, and other metabolic issues, along with potentially lower levels of beneficial cacao compounds when compared to cacao.

But natural cacao, the real deal that comes straight from the plant, is incredibly delicious and so, so good for you.

Shop Real Cacao Here

Is It Okay to Drink Cacao Every Day?

Simply put—YES, it is okay to drink cacao every day.

And If you're a chocolate lover, Raw Generation’s Build-a-Box option makes it easy to enjoy some delicious flavors that will satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromising your health or weight loss goals.

There are 5 flavors in the Build-a-box that are packed with healthy cacao. 

1. Peanut Butter Cup tastes exactly like the name.

2. Chocolate Cashew is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

3. Cookies & Cream will take you back to your childhood (and is made with delicious cacao nibs).

4. Protein Greens combines chocolatey goodness AND greens. Win-win.

5. Chocolate Protein is a full meal shake with 16g of protein and is SO good.

I Want These Flavors

Build-a-Box

Build-a-Box gives you the option to customize your experience. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or craving something else, Build–a–Box allows you to choose exactly what you love.

Build yourself a box of chocolatey goodness or anything else you care for.

Why not give it a try? The only thing you have to lose here… is the unhealthy cravings.

Build My Box NOW

Sources:

1. Chocolate Is The Most Widely Craved Food, But Is It Really Addictive?

2. Cacao Powder Health Benefits

3. Dark Chocolate and Diabetes: The Benefits of This Tasty Snack