Health Benefits of Cacao

Health Benefits of Cacao

Cacao (or cocoa beans) are seeds of the fruit from the Theobrama cacao plant that grows in Africa, South America and Central America which cocoa and chocolate are made from. Cacao beans are technically not beans or legumes.

Cacao contains rich minerals including potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Cacao is considered a superfood due to its rich antioxidant content, including polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases.

Cacao has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Cacao may help improve heart health. Cacao may reduce your blood pressure levels and may improve nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function.

Cacao may also improve brain health.

Cacao may also improve your mood. Cacao contains the amino acid tryptophan which the brain uses to produce serotonin that may increase feelings of happiness.

The difference between cacao and cocoa is that cacao is the raw, minimally processed version of cocoa. Cocoa is made by roasting beans at a higher temperature.

Cacao is more nutritious because it retains more enzymes and its nutrients during processing compared to cocoa. As much as 90% of flavonoids may be lost due to cocoa processing.

Cacao is generally safe and should be consumed in moderation. Cacao naturally contains caffeine. One tablespoon of cacao powder may contain 12mg of caffeine. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead may be found in cacao-based products from the soil it was grown in.

Cacao may interact with certain medications.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacao

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cacao-powder

https://www.health.com/cacao-benefits-7555335

https://www.verywellhealth.com/cacao-7490807

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3038885

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cacao-vs-cocoa

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522002751?via=ihub