April 28, 2017
The Cacao Superfood!
I was first introduced to cacao nibs after trying smoothies in various restaurants: they contained this delicious crunchy thing called cacao nibs. I then experimented with them in my mint chocolate ‘chip’ smoothie recipe (see my former post for this awesome recipe). As I began to research cacao I was amazed by the benefits of this delicious and nutritious superfood.
At first I assumed that cacao was some derivative of chocolate (the milk chocolate that I was accustomed to) when in fact what we know as chocolate doesn’t have much (if any) cacao in it at all! Cacao is really the purest form of chocolate that contains a wealth of phytonutrients and amazing health benefits
Raw cacao is also quite different from cocoa powder; cocoa powder is made by taking raw cacao and heating or cooking it at a very high temperature and thus, it loses most of its wonderful nutrients.
Cacao nibs are actually chopped up pieces of raw cacao beans – no sugar added!
The cacao bean may not look too appetizing but it delicious.
While I still use cocoa powder in my house every so often (there are still some antioxidants in it and you can find brands that claim to have much better processing methods), I have begun to incorporate more cacao nibs into our diet now that I understand the differences.
Cacao is full of phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. Depending on its form (i.e. nibs, raw, powder, paste) it packs magnesium, iron, chromium, vitamin C, manganese, zinc, the list goes on and on. Cacao even has the ability to interact with neurotransmitters which can actually help improve our mood.
So the next time you reach for your cocoa powder for a recipe or chocolate of any kind, consider making the switch to chocolate in its most pure form – cacao.
Enjoy!
Jackie
