What if we tell you about a natural ingredient that is equally delicious to treat not one but several health conditions? Well, it is none other than raw cacao. No, it is not the sugary processed stuff you get at shops, but the real deal. It is cold-pressing raw cacao beans to maintain most of the nutrients. How it differs from the more ubiquitous cocoa? Cocoa is roasted and heavily processed, while raw cacao is minimally processed and is chock-a-block with flavonoids and magnesium. Even if it is not chocolate, it can satisfy your cravings for it. It is no less than a bonafide superfood, and here is why you should start loading up on raw cacao today.

FIGHTS FATIGUE

If you are still feeling exhausted after a good night’s sleep, then you may be suffering from magnesium deficiency. Stop! You don’t need to pop a magnesium pill as yet, you can instead have more raw cacao. It is the most natural way to improve your energy levels. It is a versatile ingredient and is easy to sneak into your morning smoothie, as it will taste great and also give a boost to your energy levels.

CONTROLS MOOD SWINGS

Cacao contains a bliss molecule, also known as anandamide, which binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and gives you a sense of ease and happiness. Cacao will also improve your well-being and the serotonin levels in the brain.

GLOWS UP YOUR SKIN

Cacao is a highly beneficial ingredient to give you vibrant and healthy skin as it is rich in flavonoids that can help increase the blood flow that reaches the skin’s surface. The greater blood flow may also help in cell regeneration which is the primary factor to give you a skin glow. Try a DIY raw cacao antioxidant-rich face mask that can give your skin an unmatched glow. Indeed, your skin deserves a chocolatey treatment from time to time.

PREVENTS PREMATURE AGING

Consume more raw cacao to improve the quality of your skin and prevent premature aging. This is mainly because antioxidant-rich cacao can protect your cells from advanced destruction and give them a healthy and nourished feeling.

PROTECTS YOUR TEETH

Researchers have found out that the theobromine component in cacao beans can be effective at preventing cavities and protecting your tooth against decay more efficiently than fluoride. This is because the said compounds have antibacterial properties. Those agents can effectively fight plaque, while also help harden tooth enamel, reducing the chances of tooth decay. So, skip the fluoride and nibble on cacao nibs to get healthy teeth.

BENEFITS THE DIGESTION

Raw cacao is rich in dietary fiber and magnesium, so regular consumption of the powder or the nibs may prevent constipation, improving digestive health to a great extent. Whether you consume it as a smoothie or just have it as a pudding, it is the ultimate food to improve your digestion.

BOOSTS COGNITIVE FUNCTION

The high flavanol content of raw cacao can get absorbed into the bloodstream and make its way into the hippocampus, the region that improves memory and learning. These flavanols then make new neurons, all the while improving their functionality and forms a protective barrier against free radicals. Thus, playing a major role in improving cognitive abilities.

CUTS DOWN THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

What is the most delicious way to reduce your cholesterol levels? Well, it is as easy as biting into a decadent piece of raw cacao fudge, provided of course that you make the treat truly decadent without adding a lot of refined sugar. High cholesterol levels can increase your chances of developing heart disease to a great extent, but here is where raw cacao comes to your rescue. It has powerful properties to lower LDL – bad cholesterol – and raises the good cholesterol or HDL. This is because it contains high amounts of antioxidants found in cacao which protect the lipoproteins from oxidizing, and protects it from free radicals.

So, what are you waiting for? It is time to nibble on some raw cacao nibs to protect your heart, improve your skin texture, and just maintain your health in every possible way you can think of! You can look for the unprocessed variety online or at a store near you.