Cacao, pronounced “ka-kow” is considered the food of the Gods. It’s densely packed with quantities of antioxidants and minerals that serve to support one’s body in operating at optimum level. It’s vertiale and can be enjoyed not only in a powdered form but also as a nib or butter — and lots of other forms you can find here at Naked Foods.

Want to learn a bit more about how Cacao will benefit your body?  Have a read below…

 

Encourages a Healthy Heart 

The heart is responsible for transporting nutrients, water, blood and oxygen all around the body, so it is incredibly important to ensure that heart health is prioritised. Of course eating healthy and moving your body are key elements to ensure you maintain a healthy heart – Cacao has been scientifically found to contain properties that enhance cardiovascular health! Cacao has flavonoids which are key in lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, fight cell damage as well as prevent the formation of blood clots.

 

Great source of Iron 

Iron is a vital mineral that helps preserve many vital functions in the body such as the immune system, energy and oxygen circulation.  Cacao is a great source of iron (and calcium) to ensure your body receives the necessary minerals it needs to function at optimum levels. In order to get the best out of your Cacao it is important to maintain control over the quantity of your intake — preferably 40-50g or 4-5 tsp of powdered Cacao. It is also great to add some berries or citrus fruits to your Cacao dish to infuse all important Vitamin C. It has definitely earned the title of a ‘Superfood’.

 

Natural Mood Elevator and Reliever of Stress

Need an excuse to eat chocolate? This is it. Whether you’re stressed from work or studies, or you simply want that extra pick me up, Cacao is the way to go. Cacao is infused with four proven bliss-chemicals namely; serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters contribute to feelings of happiness, and wellbeing and also have the potential to alleviate some feelings of depression. By consuming Cacao it is a natural little booster that allows you to feel that extra bit of positivity and alleviates stresses. 

 

Enhances Brain Power and Health

Have you ever fallen victim to 3:30-itis, experienced brain fog or occasionally feel a bit scatterbrained? Well Cacao can help cure this! Cacao is not only a delicious ingredient that can be consumed in a variety of ways but it also ensures that you perform to the best of your abilities. Cacao is proven to have a positive impact on brain activity and helps alleviate any afternoon fatigue. The flavanoids in Cacao have a multifaceted role in the body, not only in helping achieve a healthy heart but also by ensuring your brain gets all the loving it needs and deserves. These flavonoids help produce nitric oxide which functions as a relaxer of the blood vessels, increases neurons in the brain and improves the blood supply & flow to your brain.

 

High in Antioxidants and helps improve Skin Appearance

Cacao is a sulphur rich food, which can contribute to a better skin appearance. The sulphur found in the Cacao may help alleviate several skin disorders that impact skin appearance and health such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also able to assist in strengthening nails, and enhance strength and shine of hair.

Due to the way Cacao is produced, they contain a larger degree of antioxidants than their counterpart, cocoa. Normal cocoa, has been chemically processed and roasted, whereby during this process it significantly reduces the amount of antioxidants and flavanoids, roughly around 60-90%. These antioxidants which are heavily contained in Cacao help neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin as well as decrease signs of ageing and boost collagen production. In 100g of Cacao it contains 4x the antioxidants of Goji berries, 80x the antioxidants of Green tea, and 5x the antioxidants of blueberries. Hello glowing skin!

 

References

 

About the Author 

Gabriella is a University student studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and International Business. She is passionate about health and fitness and follows a ‘semi-vegetarian’ diet – a less restricted diet fuelled with all the essential nutrients from whole foods and the occasional inclusion of selected meats. She is keen to learn how to implement sustainable measures in her life and lead a more eco-friendly life

Handpicked recipes
@nakedfoods
@nakedfoods