10 Little Known Benefits of Cacao Superfood

Cacao can be any product obtained from the cacao beans. Though cacao and cocoa are obtained from same tree and have same set of alphabets rearranged, but there are some vital differences between both of them, including nutrition value, taste and price. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate as it is processed little compared to the cocoa powder or chocolate that we consume. Read on if you want to know the top health benefits of cacao.

1. Antioxidant Mine

Cacao is said to be the largest antioxidant source. If you have been taking blueberries and bananas for your regular allowance of antioxidant, you may reconsider it because cacao has 20 and 120 times more antioxidants from these two fruits respectively. As a matter of fact, it contains four times more of antioxidants than the healthiest dark chocolate.

2. Mood Enhancer

We often say eating chocolates makes us feel better. Have you wondered why? That is so because of anandamide or bliss molecule which creates euphoric feeling, phenethylamine which triggers pleasurable neurochemical called endorphins. Cacao, being the purest chocolate form works even better than those processed chocolate bars.

3. For Mood Swings

Serotonin level is boosted by cacao. This is another feel good hormone. It is due to the drop in serotonin level that women feel depressed during pre and post menstrual phase. Cacao balances the level and thus helps in mood swings.

4. Heart Health Improves

Cacao is a rich source of flavanols. These are anti-inflammatory antioxidants that are known to have heart protective properties. Raw cacao also has polyphenols which can reduce the bad cholesterol level in blood, thus further reducing the risks of stroke and other heart problems.

5. Anti-aging Agent

The polyphenols found in cacao are comprised of complex antioxidants which stops the premature aging of skin. It prevents cell destruction and helps in their rejuvenation.

6. For Weight Watchers

If you have been keeping away from chocolates out of fear of putting on weight, cacao can be your solution. Cacao has MAO inhibitors which are also found in weight loss products and know for appetite shrinking properties. A glass of cacao drink before a meal can help you shed few extra pounds.

7. Energizer

Cacao is one of the richest food sources of magnesium. It not only keeps the joints healthy, but also keeps diseases like osteoporosis away and combats fatigue keeping us charged and energized always.

8. Liver Care

It does sound strange but cacao is truly good for liver. It is a good source of sulfur, thus can take good care of our liver and pancreas. At the same time, it also improves the health of hair and skin.

9. Skin Friendly

We all know strong sun is good for health but we cannot avoid the harmful effects of over exposure to the harmful UV rays and distorted sunburn look. But if you take 20 grams of cacao everyday for three months, you can reverse this effect.

10. Improved Cognitive Function

Cacao improves blood flow to the brain. Studies have shown that middle aged people who drink cacao regularly have better memory and cognitive health. It is also said to have a good effect on Alzheimer’s disease.