Tag Archives: cacao

The Benefits of Cacao

cacao

Imagine having a chocolate craving, and having an entire cacao TREE? 

I never realized how much labor goes into the process from plant to chocolate fix. First the pod has to be cracked open, beans extracted and in some cases fermented for several days followed by drying for up to a few weeks depending on how moist the climate is. After that, the dark brown cacao beans can be ground up into cacao nibs which can be raw or roasted! When the nibs are roasted and combined with other ingredients to create a liquor, then sugar can be added to make chocolate bars in molds. Whew! Sounds like a lot of work. During chocolate manufacturing cacao butter and oil are by products of this process and is used in cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals. 

In general, I enjoy cacao and always encourage my clients to get their chocolate fix, the natural way. As you heard described in the process if you are consuming raw cacao nibs or raw cacao powder, you will be getting your chocolate fix with the most potent and natural form of chocolate, pre-roasting phase without added sugars or fillers. Unlike many chocolate products, cacao nibs are naturally low in sugar. They’re also a good source of fiber, antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, and are rich in many minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper. Magnesium is a mineral needed for over 300 different enzyme reactions in our bodies but many of us are deficient. Most women actually crave chocolate around PMS because of the Mg it provides – as adequate Mg is helpful for relieving anxiety. 

Some of my favorite ways to indulge include raw chocolate mousse, smoothies with cacao powder, and adding cacao nibs to an acai bowl or smoothie bowl. Who else can’t live without cacao? -XO

P.S. I can’t believe I’m leaving in three days! I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. It’s been fun discussing some of my favorite Brazilian fruits / foods.  I’m going to enjoy the rest of the time I have left and I’ll fill you guys in on any awesome finds when I get back. If you would like to check out what I am getting into follow me and check out my stories on Instagram. 

The Amazing Health Benefits of Raw Cacao

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tastyhealthproducts.com

tastyhealthproducts.com

Who doesn’t love chocolate? One of the most addictive foods on the planet, chocolate has been widely used in all kinds of foods and desserts to add a feel good feeling. The widely available processed chocolate is not the best thing for you because of the added stimulants, sugar, and fat that come along with it and enhance its already potent addictive qualities. Raw cacao, however, which is chocolate in its raw form, is not only great for you, it’s considered a superfood because of a lengthy antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral profile. Cacao beans are grown on trees that originate in Mexico called Theobroma cacao, which in Greek literally means “food of the gods.” Each pod on the trees yields anywhere from 40-60 cacao seeds. To make the processed chocolate that we know and love, cacao beans are roasted to form cocoa and of course combined with ample amounts of sugar and fat. The roasting process is what strips cacao of its nutrients and minimizes the natural health benefits by reducing the levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals readily available. Raw Cacao contains magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, polyphenols or flavanoids (which have antioxidant properties), along with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and E. Add to all of this a little protein, fiber, and oleic acid, a monosaturated fat that is essential for heart health and you’ve got yourself a bonafide superfood. Below are some potential benefits of eating raw cacao, all of which can be used to justify your raw chocolate cookie monster like cravings. -XoXo Raw Girl 

  • Got Magnesium? Chocolate contains more magnesium than any other food,  which is great to note especially because deficiencies in magnesium are so common. Magnesium is one of the most powerful stress relieving minerals, so if your stressed and craving chocolate, your body is right on target to get what it needs.
  • Beauty Food That Can Slow Aging. Raw Cacao has more antioxidants than any food tested. In fact it has four to six times the antioxidants of roasted cacao, goji berries, acai berries, blueberries,  dark processed chocolate, wine,  and black and green teas. Antioxidants help to repair and resist damage from free radicals, and reduce signs of aging. Cacao is also high in the beauty mineral sulfur, which builds healthy nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports a healthy pancreas.
  • Get Your Happy Fix. Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS systems,  promotes a sense of well-being, and helps increase focus and alertness. It also stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles. (Note: This is not an excuse to opt out of your morning run and indulge in chocolate instead.) Add to all of this phenylethylamine, which is found in chocolate, and also created within the brain and released when we are in love.
  • Protects Your Heart. Studies have shown that chocolate offers protection from heart disease and stroke, and can assist in reducing blood pressure. Consuming cacao also helps dilate bloods vessels, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat, and lowers LDL cholesterol.
  • Boosts Recovery Time.  Studies have shown that cacao may help lower the oxidative stress of strenuous activities which helps athletes to recover. Which means that adding a bit of cacao powder to your post-workout shake is never a bad idea.

P.S. Thank you for your patience! The website was down last week, due to technical issues behind the scenes. Please forgive me, hope to have a smoother transition in the future. 

Recipe! Raw Chocolate Mousse w/ Maca

cacao

Raw Chocolate Mousse I am well aware that when I mention to people that I eat mostly raw foods, most of them imagine me in my kitchen sobbing while eating raw apples and gnawing on celery silently wishing I had a cheeseburger. And although I won’t lie I love to get down with simple raw veg and fruits, it is also true that with a little effort you can create raw vegan gourmet deliciousness that is guilt-free and puts the original recipes to shame. Last week made this raw chocolate mousse in literally five minutes, and I’m sure any chocolate pudding lover would agree that it tasted ten times better than any version that included dairy. The other great part about it is that if you are watching your figure you don’t have to worry about feeling like your tush is going to expand when you are done eating this. For this recipe as long as you have a high speed blender you are good to go, no food processor necessary. I used raw cacao with maca already added in the powder, but  you can also add maca into your mousse seperately for an extra nutritional and libido boost. If you are a chocolate lover, you’ll enjoy this quick and easy dessert and get your cacao fix full on. -XoXo Raw Girl 

Raw Chocoloate Mousse w/ Maca

Prep Time: 5 minutes, 1-2 Servings

Ingredients:

1 Avocado (pitted & peeled)
3 Tbsp cacao powder (with maca or without, or add 1 teaspoon maca powder seperately)
1/3 cup raw agave nectar or 4 soaked dates
½ tsp sea salt
2 tsp vanilla extract 

½ cup water (or less if you prefer thick)

Fresh berries for topping (optional)

In a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Pour into serving dishes, garnish with berries, and chill in the refrigerator for 15 -20 minutes or eat immediately if you just can’t wait! Enjoy!

