Raw Cacao, how do you taste so incredibly good, whilst also being so very good for us? You might be eating this superfood for its taste but did you know it is actually a very potent antioxidant with amazing health benefits? Now you don’t have to feel so guilty about having that dark chocolate 'pick me up' anymore.
Raw, natural cacao is detoxifying, mood-boosting, anti-inflammatory, hormone balancing and fatigue fighting. That’s only half of the list of what this incredible superfood does for our bodies. This rich, slightly bitter and decedent bean is high in magnesium assisting with muscle cramps, fatigue and helping to lower blood pressure. A glass of hot cacao with plant-based milk, or a couple of squares of dark natural chocolate at night may also help to relax muscles creating a more restful and immediate sleep due to its high magnesium con
tent.
Cacao also contains complex antioxidants knows as polyphenols which can help reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of stroke and protect against cardiovascular disease. These polyphenols found in cacao are the same as the ones found in red wine and green tea and they protect our cells from premature oxidation, which can keep us looking younger for longer. Furthermore, it contains a mood-enhancing compound called phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins and pleasurable mood boosting neurochemicals. Cacao also boosts the brains levels of serotonin, which is a feel-good chemical, often referred to as the ‘happy chemical’, eating a little daily dose of this superfood is proven to boost the brains levels of calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being.
Raw cacao is also high in iron, containing up to 7.3mg per 100grams. This is great for vegetarians and vegans who want a little iron boost with a sweet rich flavour to boot! To enhance the absorption of this plant-based iron add a source of vitamin C alongside your cacao containing meal such as oranges, kiwi fruit or camu camu powder. In addition to
its amazing iron content this superfood is also very high in calcium, never again will you need to resist eating natural raw cacao in fear of it being a ‘naughty’ food as you now know it’s in fact one of the best foods we can be adding into our daily diet, if this isn’t the best news you’ve heard all week I don’t know what is!
We are loving Loving Earth raw cacao with almond milk for our hot chocolates this Spring!