Raw cacao – it is worth consuming because it is tasty and healthy!
Before reaching for a favourite treat or dish, many of us think about one key question: is what I’m about to eat healthy? This issue mainly concerns sweet or fatty snacks, including cacao products, which raw cacao undoubtedly is. However, it is easy to convince yourself that raw cacao(ceremonial cacao) is a more valuable alternative to traditional chocolate products that can be enjoyed without fear or remorse. The benefits of real cacao are determined by the friendlier production method and the lack of unhealthy additives – for these reasons it is classified as a “superfood”!
Raw cacao vs processed – difference in production process
Let’s start by comparing the compositions of real cacao and traditional chocolate products. Raw cacao contains no additives such as milk powder, white sugar, flavourings or emulsifiers, and no colourants. During the production of real cocoa, the original cacao pulp is fermented, dried, roasted, and finally ground – and that’s it! The entire process takes place at a magical temperature below 42 degrees Celsius, at which the highest quality raw cacao liquor is formed – from this liquor, blocks or pellets are later made. Thanks to the fact that its natural, fats are not separated from it during the production process, ceremonial cacao Raw cacao is full of valuable nutrients. What are they? Let’s take a closer look! Raw cacao contains antioxidants (catechins, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins), fibre, minerals (magnesium, iron, chromium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, zinc, and potassium), B-group vitamins, vitamin E, oleic acid, phytosterols, anandamide and theobromine [2]. It is worth noting here that raw cacao is gluten-free and can be consumed by vegans.
Benefits of raw cacao
Happiness, pleasure, more desire for sex!
As you can see, raw cacao contains a whole lot of valuable nutrients! So what effects can be expected when real cacao is consumed? Let’s start with the fact that this healthy snack puts you in a pleasant mental and physical state and allows you to relax. This property is provided by one of its most important components – anandamide. It is an alkaloid that is sometimes referred to as a “happiness neurotransmitter.” The substance produces effects similar to some of the effects of marijuana: it reduces pain and increases confidence. In addition, it also stimulates sexual desire and improves cardiovascular function [3]. Ceremonial cacao also contains phenylethylamine, a compound belonging to the group of biogenic amines secreted in the human body when… we are in love. According to the researchers, both of these compounds – anandamide and phenylethylamine – may be responsible for “runner’s euphoria,” manifested in improved mood, increased endurance and pain tolerance. Phenylethylamine activates, among other things. The effects of serotonin, dopamine (“happy hormones”) and norepinephrine (stimulatory effects).
Source: the study “Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system,” conducted under the leadership of P. B. Sparling and published in 2003, showed that anandamide levels increase in runners and cyclists who train at high intensities. According to them, the above alkaloid can induce a state similar to euphoria.
Raw cacao improves physical and mental performance
However, these are not all the advantages! Ceremonial cacao / raw cacao also has a beneficial effect on regulating “good” cholesterol, increasing physical performance, improving concentration and stimulating thought processes. It has a stimulating and regenerative effect. Such properties are guaranteed by the high content of theobromine, another organic compound belonging to the alkaloids [4]. It is estimated that in common cacao beans this alkaloid makes up as much as 1.8% of the dry weight. The benefits of the plant were already enjoyed by the Mayans and Aztecs – they didn’t call cacao “the drink of the gods” for nothing!
According to neuroexpert.org, a study by the National Heart and Lung Institute found that theobromine suppresses the cough reflex and also dilates blood vessels as well. According to the paper “The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cacao consumption” (E. Martínez-Pinilla; A. Oñatibia-Astibia; R. Franco), it has no addictive properties and even has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. All this without adverse side effects!
Learn more about the history of cacao.
Raw cacao in the service of beauty
Moving on, the benefits only multiply, as raw cacao is also a rich source of magnesium! Magnesium is an element that is responsible for many functions in the body: from offsetting stress and fatigue to preventing muscle cramps and supporting the immune system. Less well-known but equally important properties of magnesium include improving the appearance of the skin. Magnesium delays the ageing process, firms the skin and provides elasticity, and improves skin tone!
Delaying the aging process and preventing cancer
Not only magnesium but also antioxidants in cacao delay cellular ageing. Such groups of compounds and compounds such as catechins, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins bind free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin E is also a good antioxidant found in raw cocoa. It has a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which indicates its effectiveness in binding free radicals [4]. In addition, the antioxidants found in raw cacao reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, joint disease and vision problems [1].
Nourishing the body
As we near the end, it’s worth mentioning a few more nutritional benefits of raw cocoa. Vitamin B, which we find in real cacao, prevents the occurrence of many diseases, and by the way, when we consume this excellent snack, our risk of anaemia decreases! According to begoodorganics.com, raw cacao is the best plant source of iron (7.3mg/100g). There is more than twice as much of it as in spinach and almost three times as much as in beef!
The spectrum of beneficial properties of raw cacao is even richer. This is demonstrated by numerous scientific studies, and even “shady” content on blogs or on the edges of the Internet (often paid for by large corporations) leaves no doubt. It’s worth consuming cacao not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. It’s a valuable enrichment to your daily diet and a treat you can indulge in without any worries!