Hard as it may seem, cacao, the bean used to make chocolate, is a healthy food. In its raw form, there are abundant benefits to consuming it. Cacao is a true superfood loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in flavonoids, a potent antioxidant, as well as theobromine, a natural stimulant.
HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS: Raw cacao is one of the most powerful antioxidants of any superfood due to the high level of flavonoids. Cacao has a high concentration of polyphenols, a plant-based micronutrient. The polyphenols found in cacao include flavonoids and flavanols such as catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins. These compounds are the source of cacao's antioxidative power. In fact, cacao has one of the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scores, which is used to measure antioxidant levels in food. Antioxidants protect the body against the cell damage that free radicals cause, known as oxidative stress.
POSITIVE ENERGY AND MOOD: Cacao contains naturally occurring chemicals that make us happy, reduce stress, and provide sustained energy. Theobromine is an alkaloid responsible for the stimulating effects of cacao. Like caffeine, theobromine consumption can provide both a physical and mental energy boost. However, unlike caffeine, theobromine provides a longer, sustained energy without the highs and lows. Cacao also stimulates the release "feel good" hormones which brings about feelings of happiness, euphoria and bliss. It short, it puts you in a good mood.
MINERAL RICH: Cacao has the highest naturally occurring source of magnesium, a mineral that is chronically deficient in western diets. Over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in magnesium. The mineral plays a vital role in our body, supporting our heart, muscles and brain. Other important minerals found in cacao include iron, potassium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and manganese.