Cacao is one of the boons of Mother Nature. The benefits of cacao powder are as famous as its taste. Cacao is delicious and health-boosting at the same time. Here we will talk about a brief intro about cacao, the difference between cacao on cocoa, the benefits of cacao powder, few recipes and side effects of it. But before that, here are a few quick facts about cacao:
| Cacao has almost 300 phytochemicals and approximately four times the antioxidant than many other foods. It also contains calcium, thiamin, magnesium, sulfur, protein, and riboflavin. Maybe that is why usually called it ‘food of the gods.’ |
Cacao is a part of American culture since the Mayan age and its benefits of cacao powder have been known to all. Cacao has its distinctive heritage and associates with many exciting stories.
This plant is native to America, and people have been using it for almost 4000 years. But now, Africa ranks in cacao cultivation and cultivates nearly 70% of the total production. Cacao fruits and seeds are both edible.
It is normal to be confused between cacao and cocoa because they are indeed confusing. There are a lot of people who are still unaware of the difference. To get the benefits of cacao powder, understanding these differences is necessary.
Cold pressed, and unroasted cacao(1) beans are raw cacao. This method removes the cacao butter or the fat from it and keeps the enzymes intact.
Cocoa has a similar look, but it is entirely different. If you roast raw cacao in high temperature, you get cocoa powder. However, this roasting process alters the molecular structures and decreases the active enzymes. The method also reduces its nutritional value.
[Also Read: Health Benefits Of Black Cocoa Powder]
The health benefits of cacao powder are well known. There are a lot of studies going on to prove the cacao powder benefits. Here, we are trying to explain a few of them:
Antioxidants and its benefits do not need any introduction. These antioxidants fight free radicals and help our body to function correctly. Antioxidants like Polyphenols are there in cacao.
These type of antioxidants can reduce inflammation, improve the blood flow and lower the blood pressure.
Raw cacao can boast of having more antioxidants than blueberries. These antioxidants can flush out the toxins from our body and prevent future damages.
Vegan often struggles to get proper plant-based food source which can supply the needed nutrients like iron(2). Cacao can solve this issue. This tropical plant or seed you can say, are high in organic iron and almost give competition to non-veg sources of this mineral.
[Read: Iron Rich Foods]
Our body needs calcium for many reasons. And cacao is famed to have more calcium than the celebrated Cow’s milk. So if you have problems with milk or milk products, then cacao can be a better option to get some calcium.
[Also Read: Get Rid of Calcium Deposits]
According to a few studies, cacao can be useful for lowering high blood pressure. Cacao has different nutrients known as a flavanol which can effectively improve the level of nitric oxide in the blood. Enhanced level of nitric oxide is suitable for blood vessels health and reducing blood pressure.
Lowering blood pressure means a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack. So, cacao powder can be useful for the cardiovascular system and organism. The flavanol dilutes in the arteries and relaxes them while reducing any tension. Cacao also reduces the level of bad cholesterol or LDL and helps in thinning the blood just similar aspirin.
Flavanols are known for being anti-cancer and have relatively fewer side effects. Cacao has a significant amount of flavanols. This nutrient combats inflammation stops abnormal cell growth and prevents the spreading of cancerous cells.
[Also Read: Herbs to Treat and Prevent Cancer]
You can now get the benefits of cacao powder. Here are a few recipes to help you.
Add all the ingredients in the blender and blend. Your delicious cacao milk shake is ready. If you wish, you can add banana.
Yes, cacao is tasty, and there are numerous benefits of cacao powder we already have discussed. But there are few side effects too. They include.
Remember, if you are taking it moderately, then you do not need to worry.
Cacao is delicious and is readily available. Make cacao cookie or cacao cake, it will always remain tasty and will work as a treat. Apart from all the benefits of cacao powder, it has its very own legacy and identity. Some call it a superfood, some call it a natural aphrodisiac; cacao is mythical and majestic at the same time. Its history is as rich as its nutritional values.
Add some cacao powder in your daily boring foods and boost your health in a yummy way.