How To Add Raw Cacao To Your Diet
You must be thinking, “these fools spelled cocoa wrong!” Sorry, not sorry.
While cacao and cocoa are often considered two different things, they are the same.
Cacao is the tree from which cocoa is produced. Once harvested, cocoa can be made into numerous products like cocoa butter and chocolate!
Again, it’s pretty much the same thing, but for the sticklers who want to obsess over nomenclature, go by the definitions above if you must separate them by spelling.
Raw cacao is jam-packed with many antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. It is also a great source of iron and magnesium, which makes it one of the top-selling superfoods on the market today.
For those with an affinity for sweetened chocolate, the unsweetened taste of raw cacao can seem bitter and prove challenging to incorporate into your diet.
But that should be no reason for only getting your chocolate fix through low-quality, sugar-packed cheap chocolate products.
There are many better, healthier ways to get cocoa into your body.
To add this powerful superfood into your diet, grab a handful of our raw cacao nibs and eat plain or sprinkle over log them urt or a smoothie.
A Few Ways To Add Raw Cacao (Raw Cocoa) To Your Diet:
Make A “Cocoa Trail Mix”
The varieties of homemade trail mixes are endless. Grab some raw nuts, cocoa butter wafers, cocoa nibs, and dried berries, and you have a healthy and nutritious snack for the on-the-go.
Whether you are a mom on the go, a superstar athlete, or a chef, adding more raw cacao into your diet is as easy as reaching your hand in a bag of raw cacao nibs, cocoa butter wafers, or Wild Chocolate powder. (You can also drink it with your brain-loving Cocotropic!)
We want to hear from you! How do you use raw cacao?
Founder/CEO, Wild Foods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?
Cacao and cocoa are the same thing. Cacao refers to the tree from which cocoa is produced. Once harvested, cocoa can be made into various products like cocoa butter and chocolate.
What are the health benefits of raw cacao?
Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. It is a great source of iron and magnesium, making it a popular superfood choice.
Why does raw cacao taste bitter?
Raw cacao has an unsweetened taste, which can seem bitter compared to sweetened chocolate. However, there are many ways to incorporate raw cacao into your diet without relying on low-quality, sugar-packed chocolate products.
How can I add raw cacao to my diet?
You can add raw cacao nibs to your favorite smoothies, sprinkle them over yogurt or a smoothie bowl, or get creative by using raw cacao nibs in desserts like gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or raw cacao mousse.
What is a "cocoa trail mix"?
A cocoa trail mix is a homemade snack mix that includes raw nuts, cocoa butter wafers, cocoa nibs, and dried berries. It provides a healthy and nutritious snack option for on-the-go.
Are there any easy recipes to incorporate raw cacao into my diet?
Yes, you can recreate your favorite desserts by using raw cacao nibs, such as sprinkling them over coconut ice cream. You can also make a raw cacao mousse by blending raw cacao with avocado, almond milk, and agave.
Can I add raw cacao to my smoothies?
Yes, adding raw cacao nibs to your smoothies is a great way to incorporate it into your diet. Combine it with other ingredients like half a banana, almond butter, and greens for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
Where can I find raw cacao products?
Raw cacao products, such as raw cacao nibs, cocoa butter wafers, and Wild Chocolate powder, can be found online or in health food stores.
Interesting Facts
Raw cacao is considered a superfood because it is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall health.
Raw cacao is one of the highest food sources of magnesium, a mineral essential for various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function.
The flavonoids found in raw cacao have been associated with cardiovascular health benefits, including improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Raw cacao contains a compound called theobromine, which has a mild stimulant effect and can promote feelings of alertness and focus.
The production of cocoa from cacao involves a fermentation and drying process, which helps develop the characteristic flavors and aroma associated with chocolate.
Related Studies
Cocoa and chocolate flavonoids: Implications for cardiovascular health
This review article explores the cardiovascular health benefits of cocoa and chocolate flavonoids, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It highlights the potential of raw cacao as a dietary source of flavonoids.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20205973/
The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance
This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanols on cognitive performance. It suggests that the consumption of cocoa flavanols, found in raw cacao, may have positive effects on brain health and cognitive function.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16794461/
Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials examines the effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health. It concludes that cocoa and flavan-3-ols may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28622596/
Effect of cocoa on blood pressure
This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of cocoa on blood pressure. The results suggest that cocoa consumption, particularly rich in flavanols, may lead to a small reduction in blood pressure, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20071648/
Dietary flavonoids and cocoa-derived foods: Effects on endothelial function and hypertension
This review article discusses the effects of dietary flavonoids, including those found in cocoa and chocolate, on endothelial function and hypertension. It highlights the potential role of raw cacao in improving vascular health.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19841581/
Conclusion
In conclusion, raw cacao, which is derived from the cacao tree and commonly referred to as cocoa, offers a range of potential health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants, minerals like iron and magnesium, and fiber, raw cacao is considered a superfood.
Studies have shown that raw cacao and its flavonoids may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, and blood pressure.
Incorporating raw cacao into the diet can be done through various creative ways, such as adding raw cacao nibs to smoothies, recreating favorite desserts, or making a cocoa trail mix.
With its abundance of nutrients and versatility, raw cacao provides a healthier alternative to low-quality, sugar-packed chocolate products, allowing individuals to indulge in the pleasures of chocolate while reaping its potential health benefits.
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