Eat Something Sexy: 10 Raw Food Aphrodisiacs

almonds

Photo credit: 10000besides.com

Who says you can’t be a sexy raw foodie?  When people think of raw food or raw foodists for that matter, they most often do not think of either as sexy. However many raw foodies are proving just the opposite; if we are what we eat and our diet helps us to remain vibrant, youthful, and energetic, we most certainly can bring sexy back. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are a great deal of raw vegan foods that can help anyone do just that  because they happen to be natural aphrodisiacs.

For ages many cultures have deemed certain foods because of their aroma, appearance, or powers of stimulation, the magical and mysterious label of aphrodisiac. These luscious foods are not only packed with nutrition, they can be used to seduce a potential lover, enhance lovemaking,  increase sexual desire, and in some cases were used to cure impotence and infertility. Below is a list of sexy raw foods, that can add a little passion, flavor, and spice back in your love life.

  1. Arugula One of the oldest known aphrodisiacs, arugula, also known as “rocket seed”  has been used in this capacity since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans. This spicy and earthy flavored lettuce is rich in Vitamin A, C, and iron, and apparently clears the mind while simultaneously  increasing power and energy.  Try tossing this into a mixed green salad on a dinner date;  you may skip the dessert.
  2. Avocado This creamy textured fruit has a feminine shape  but it’s actually more associated with male sexuality. The avocado tree, which grows with the fruit hanging in pairs was referred to as “Ahuacuatl” or testicle tree by the ancient Aztecs. Avocados are so sexy in fact, they were banned by Spanish priests in the middle ages. Beyond their titillating properties, avocados can boost immune function, are known to help anti-aging, and are a great source of B6 and potassium.
  3. Almonds Men take note: apparently the smell of almonds turns women on. For ages, almonds have been considered fertility symbols; they also contain high doses of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
  4. Asparagus Considered an aphrodisiac primarily because of its shape, asparagus was often fed as a prenuptial meal to brides in many cultures. On the nutrition front, asparagus gives your body a nice dose of Vitamin E, which  stimulates sex hormones and boosts sexual powers.
  5. Banana This raw food is packed with nutrition providing the body with potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and also the bromelain enzyme said to enhance male libido. Also deemed an aphrodisiac because of its phallic shape, Hindus regard it as a symbol of fertility, and Central Americans drank the sap of the red banana to promote sexual desire.
  6. CacaoIn my opinion, you have not tasted the true power of this aphrodisiac until you have experienced raw chocolate. This superfood, also known as the “food of the gods”  is one of the most well known aphrodisiacs because of its uncanny ability to stimulate the body and help the brain produce serotonin, which makes us feel in a nutshell, pretty darn good. Cacao also helps to reduce risk of cancer as it absorbs free radicals from the body, can strengthen your cardiovascular system, stimulate your immune system, and reduce chronic fatigue.  Add on top of that the fact that it can be truly orgasmic to the taste, and you’ve got yourself a serious aphrodisiac.
  7. FigsThis fruit, which is one of the oldest recorded fruits on the planet, is said to emulate female sexual organs when cut open. In ancient times, the Greeks associated figs with fertility and the beautiful Cleopatra ranked figs among her favorite fruits to consume. Some sources say that figs not only give you great nutrition for sexual health, as they are loaded with manganese, magnesium, vitamin E, and zinc, but also they may have the power to increase sexual stamina.
  8. Ginger Root This root with a spicy kick has been classified an aphrodisiac due to its scent and ability to stimulate the bodies circulatory system which increases sexual desire and also sensitivity in the erogenous zones.
  9. Goji Berries These “happy berries” as they were called in ancient China, have been considered a food source that boosts male fertility for centuries in Asia. In Chinese medicine goji berries are used to strengthen the adrenal system which controls most of the working of the sex hormones. Other modern studies in Beijing have shown that goji berries may contain polysaccharides which help to protect sperm cells. These berries, nowadays known as a “superfood” pack an incredible amount of nutrition including: Vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, C, and E, antioxidants, fiber, and one of the highest levels of beta-carotene of any fruit. Besides helping you get your groove on, these berries will benefit your cardiovascular health and give your body a nice dose of nutrients!
  10. Peruvian Maca This root which can be consumed in the powder form is another “superfood” that makes you want to “turn out the lights.” Nutrition wise, it packs a real punch with Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, essential fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, sterols, and phytochemicals. Incan warriors consumed maca before battle to increase their stamina and strength, but were prohibited from having maca when invading a city, in order to protect the women from the raging sexual libido. Consuming maca can give a general sense of well-being, decrease stress, increase sex drive, and increase adrenaline. Sounds like a thoughtful Valentines Day gift for a significant other that will leave you reaping some benefits as well.

Photo credit: lizi-liza.blog.cz

There are a host of other aphrodisiacs that didn’t make my top ten list including: vanilla, basil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, chili peppers. Remember, one of the key components to producing amorous feelings within ourselves is possessing optimum health and cultivating balance. At the end of the day our health has a direct effect on our sex drive and reproductive systems. So if you’re desperately searching for a way to bring sexy back, try starting with giving your body optimal nutrition and taking care of you, the best way you can. -XoXo Raw Girl