Organic cacao powder is generally a well-known ingredient that is usually found in baking or beverage recipes. People tend to gravitate towards the ingredient because it enhances the flavor of a recipe. Yet, cacao powder is actually healthier than you might think it is.
Cacao powder is often hailed as a superfood, due to the fact it’s full of nutritional benefits. As cacao powder is also made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans, the nutritional value stays intact.
Now, health brands are turning to cacao powder as a way to add more health benefits to their supplements without adding lots of ingredients. Look at the health industry, and you’ll find that a few premium brands use cacao powder in their protein powder products rather than using artificial ingredients.
But people still ask themselves how healthy is cacao powder? Well, where do we start?
The Benefits Of Cacao Powder
1. Boosts Brain Power
The flavonoids found in cacao powder can enhance and even boost brain function. They increase blood flow to the brain by relaxing the arteries. This allows more oxygen to get transported to the brain on a regular basis. This helps improve and maintain cognitive function, enhancing focus and promoting better memory.
2. Can Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the main causes of a variety of health issues, such as stroke and heart disease. Cacao powder contains magnesium which can also help to relax blood vessels and regulate healthy cell functions. Cacao also contains potassium, which works to ease tension in blood vessel walls as well.
3. Improves Your Mood
An interesting fact about consuming cacao is that it can improve your mood quite a bit. Cacao causes the body to release a natural chemical called phenylethylamine which is the same chemical your body releases when you’re excited. It also actually prompts the brain to release neurotransmitters, which can influence happy emotions.
4. Prevents Cell Damage
Raw cacao powder is high in antioxidants, which is one of its primary health benefits. Sometimes when the oxygen molecules in our body split into single atoms, they’re known as free radicals.
If free radicals continue to get released, oxidative stress starts to take place, which damages your cells and can lead to a range of diseases. Antioxidants work to bond with free radicals to stop oxidation, and so work to protect the body’s cells and reduce the likelihood of diseases.
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How To Increase Your Intake Of Cacao
As cacao powder has a variety of different uses, it’s not difficult to increase your intake of cacao. Though, it’s all about what works for you and how you want to incorporate it into your own individual diet.
1. Try Out Protein Shakes
Whether or not you’re the type of person to consume protein shakes on the regular, they’re still a good way to provide your body with some nutrition. They’re easy and quick to make, and they’re perfect for when you’re on the go or want an easy snack.
Buy a premium whey protein powder that also includes organic cacao powder as the main ingredient. You’ll get the benefits of everything the protein has to offer, while also getting the health advantages of consuming cacao powder at the same time.
2. Grab A Glass Of Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk is a great way to give yourself a treat and also reap the benefits of cacao powder. For a cold glass of chocolate milk, add a tablespoon of hot water to some raw cacao powder and sweetener, then add a cup of cold plant-based milk.
We recommend using plant-based milk – such as almond milk – instead of cow’s milk which is sometimes known to reduce antioxidant activity. For a sweetener, try using a healthier option, such as coconut sugar.
3. Add Some Raw Chocolate To Your Diet
Another simple way to consume more cacao is by purchasing a bar of raw organic chocolate. Break off a few squares and enjoy as you’d wish.
