Health benefits of organic cacao powder

The nutritional value of cacao powder is so great that it is considered a superfood. Cacao powder is a great way to add some extra health benefits to your diet. It's rich in antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals that can cause damage to cells. This can lead to a number of diseases and conditions, including cancer and heart disease. Cacao powder also contains magnesium, which helps boost energy levels and improve your mood.

If you're a chocolate lover, then you'll be happy to know that cacao powder is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This superfood has been used for centuries in Central and South America for its medicinal properties and has recently gained popularity in the health and wellness industry. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals such as magnesium and iron. It's also known to boost mood, improve cardiovascular health, and support brain function. However, not all cacao powders are created equal, and it's essential to choose a high quality product to unlock its full nutritional benefits. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the nutritional properties of cacao powder and share tips on how to incorporate it into your diet for optimal health benefits. Get ready to indulge in the goodness of cacao powder and take your wellness journey to the next level!

What is cacao powder?

Cacao powder is derived from the cacao bean, which comes from the Theobroma cacao tree. The beans are harvested, fermented, and roasted before being ground into a fine powder. Cacao powder is different from cocoa powder in that it is made from raw, unprocessed beans, while cocoa powder is made from roasted beans. The roasting process can strip the beans of some of their nutritional benefits, making cacao powder a healthier alternative.

Cacao powder is naturally bitter and has a strong chocolate flavour. It can be used in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and hot drinks. Cacao powder is also a popular ingredient in raw food diets, where it is used to create healthy snacks and desserts.

Cacao powder is available in both raw and processed forms. Raw cacao powder is made from unroasted beans and is considered the most nutritious. Processed cacao powder has been roasted and may contain added sugar, dairy, or other ingredients.

Where does cocoa powder come from?

Both cacao and cocoa powders are produced by grinding cacao nibs to a paste or liquor and then removing the cacao butter (the fat component of the cacao). The raw cacao nibs are from the whole cacao beans, which are from the cacao plant, the theobroma tree, native to South America. The difference between cocoa and cacao ultimately comes down to refined versus raw, with raw always being the healthier option. 

Nutritional benefits of cacao powder

Cacao powder is packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health. One of the most notable benefits of cacao powder is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Cacao powder is also a good source of fibre, which can help keep your digestive system healthy. Fibre can also help lower your cholesterol levels and regulate your blood sugar. Cacao powder is also rich in essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium. These minerals are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, cacao powder is also known to have mood boosting properties. Cacao contains compounds like phenylethylamine and anandamide, which can help increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Plus, cacao powder is very low in calories and fat free - making it a great option for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight while still enjoying delicious food.

In summary, cacao powder is:

• Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce inflammation
• The caffeine content can boost metabolism and increase focus levels
• Contains magnesium, which helps with energy production and muscle contraction
• High in heart healthy flavonoids known as catechins, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Health benefits of cacao powder

The nutritional benefits of cacao powder translate to a number of health benefits. Here are just a few of the ways that cacao powder can improve your health:

Cardiovascular health

Research has shown that cacao powder can have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. The flavanols in cacao powder can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that consuming cacao for four weeks led to significant improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Brain function

Cacao powder is also known to support brain function. The flavanols in cacao can help improve cognitive function and protect against age related cognitive decline. A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients found that consuming cacao flavanols improved cognitive function in older adults.

Weight management

Cacao powder may also help with weight management. The fibre content in cacao can help you feel full and reduce your calorie intake. Cacao powder may also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings for sweet foods.

Cacao powder vs cocoa powder

So what’s the deal with cacao powder vs cocoa powder I hear you ask?

Cacao powder and cocoa powder may sound similar, but they are actually quite different. Cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans, while cacao powder is made from raw, unprocessed beans. Raw cacao powder is made using a cold pressed extraction method, which preserves the highest level of anti oxidants and nutrients. Cocoa powder is also typically more processed and may contain added sugar or other ingredients.

Cacao in raw powder form also retains the fibre content found in the cacao beans. The cocoa powder which is found in the baking aisle of supermarkets uses heat during the extraction process. This reduces the level of anti oxidants, however, most clinical studies use standard dark chocolate, so refined cocoa still does contain some health benefits. Compounds that you find in raw cacao include vitamin C, anandamide and tryptophan and phenethylamine (PEA). These all have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function, and are lost during the heating process used in regular cocoa.

While both cacao powder and cocoa powder can be used in similar ways, cacao powder is considered the healthier option. Cacao powder is higher in antioxidants and other nutrients, making it a better choice for those looking to maximise their nutritional intake.

Who should use cacao?

If you love chocolate, switching your regular cocoa products to organic raw cacao will improve your health, vitality, and wellbeing. You could also have some raw cacao before a workout to increase nitric oxide, which will boost the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood to improve stamina.

