The good news is that raw cacao happens to be an excellent source. (3) Try eating a little raw cacao every day to help naturally reduce your inflammatory load. However, this superfood holds powerful benefits and can be made part of a healthy diet. It can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of developing type II diabetes. It contains magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, substances that are supposed to protect the cells from cancer. Chances are … (11) Many of us don’t get enough magnesium from our diet, and raw cacao happens to be one of nature’s biggest sources of magnesium. …A whole lot of good for your heart and overall health, that’s what! Why not make it an experiment? This is often largely due to a poor diet, such as the Westernized or American diet, which often lacks proper dietary fiber. When these beans are processed, they become cocoa and chocolate, but the raw and organic beans keep many of the super powers of cacao that are lost through processing. Raw cacao beans are loaded with antioxidants, which fight off free radicals caused by stress, environmental toxins, or even poor lifestyle habits. Cacao beans are a great source of fiber which helps to jumpstart digestion. Cacao beans grow on trees found in Central and South America. What differences do you notice? Incorporating cacao nibs into … Flavanols are present naturally in many foods, including apples, pears, tea grapes, blueberries, and yes, cacao. Proponents, on the other hand, say the benefits are many. Turns out, this effect isn’t just in your head. Raw cacao can be purchased as whole beans (peeled or unpeeled), nibs 7, or powder 8. 10 Hot Immune-Boosting Drinks to Fight Colds & Flu. From the iron content to the magnesium, raw cacao is loaded with nutritional value. If you’re concerned about your heart health, raw cacao boasts some impressive cardiovascular health benefits. Health benefits of chocolate when it is in the form of raw cacao beans, butter, nibs and/or the powder include; weight loss (because of its high chromium and coumarin content), prevention of cavities (theobromine actually kills streptococci mutans one of the strains of bacteria that cause tooth decay) and regulation of blood sugar which is beneficial for diabetes (chromium can naturally regulate blood sugar). Note: Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been peeled and crushed, while cacao powder is made from peeled and cold-pressed cacao beans. (2, 3). In 2007, she earned a BA in Biblical Studies. We can all use less stress in our lives and raw cacao may be just the trick to help take the edge off. They are also good sources of potassium as well as magnesium, zinc, manganese and copper. Giving up sugar was easier than I thought, and I felt better than ever, so I just kept going and going. But what chocolate does for your body also helps your mind. The amount of fiber in cacao nibs is astounding! (4) Studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of vascular disease. However, foods like cacao contain antioxidants, which can help scavenge for free radicals, preventing the damage they may cause. Today, type II … Improve visual, cognitive function and healthy skin: A research published in the journal Physiology … If you’re concerned about your cognitive functioning, you might want to keep some raw cacao on hand. Like us on Facebook for delicious recipes and a lot more! High in fiber. This is due to the flavonoid content as well as the essential minerals and vitamins found in cacao. The cocoa bean or simply cocoa (/ ˈ k oʊ. There’s no doubting that chocolate is delicious. This coffee cookbook is filled with healthy recipes and reveals the natural benefits of your morning brew.Click here to get your FREE Coffee Book Today!.postLeadbox{background: #ffffa0; What to Look for when Buying Raw Chocolate: Elderberry for Colds: Benefits and Dangers, Himalayan Salt Lemonade: Stop Migraines FAST, C60 Oil (Carbon 60, Fullerene) Supplement Health Benefits + Risks, 6 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Refined Flour, 8 Foods That Will Help You Look 10 Years Younger. Thankfully, iron is abundant in … 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries. (4). The trick is to skip the sugar-laden chocolate bars and opt for raw cacao instead, which is filled with some pretty impressive health benefits. Be sure to look at the ingredient list and choose a product that only contains raw cacao. (7), Regular raw cacao consumption is linked to improved insulin sensitivity, thus reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.