The raw, unprocessed form of chocolate is called cacao. These beans are enriched with antioxidants as well as essential minerals and vitamins. Cacao beans, the superstar of chocolate, come from a plant called Theobroma Cacao that can be translated as “Food of the Gods.” These trees originated from Central and South America as well as Mexico. Around 40 to 60 seeds are housed in the cacao pods. The pods are opened after harvesting and after the seeds are removed, they are put through a natural fermentation and drying process. You get raw cacao beans after the drying process is completed in one or two weeks. We get raw cacao powder from the beans.
Cacao has ten times more antioxidants than blueberries, red wine and green tea. Raw chocolate contains the highest number of antioxidants in the world. The antioxidant contents of raw cacao are beneficial for cardiovascular and general health. Antioxidants like catechins, procyanidins and resveratrol are present in processed chocolate but in much less amount than in raw cacao.
Some of the wonderful benefits of raw cacao are as follows:
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Helps in weight loss: The MAO inhibitors in raw cacao helps one to shed fat. This is so because these act as appetite suppressant and release serotonins in the brain.
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Creates energy: Raw cacao combats fatigue due to a high concentration of magnesium that is a natural food source. Due to this magnesium, you are protected against type ii diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
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Prevents Skin Cancer: Research done in Germany suggests that eating cacao prevents skin cancer.
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Contains Healthy Fats: The healthy kind of fat helps to create chemical reactions for immune function, metabolic function and growth. The monounsaturated fat found in olive oil are similar to the healthy fats founds in raw cacao.
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Balances Hormonal Mood Swings: Cacao helps to boost the levels of serotonin in the brain. When women experience PMS symptoms, their serotonin levels drop. The advantages of cacao calm hormones and leads to the feeling of well-being.
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Prevents premature ageing: Cacao contains anthocyanins that are found in dark colored fruits and catechins that would protect human cells from premature oxidation. This has anti-ageing properties and can keep us from feeling younger.
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Improves Digestion: The fiber found in raw cacao stimulates the body’s digestive enzymes.
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Lowers Blood Pressure: Patients who took a small amount of cacao powder every evening experienced reduced blood pressure.
According to the Incas, cacao was considered to be the drink of the gods. The benefits of cacao are truly fantastic: it can improve your memory, increase your bliss, reduce heart disease, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy.
So, take advantage of the amazing benefits of raw cacao powder.
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