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Ceremonial Cacao y mucho más

Raw cacao - properties and the magic 42 degrees

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Raw cacao - is it worth eating?

Before reaching for a favourite treat or food, many of us wonder about one key question: is what I am currently eating healthy? This question applies especially to sweet or fatty snacks, including cacao products, which raw cacao - without a doubt - is. However, it is easy to see that raw cacao (ceremonial cacao) is a more valuable alternative to traditional chocolate products, which can be enjoyed without fear or remorse. The benefits of real cacao are determined by the friendlier production method and the absence of unhealthy additives - for these reasons it is classed as a "superfood"!

Raw vs. processed cacao - difference in production process

Let's start by comparing the composition of real cacao and traditional chocolate products. Raw cacao contains no additives such as milk powder, white sugar, flavourings or emulsifiers, and no colourings. During the production of real cacao, the original cocoa pulp is fermented, dried, roasted and finally ground - and that's it! The entire process takes place at a magical temperature of less than 42 degrees Celsius, which is where the best quality raw cacao pulp is produced - the pulp is then used to form blocks or lozenges. Thanks to the fact that its natural fats are not separated during the production process, ceremonial cacao is full of valuable nutrients. Which ones? Let's take a look at them!

Raw cacao contains antioxidants (catechins, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins), fibre, minerals (magnesium, iron, chromium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, zinc and potassium), B vitamins, vitamin E, oleic fat, phytosterols, anandamide and theobromine [2]. It is worth noting here that raw cacao is gluten-free and can be consumed by vegans.

Raw cocoa beans

Benefits of raw cacao

Happiness, pleasure, more desire for sex!

As you can see, raw cacao contains a whole host of valuable nutrients! So what effects can you expect when you consume real cacao? 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 ensured by one of its most important components - anandamide. It is an alkaloid which is sometimes referred to as a "happiness neurotransmitter". This substance produces effects similar to some of the effects of cannabis: it reduces pain and increases self-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 as improved mood, increased endurance and pain tolerance. Phenylethylamine activates, among other things, the action of serotonin, dopamine ('happy hormones') and norepinephrine (stimulatory effect).

Source: The study "Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system" conducted under the direction of P. B. Sparling published in 2003 showed that in runners and cyclists training at high intensity there is an increase in anandamide levels. In their opinion, the above alkaloid can induce a state similar to euphoria.

Raw cacao improves physical and mental performance

However, these are not all the benefits! Ceremonial cacao / raw cacao also has a beneficial effect on the regulation of 'good' cholesterol, increases physical performance, improves concentration and stimulates 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 cocoa beans, this alkaloid makes up as much as 1.8% of the dry weight. The Maya and Aztecs already enjoyed the benefits of the plant - it was not without reason that they called cacao the 'drink of the gods'!
According to neuroekspert.org, a study by the National Heart and Lung Institute found that theobromine suppresses the cough reflex and also dilates blood vessels. According to the paper 'The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa 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!

Find out more about the history of cacao.

12x12 pasta kakao sztaba guatemala
A bar of raw cocoa straight from Guatemala

Raw cacao in the service of beauty

Moving on and the benefits only multiply, because raw cacao is also a rich source of magnesium! Magnesium is an element that is responsible for many functions in the body: from relieving 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!
Delays the ageing process and prevents cancer.

Delays the ageing process and prevents cancer.

Not only magnesium, but also the antioxidants contained in cacao delay the cellular ageing process. Such groups of compounds and compounds as catechins, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins bind free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer. A good antioxidant found in raw cacao is also vitamin E. 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

Coming to the end, it is worth mentioning a few more nutritional benefits of raw cacao. Vitamin B, which is found 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 vegetable 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 the 'insecure' content on blogs or on the edges of the internet (often paid for by large corporations) leaves no room for doubt. It is worth consuming cacao not only for taste, but also for health. It is a valuable enrichment of your daily diet and a treat that you can enjoy without any worries!

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Our ambition is to import both ceremonial cacao and powder cacao from all over the world. We aim to bring organic BIO cacao everywhere. However, we sometimes travel to really wild and faraway places where we also meet extremelly pure cacao farms. Those ones are not labeled with certificates, as very often not tauched with civilisation at all or people there are too poor to apply for them. For sure the whole cacao we sell is 100 per cent vegan and kosher.
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