What Makes Cacao a Fantastic Superfood?

Almost all of us have a weakness for chocolate, especially those of us with a sweet tooth. We use it to make our favourite treats and love to give and receive collections of fancy chocolates on special occasions. But, what if we told you that Cacao could equally satisfy your cravings and also boost many aspects of your health at the same time?

Many believe that Cacao and processed chocolate are the same thing. Well yes, they are both delicious, but Cacao is the purest form of chocolate you could come across!

Read on to discover what makes Cacao a fantastic superfood!

Origins of Cacao

The Cacao tree originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America and can now be found in several agricultural areas across the world, with 70 per cent of Cacao grown in West Africa.

Cacao is harvested from the tree’s seed pods, and then undergoes far less processing than regular chocolate. Chocolate is typically heated at much higher temperatures and is processed with chemical solutions and plenty of refined sugar, fructose, syrup and dairy products, to intensify the sweetness.

The processing of Cacao, however, only involves drying and fermentation, leaving the ingredient in its most pure form.

What makes Cacao a fantastic superfood?

Aside from being free from additives, such as sugar and dairy products, Cacao offers plenty of beneficial health properties that are truly jaw-dropping!

In its purest form, the superfood contains rich levels of iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and copper. Potassium also has the ability to help decrease high blood pressure, as the mineral can reduce the effects of sodium in the body. Furthermore, its magnesium levels can help boost flexibility in the arteries, acting as a mood-boosting agent.

Did you know that Cacao also contains more antioxidants than most fruits, including blueberries and other popular antioxidant-rich foods?

Antioxidant superfoods have the potential to help stimulate and regulate your body’s immune system. They can also help your body fight off free radicals that can cause serious harm to your body’s cells, potentially leading to cancer.

Cacao vs. chocolate

You don’t have to give up your favourite chocolate snacks completely. However, it is worth thinking twice about what is in processed chocolate, and what these refined ingredients can do to your body. Indulging in additives in large doses can ultimately lead to diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

So, why not replace chocolate with a superfood that tastes the same, but offers you all the right health benefits? Cacao is basically a supercharged version of chocolate, allowing you to boost many aspects of your health, while still treating yourself to all the goodness.

Add Cacao to your daily diet!

If you love chocolate, you will absolutely adore Cacao! Did you know that the superfood is sold as Cacao nibs and in powder form? Whether you wish to sprinkle Cacao nibs over a smoothie bowl or use Cacao powder in an indulging hot chocolate, you’ll soon realise what you’ve been missing out on!

Cacao is naturally sweet and can be included in endless delicious recipes. Get a hold of some Cacao nibs or powder, substitute them with your regular chocolate and experience the magic yourself!