CACAO: THE REAL CHOCOLATE { CACAO IS DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY … ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH? } Contributor: Sally O’Neil Once revered by the Aztecs and Mayans as the ‘food of the gods,’ cacao powder is once again being worshipped by modern day health foodies as a powerful superfood. Made by simply grinding beans of the cacao tree, the resulting powder is packed full of nutrients, antioxidants and magnesium. Wondering why you reach for chocolate when you’re stressed? Cacao powder also contains phenethylamine (PEA) which is known to act as a mood booster. But don’t go reaching for that chocolate bar just yet; the cacao beans lose almost all of their amazing superfood powers once roasted. When exposed to high heat the molecular structure of the cacao bean changes, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value. Most commercial chocolate is processed at high temperatures, leaving it nutritionally lacking. That’s where cacao steps in. Cacao is the raw, unprocessed form of the more commonly recognised cocoa powder. It is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. This process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). What remains is a nutritionally dense raw powder with all enzymes and antioxidants intact. BENEFITS Improved muscle growth and repair. The magnesium found in abundance in raw cacao allows the body to produce more Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), which is a major contributor to the growth and strength of muscles. MOOD BOOSTING Cacao can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote a sense of wellbeing. The same chemical that is released when we experience deep feelings of love – phenylethylamine – is also found in cacao. HEART HEALTH A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006 followed two groups of elderly men for 15 years – one consuming cacao, and one that did not consume cacao. The findings showed that the group that consumed cacao had a 50% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality and a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality. A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT Raw cacao harnesses nearly three times the antioxidant level found in green tea. As a potent antioxidant, cacao can repair the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. IMPROVED DIGESTION Raw cacao has a surprising amount of fibre, which supports digestion. Cacao also stimulates the body’s production of digestive enzymes. AVAILABILITY + USES Cacao powder can be found in health food stores and selected supermarkets across Australia. To benefit, add a tablespoon to smoothies, sprinkle over fruit, or substitute anywhere you might use cocoa in a traditional recipe. You can even make your own raw chocolate by mixing the powder with and equal amount of melted coconut oil, adding honey to taste, and refrigerating in silicone moulds until set. Tip: It’s important to note that adding dairy to cacao considerably diminishes its health benefits. So, how do you consume cacao? Check out Sally’s great recipes here. More Articles in this Category GO PRIMAL WITH PALEO PADDOCK GO PRIMAL WITH PALEO PADDOCK { WE TAKE THE PAIN See Recipe » EASY ALLERGY-FREE PARTY FOOD IDEAS EASY ALLERGY-FREE PARTY FOOD IDEAS { Be a ‘hostess with See Recipe » EARTH FOOD STORE, NSW EARTH FOOD STORE, NSW { Our café-store is an unpretentious, See Recipe » DR. JB TELLS ALL: ACTIVATED NUTRIENTS Dr. JB tells all: Activated Nutrients { Activated Nutrients: Derived See Recipe » DOVETAIL ON OVEREND -NORMAN PARK, QLD DOVETAIL ON OVEREND -NORMAN PARK, QLD { A beautiful space See Recipe » DIY EASTER EGGS WITH LORNA JANE As Easter approaches the annual guilt of gorging on chocolate See Recipe » DINE IN AT PANA CHOCOLATE SYDNEY DINE IN AT PANA CHOCOLATE SYDNEY { Pana Chocolate has See Recipe » CREATE YOUR OWN EGG SUPPLY CREATE YOUR OWN EGG SUPPLY { Eggs made easy, from See Recipe » CORNERSMITH CORNERSMITH { Eat with the seasons and preserve the bounty See Recipe » FOOD FOR HEALTH INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCT FOOD FOR HEALTH INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCT { With the obesity See Recipe » FIVE-STAR SNACKS FIVE-STAR SNACKS { Be Natural Moroccan Spice Dry Roasted Chickpeas See Recipe » FIRST ALL-AUSTRALIAN FROZEN BERRIES HIT SHELVES FIRST ALL-AUSTRALIAN FROZEN BERRIES HIT SHELVES { For the first See Recipe » « Previous Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5 Page6 Page7 Page8 Page9 Page10 Page11 Page12 Page13 Page14 Page15 Page16 Page17 Page18 Page19 Page20 Page21 Page22 Page23 Page24 Page25 Page26 Page27 Page28 Page29 Page30 Page31 Page32 Page33 Page34 Page35 Page36 Page37 Page38 Page39 Page40 Page41 Page42 Page43 Page44 Page45 Page46 Page47 Page48 Next »