When cacao is raw, it's full of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It's also a natural stimulant (which makes sense, considering that chocolate is the third most consumed food in the world). But there's another reason to eat cacao raw: it tastes amazing! You can use raw cacao to make a smoothie or a hot chocolate - or just eat it straight off the spoon.

Use Organic Merchant naturopathic cacao blends to support reproductive and hormone balance, strengthen resistance to stress and disease, support healthy metabolism, stabilise blood sugar levels and more.

When you should not use cacao?

If you suffer from migraine headaches or cold sores, it is best to go easy on cacao and chocolate altogether. Some people find that chocolate can trigger a migraine, due to the amino acid tyramine contained in cacao. Likewise, the arginine contained in chocolate can increase the likelihood of a cold sore in those that are susceptible.  As cold sores tend to be influenced by an abundance of arginine and lack of lysine (along with stress and being rundown), not overdoing it is key, along with taking a lysine supplement to keep the two amino acids in balance.  

How to use cacao powder in recipes

Cacao powder can be used in a variety of recipes to add a rich chocolate flavour and a boost of nutrition. Here are some ideas for incorporating cacao powder into your diet:

Smoothies

Adding cacao powder to your morning smoothie is a great way to start your day with a nutritious boost. Try blending together a banana, almond milk, cacao powder, and a scoop of protein powder for a delicious and filling breakfast.

Baked goods

Cacao powder can be used in place of cocoa powder in most baked goods recipes. Try adding it to your favourite brownie or cookie recipe for a healthier twist on a classic treat.

Hot drinks

Cacao powder makes a delicious and comforting hot chocolate. Simply whisk together cacao powder, almond milk, and a sweetener of your choice for a warm and cozy drink.

Raw treats

Cacao powder is a popular ingredient in raw food diets. Try using it to make healthy snacks like energy balls or raw chocolate bars.

Is dark chocolate healthy?

You bet it is, in moderation of course. Cacao also contains something called theobromine, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on asthma and other respiratory tract problems. Theobromine can also act as a mild stimulant, improving cognitive function. Magnesium is also found in good amounts in raw cacao powder. If you find you crave chocolate around your period, this could be your bodies way of asking for more magnesium to combat menstrual cramps. This is a good time to enjoy a cacao drink.

Best ways to consume cacao     

There are so many ways to enjoy cacao. If using raw cacao powder, you can add it to smoothies, porridge, yoghurt, bliss balls, cacao hot chocolate… the list goes on. Basically, anything you would ordinarily use regular cocoa for you can substitute for raw cacao. Cacao nibs goes great as smoothie toppers for some crunch and texture, mixed through yoghurt or even sprinkled over some healthy ice cream. Also, available in protein blends and can be used in smoothies, cacao can be found in Nutra Organics vegan protein powders.

Where to buy cacao powder

Cacao powder is readily available at most health food stores and online retailers. When choosing a cacao powder, it's important to look for a high quality product that is raw and organic. Avoid products that contain added sugar, dairy, or other ingredients. According to Statista, the revenue of the Australian cacao segment amounted to $224 million dollars in 2022. Cacao in Australia can be purchased at supermarkets, health stores and online stores. It is important that you however choose organic cacao powder to ensure the quality and benefits of the product consumed.

Cacao powder recipes

Looking for some delicious cacao powder recipes? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Chocolate chia pudding

Mix together 1 cup of almond milk, 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, and a sweetener of your choice. Let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid. Top with fresh fruit and enjoy!

Raw chocolate energy balls

Blend together 1 cup of dates, 1/2 cup of almonds, 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and refrigerate until firm.

Chocolate avocado smoothie

Blend together 1 ripe avocado, 1 banana, 1 cup of almond milk, 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, and a sweetener of your choice for a creamy and delicious smoothie.

Cacao powder supplements

If you're looking to boost your cacao powder intake even further, consider trying a cacao powder supplement. Cacao powder supplements are available in capsule or powder form and can provide an extra dose of antioxidants and other nutrients.

When choosing a cacao powder supplement, look for a high quality product that is organic and free from additives or fillers. When cacao is organic, it's better for the environment, and it's also better for you. Organic cacao doesn't have to be treated with pesticides or chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. This means that when you eat organic cacao, you're eating something that has been grown without any harmful chemicals.

In addition to being better for your health and our planet, organic cacao has a richer flavour than conventionally grown cacao beans. This means that you get more bang for your buck - more flavour in every bite! Always follow the recommended dosage and speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Final thoughts

Cacao powder is a delicious and nutritious superfood that can provide a range of health benefits. From improving cardiovascular health to boosting mood and brain function, cacao powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. When choosing a cacao powder, be sure to look for a high quality product that is raw and organic. With its rich chocolate flavour and numerous health benefits, cacao powder is a must have for any health conscious chocolate lover.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS