The benefits of raw cacao, this goodness from the Andes, is truly amazing! It aids in memory improvement, reducing heart disease, shedding fat, boosting immunity and increasing your bliss..to name a few.

Known as the 'drink of the gods' by Incas (hence its scientific name: theobroma cacao from the greek words (theo- god) and (broma - drink), this powerful superfood holds a healthy punch for overall mind, body and spirit.

Is Raw Cacao the same as Cocoa?

Nope! Raw (naturally fermented) cacao and processed cocoa are two totally separate foods. Chocolate, which comes from the combination of roasted cocoa, milk, sugar and other ingredients which help it become a solid treat is different in that with the addition of dairy, it blocks the absorption of the antioxidants in the cocoa. The benefits are found in 'raw' form. Cacao, unlike cocoa which is roasted, undergoes a fermentation process. This is done to remove the bitterness of the cacao. 

So..What's Really The Rave?

MOOD ENHANCER

Cacao, being one of the healthiest foods, contains a mood improving ingredient, anandamide, known as the bliss molecule. So that feeling of euphoria you get when consuming cacao comes from this. Cacao also contains serotonine, the feel good brain chemical. It's especially helpful for women during that time of the month, when levels of serotonine drop dramatically. The benefits that cacao holds have known to boost the brain levels of calming hormones and restore feelings of well being. It's the 'happy' superfood that allows you to legally get your euphoric 'buzz' on. 

ENERGY..ENERGY..ENERGY

Cacao (raw organic) has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium in plant based foods and one of the most deficient minerals in the Western world. Magnesium is an extremely important mineral for healthy heart and helps turn glucose into energy. Hence the reason you may crave a chocolate bar during an all nighter.

BLOOD PRESSURE

The fiber and polyphenols in cacao work together to help control blood pressure and blood glucose levels. 

IMPROVED MEMORY

A Harvard study by Dr. Gary Small showed that middle aged people who drank two cups a day or raw cacao had improved memory and increased blood flow to the brain. 

OUR SKIN'S FRIEND

A true superfood, raw cacao is loaded with antioxidants that the skin craves. It actually has more antioxidant power than wine, green tea and blueberries..COMBINED! Antioxidant rich foods like raw cacao are a vital part of the diet because they help repair damage to your skin tissue. Raw Cacao absorbs UV light, making it a wonderful natural protectant against cancer causing UV rays. As a bonus, it helps improve skin's hydration and complexion. So, eat it, drink it  and enjoy it on your skin as with our Cacao Clay Cleanse and Oats + Hibiscus Scrub Grains 

**(no more than 4 tsp 3 times per day and when drinking it, be sure to use a nut milk instead of dairy milk. Dairy milk prevents the absorption of antioxidants)

SOOTHES COUGH

Due to the ingredient, Theobromine, raw cacao has been found to halt coughs better than codeine or commercial cough suppressants with the equivalent of two cups. 

DIGESTION

Raw Cacao is high in fiber, which is extremely beneficial in improving digestion. 

HEART HEALTHY

Flavanols an anti-inflammatory and heart protective antioxidant found in raw cacao may protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and help improve blood circulation. Cacao contains over 700 compounds and the complex antioxidants found in it known as polyphenols help reduce ‘bad cholesterol’ and prevent hardening of the arteries. The Department of Nutrition at University of California, Davis discovered that cacao thins blood and can prevent blood clots. This finding shows that eating raw cacao can be just as beneficial as taking an aspirin a day.

HAIR

Raw Cacao contains two important nutrients that are beneficial for the hair, they are; sulfur and protein. Once again, adding raw cacao into your diet as well as in your hair regimen, as with our Deep Conditioner , it aids in helping hair grow healthy and strong, preventing breakage, which aids in length retention.

As always, I hope this information is enjoyably useful. 

* This information is not meant to diagnose nor treat any illness. For medicinal use, please visit your local holistic practitioner.