Not to be confused with chocolate, raw cacao is one of nature’s most incredible superfoods. Packed with antioxidants, iron, magnesium and whole bunch of other good stuff, it’s no wonder why the ancient Incans dubbed cacao ‘the food of the Gods’. Find out why need our raw organic cacao in your life!
RAW ORGANIC CACAO VS. COCOA
Raw cacao is different to the common ‘Cacoa’ most of us grew up with our Mum’s baking chocolate cakes out of. Cacao originates from the native Central and South American Theobroma Cacao tree from which Cocoa is derived, and is used when referring to unprocessed versions of the cacao bean.
Normal cocoa powder and chocolate have been chemically processed and roasted, which eliminates the majority of antioxidants and flavanols (the compounds that keep you young and healthy). In fact, some studies suggest that between 60% and 90% of the original antioxidants in cacao are lost through the common ‘Dutch processing’ method’.
Non-organic cacoa and chocolate have also been heavily treated with toxic pesticides, and can often contain genetically modified products.
Raw Organic Cacao in contrast holds an abundance of benefits for your health and wellbeing. Our True Protein Cacao powder is absolutely perfect for adding to your diet, minus the guilt of regular chocolate but with all the deliciousness intact!
5 BENEFITS OF RAW ORGANIC CACAO
1. The Ultimate Plant-Based Source of Iron
Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a massive 7.3mg per 100g. Compare this to beef and lamb at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg. It’s important to note that the iron in cacao is non-heme (as is all plant-based iron), so to get the optimal gains you’ll want to combine it with vitamin C.
2. Over 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries
Raw Organic Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Yep you heard it, 40 times! It also has an ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400. ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. It’s a measure of the ability antioxidants in food have to quench oxygen free radicals from pollution and toxins in our environment, which lead to cell and tissue damage and can even cause cancer.
3. Packed with Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain
Raw Organic Cacao also contains the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world. Magnesium is crucial for keeping your heart happy and healthy. It also helps switch glucose into energy for a sharper brain and increased focus.
4. More Calcium Than Cow’s Milk
Who wants cow’s milk when you can just have some cacao? Cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk. Swap your full milk latte for a vegan cacao smoothie instead!
5. A Natural Mood Booster and Anti-Depressant
Cacao is scientifically proven to provide the four major chemicals that keep us calm, balanced and blissful – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters can even alleviate depression. Try our raw organic cacao for a natural, healthy and yum way to get your happy buzz on.