The Power of Cacao Nibs
Cacao is one of the worlds greatest super foods. In fact, ancient Mayan culture referred to this food as “The Food of The Gods.” Mayan kings would drink up to 30 cups a day of this nutritious bean! The result was a higher vigor and a longer lifespan due to its anti-aging properties. It was observed that the cacao bean improved mood and increased a higher order of thinking.
The preparation of this bean has changed dramatically over the centuries. The ancient Mayans did not pervert this super food with sugar and additives like we do today. In fact, the Mayans used the pulp of the cacao fruit to make a fermented alcoholic beverage. This drink would most definitely include beneficial live probiotics which are crucial for gut health. It wasn’t until recently that the seed of the cacao fruit was used for food. That being said, both the pulp and seed are extremely beneficial.
Unfortunately, due to over processing, many haven’t experienced what true chocolate does and should taste like. As a result, the full spectrum of benefits can’t be experienced when consuming MOST packaged chocolate.
Cacao and Cardiovascular Health
Cacao contains a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol. Polyphenols are mostly found in plant foods, red wine, and tea. However, this antioxidant is especially rich in cacao. This antioxidant helps lower LDL. Those with high LDL levels are at major risk for developing coronary disease. As well as lowering LDL, cacao also stops the clumping of blood. When Blood platelets clump together, this leads to the hardening of arteries. Unfortunately, store bought, sugar laden chocolate contain only small amounts of this beneficial antioxidant. It’s important to note, Polyphenols are part of cacao. For this reason, if you buy store bought chocolate, make sure it contains nothing less than 90% cacao.
As mentioned before, most chocolate today is overly processed in order to appeal to the consumers taste buds. Cacao in its natural form is bitter. Bitter food is required for healthy liver function. In fact, most food growing in nature is very bitter! It isn’t until man comes along and says “I can make this better” that we begin to run into problems. Try and find one tribe that has lived off the land for over 4 generations that experienced health problems that we face today. I can guarantee you will not find one. Remember, nature is perfect. It doesn’t make mistakes when creating a particular food. All health problems that we face today are man made and a result of food being processed in a way that nature did not intend.
Improved Cognition and Blood Flow
One of the many benefits of consuming cacao on a daily basis is its ability to improve blood flow; primarily to the brain. Cacao contains beneficial phytonutrients called flavanols. These flavanols are the reason for the increased blood flow. However, cacao has a unique ability to redirect this blood flow primarily to the brain. This is why cacao is a potent cognitive booster. Ancient Mayan kings likely recognized this increased brain power after consuming the fermented cacao drink. As a result, in order to have an advantage over those being ruled, the kings reserved the cacao for themselves.
Numerous studies have shown that cacao consumption leads to better thinking and longer lifespans. Jeanne Louise Calment, a 122 year old French women, accredited her long lifespan to eating nearly 2.2 pounds of chocolate a week! Even into Jeanne’s last days, she still showed good cognitive function until the day she died. This should be of no surprise however; when we eat right and follow the laws of nature, the body rewards us. Cacao, like all super foods, promotes longevity and vigor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgCZciaRKwA
A High Source Of Naturally Occurring Minerals
Cacao is one of the best sources to obtain naturally occurring minerals. Many of the minerals that our society is most deficient in are present in cacao. For example, magnesium is a key mineral that is responsible for over 300 metabolic functions in the body. Unfortunately, many are deficient in this vital mineral. Cacao has the highest amount of magnesium than any other food. In fact, one ounce of cacao nibs contains 64 mg of magnesium. Unlike most magnesium supplements, the magnesium found in cacao is in “organic form.” We can only make use of organic minerals. Mineral supplements that aren’t “chelated” are still in rock form and can’t be utilized by the body properly.
As well as being a powerhouse of magnesium, its also contains good amounts of zinc, selenium, and copper. These three minerals are crucial for thyroid health. Those suffering from a sluggish thyroid, will benefit tremendously adding cacao into their diet. Furthermore, zinc is responsible for proper cell growth, as well as proper immune system function. Selenium protects the body against harmful free radical damage and aids in both hair and nail growth! Lastly, the proper formation and replication of red blood cells is dependent on the presence of copper.
Experience The Benefits of Cacao Today!
If you haven’t done so already, you need to incorporate cacao into your diet. If you’re serious about health, longevity, or adaptogens; introducing cacao into your diet is a must. The Mayans recognized the power of this food centuries ago and were one of the most intelligent people of the past. Check out the link below to purchase quality organic cacao!
Divine Organics, 2Lb / 32oz Raw Cacao / Cocoa Nibs – Certified Organic – Premium Rio Arriba
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