CACAO
Whose scientific name is ‘Theobroma Cacao’ in Greek means …. wait for it….
THE FOOD OF THE GODS!!!
Cacao is said to be one of the best ‘superfoods’
The Difference between Cacao Powder and Cocoa Powder
So what’s the difference? The first difference is the pronunciation. Cacao is pronounced kak-ow and I think we all know that cocoa is koe-koe. Let’s delve into this beauty and see if we can appreciate chocolate just a little bit more!!
Let’s start with the bean itself. The cacao bean is from the Theobroma Cacao tree which you would typically find in the Amazon Regions. To make cacao powder, the cacao bean will be cold ground and much less tampered with than what it would go through to become cocoa powder. It is in it’s purest form. On the other hand, cocoa powder has been exposed to high heat roasting and chemically processed which, in turn robs a lot of its nutritional benefits. So Cacao is raw whereas cocoa is the cooked processed form of the same. Raw is the way go to truly appreciate this gift of the earth.
Cacao Powder Health Benefits
High in magnesium. This magic powder would be one of the best sources to boost magnesium intake. Magnesium is such an important mineral for our body. It is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in our body. It is vital to our immune system, assists our nervous system, muscle relaxant and much much more. The magnesium in cacao powder is particularly beneficial for women to help ease menstrual cramping.
Antioxidant rich. In a world rampant in toxins and free radicals that we cannot escape, we need all the help we can get right? We are competing against unfriendly powers from the environment, from our diet and stress from our daily lives. Cacao has more antioxidants than blueberries, acai berries and goji berries. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals and prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The potency of the antioxidants in cacao powder is the reason for its numerous benefits. These benefits are from the antioxidants working behind the scenes at a cellular level.
Increases Serotonin. Serotonin is the feel good chemical in our bodies. The tryptophan in raw cacao together with magnesium are key ingredients in increasing our serotonin levels. Serotonin is known to have a positive impact on our mood, appetite, sleep and memory. I have personally noticed a difference in less food cravings and better digestion.
Serotonin is one of our happy hormones that are linked to our love reactions. Don’t you want that feeling everyday? After all we all need more LOVE in our lives.
Make raw cacao your natural mood booster.
LET’S INDULGE SHALL WE
Hot Hot Hot Chocolate
Just a teaspoon cacao powder, honey, and your favourite plant based milk, and your on your way to a cosy cup of comfort.
Either heat milk first or replace with not quite boiling water and a dash of cold milk.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
1 Tbs Raw Organic Cacao Powder
1 Banana (spotty of course)
1 tsp Raw Organic Honey
1 Cup filtered water
*Blend until well combined and enjoy.
I drink my large batch of this smoothie throughout the morning and I find it so satisfying and energizing.
Strawberries and Chocolate Dip
The below recipe is perfect to dip rich red organic strawberries into. This will be hard to share so make sure you have plenty. The perfect dessert or snack. TOTALLY GUILT FREE!!!!!!!
AS SIMPLE AS 3…2…1!
Raw Chocolate
Ingredients
3 Tbs Raw Organic Cacao Powder
2 Tbs Raw Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil at room temperature (should be liquid)
1 Tbs Raw Organic Honey
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and spoon into any mould you choose.
Place in freezer for 5 minutes and then store in fridge.
Literally done!!!!!!
Note: Your inspiration to these mouthfuls of pure heaven is the only ingredient that’s missing. Add nuts, dried fruit, coconut, seeds…. but personally I have not strayed from the straight up recipe. When you’re on a good thing, stick to it!
CACAO FACE MASK
Ingredients
3 Tbs Raw Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil (in semi-solid form)
2 Tbs Raw Organic Cacao Powder
1 Tbs Raw Organic Honey
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and apply a thick layer to face and neck. Leave on and look scary for 20-30 minutes. …( honestly I have left it on for less time and noticed a huge improvement ).
With warm wet face cloth gently wipe off, rinse, wipe off, rinse until all clear.
You should now be feeling so fresh and hydrated.
.
YOU HAD ME AT CHOCOLATE!!
So there you have it. What more do you need? Get yourself some RAW ORGANIC CACAO POWDER and get excited to experience the power it has for you. Keep a batch of raw chocolate in the fridge at the ready when you feel sad, when you feel achy, when you feel a headache coming on, when you sense that your cravings are getting a little out of control. This is bound to reset and regulate you to be feeling great in no time. Did I mention that unlike cocoa mixed with sugar and dairy milk, raw chocolate is so satisfying that all you need is a small piece. So not only is it extremely easy and quick to make, it will last. After all who in their right mind dosen’t love chocolate? Why not make some raw chocolate for a gift. Make a real difference to someone you love and their health and well being.
I believe we need to devote some good stuff to our inward parts that we can’t see. Don’t you agree that we spend a lot of attention on our outward appearance and place very little time and effort into our core? Until it’s too late. With all love and due respect, don’t do that. Look after yourself, inside and out.
Let’s start to spread the word about guilt free, healthy raw chocolate. I would love to hear your experience on this topic so we can share in this decadent creation.
Thanks so much for reading. I hope this has inspired you to take control of your health a little bit more
Natalie