Cacao, orginally named "Theobroma" cacao, which translates to "food of the gods" in Greek, has been cultivated for over 3.000 years.
Cacao is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, primarily in the Amazon rainforest.The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations revered cacao and considered it a sacred plant.
It was so important that it was used as a form of currency by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. They were highly valued and traded for goods and services.
It's also sacred to us! After all, cacao is used to make chocolate and who doesn't love chocolate?
Cacao beans are used to produce chocolate. The beans are harvested from cacao pods, fermented, dried, roasted, and then ground into a paste known as chocolate liquor. (but no, there's no alcohol content!)
But pure cacao is more than an ingredient to create delicious desserts.
Cacao offers a high variety o nutritional and health benefits. Many of them usually unknown to most.
In fact, cacao is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. These compounds have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and enhanced brain function.
Let's take a closer look at all the benefits cacao has for you. It will make you want to add more of it to your life!
(and some fun facts at the end) ;)
1. Cacao is rich is fiber
Yes, that's right. Cacao consumption helps you maintain bowel regularity and aids your digestion. No need to feel guilty adding it to your meals!
2. Cacao provides essential minerals
Believe it or not, cacao is also packed with essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc. These minerals play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including energy production, immune system, support and bone health. Who doesn't want more of that?
3. Caco is a source of antioxidants
Want to stay young forever? Antioxidants are your friends!
Cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols and other compounds that help combat oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
4. Cacao gives you healthy fats
It doesn't make you fat, it gives you healthy monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid (like the one found in olive oil).
These fats are good fats because they contribute to heart health and help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
5. Cacao improves cardiovascular health
The antioxidants we just talked about help your heart health by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Some studies have shown that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate or cacao products may reduce the risk of heart disease.
So cacao up!
6. Cacao improves your mood and brain function
We all know by now that chocolate makes you happy and this is why!
Cacao contains several compounds that can positively affect your mood and brain function. It stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which can enhance feelings of well-being and happiness. Cacao also contains caffeine and theobromine, which can provide a gentle energy boost and improve mental focus.
Cacao also contains a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA), known as the "love chemical," which can promote feelings of well-being.
7. Cacao regulates your blood sugar
Cacao has a low glycemic index, meaning it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. It can be a suitable option for individuals with diabetes or those who need to manage their blood sugar.
8. Cacao improves your cognitive function
The flavonoids in cacao have been associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Regular consumption of cacao may help protect the brain from age-related decline and enhance memory and learning abilities. So hit your parents up with some good stuff!
9. Cacao reduces inflammation
The antioxidants in cacao can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common factor in various chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
10. Cacao helps your skin
Youth starts with the skin, right?
Cacao contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that can benefit the skin. They may help protect against sun damage, improve skin hydration, and promote a healthy complexion.
So before you start investing in creams, make sure you're eating the right stuff!
HOWEVER! It's of course important to note that while cacao offers potential health benefits, many commercially available chocolate products may have added sugars, fats, and other ingredients that can diminish the overall healthfulness. To reap the most benefits, choose high-quality dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage (70% or higher) and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
You can also buy raw, pure cacao powder, mix it with some maca and inulin and use it for your recipes or drinks.
And now that we've made sure to add some yummy, health cacao into our lives, let's take a look at some fun facts!
Fun Fact 1: Cacao has caffeine content
Cacao beans naturally contain small amounts of caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine in chocolate varies depending on the type and processing methods. Dark chocolate generally contains more caffeine than milk chocolate.
Fun Fact 2: Chocolate is good for astronauts!
NASA has included chocolate as part of the food supplies for astronauts. It provides them with a delicious treat and a boost of energy during space missions.
Fun Fact 3: The cosmetic industry loves cacao
Cacao butter, derived from cacao beans, is used in cosmetic products such as moisturizers, lip balms, and soaps due to its moisturizing and emollient properties.
Fun Fact 4: Cacao has a high economic importance
Cacao is a major cash crop and an essential part of the global economy. Many countries, particularly in West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, rely on cacao production for income and employment.
Also, the global chocolate industry is worth billions of dollars annually. Chocolate bars, truffles, hot chocolate, and other chocolate-based products are enjoyed by people around the world.
Fun Fact 5: Chocolate has its own holidays (2 of them!)
There are several chocolate-related holidays celebrated worldwide. For example, International Chocolate Day is observed on September 13th, and World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7th.
Fun Fact 6: There's a chocolate fountain world record
The largest chocolate fountain ever created was unveiled in 2007 in a shopping mall in the United Kingdom. It stood over 9 meters tall and used more than 4,000 kilograms of melted chocolate.
Fun Fact 7: The chocolate chip cookie was a mistake
The invention of the chocolate chip cookie is attributed to Ruth Graves Wakefield. In the 1930s, she added chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting the chocolate to melt and create a chocolate cookie. Instead, the chocolate remained in chunks, giving birth to the beloved chocolate chip cookie.