Chocoholics, rejoice! Your favorite food is packing a huge antioxidant punch – but don’t go sprinting off to the candy aisle just yet. You’ll get the most health benefits from cacao, the roasted and husked beans of the Theobroma cacao tree that have been broken into small pieces called nibs, or ground into powder. While raw cacao isn’t as sweet as regular chocolate due to it’s lack of added sugar and fat, skipping the processing retains the superfood’s natural nutrients and saves you from the guilt that comes along with chowing down on a chocolate bar.
If you’re looking to amp up your antioxidant intake, cacao is the way to go. Cacao has twice the amount of body-boosting antioxidants than processed cocoa, and about ten times as much as fellow superfood blueberries! It’s also packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium, nutrients all necessary to keeping your body in tip-top shape.
And that happy feeling you get when you snack on something chocolaty? It’s not just because it’s delicious – cacao stimulates the brain to release neurotransmitters that trigger euphoric emotions. It also contains phenylethylamine and anandamide, substances that can help you feel alert and create a feeling of bliss. But be aware if you’re sensitive to caffeine – cacao does include nervous system stimulants that have a similar effect on the body as caffeine.
Unsure of how to incorporate cacao into your diet because of it’s lack of sugary sweetness? Try adding cacao nibs or powder into your daily smoothie, or sprinkling a handful of nibs over hot cereal. Cacao powder can be incorporated in everything from baked goods to salad dressings. Looking to achieve that sweet, chocolaty taste you’re familiar with? Try this take on creamy Nutella using raw cacao powder, or whip up a raw cacao milkshake perfect for a summer day.