Are you being duped into believing that raw cacao is good for you? Is this “super food” actually causing you harm?…

Raw cacao is the most talked about food in the health community.  Thousands are divided as to whether this food is actually good for you, or a harmful neuro-toxin.

Those against raw cacao state that no other animal in the wild will touch cacao.  In fact, cacao has proven to be deadly to certain animals such as dogs and cats…

On the other hand, those in favor of cacao state that this food lifts depression, improves heart function, purifies the blood and supports healthy dopamine levels in the brain.  David Wolfe, a prominent health activist,  is the biggest supporter in the health community of raw cacao.  David and many others claim that chocolate is a powerful antioxidant and increases longevity in humans.

So, who’s right?…

Why “RAW” Cacao Is Inferior To “PREPARED” Cacao

It’s important to understand that ALL cacao undergoes a fermentation process before it is sold to market.  This fermentation process is what gives cacao its chocolate taste.

However, fermentation is not enough to make this food edible…

Many RAW chocolate lovers are taking in huge amounts of anti-nutrients such as lectins and phytic acid (1).  Overtime, these anti-nutrients take their toll on the body and begin to cause mineral deficiencies.

Check out my article: Anti-Nutrients – What Are They and How To Protect Yourself To learn more about anti-nutrients

Our ancestors did not consume cacao in its raw form.  In fact, Amazonian Tribes would ferment the cacao seeds, then boil the cacao seeds, then strain, and then make a fermented beverage of the infused cacao liquid. However, the Amazonian Tribes use this beverage for spiritual ceremonies only.

On the other hand, the Kuna Indians of Panama drink up to 60 cups a week of a hot cacao beverage!  They too prepare the cacao in a way that makes it more bio-available and easier on the body.

First, The Kuna ferment the cacao.  Next, they boil the cacao and bananas together(the bananas act as a sweetener).  Lastly, they strain and serve either hot or cold.

The end result is a heart healthy chocolate drink!

In fact, the Kuna Indians have the lowest rate of cardiovascular disease than any other people in the world (2)!

And its all thanks to the powerful antioxidant rich cacao drink that they consume daily.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgCZciaRKwA

Raw Cacao Needs Preparation!

Many raw foodist forget the fact that nature does not want its seeds eaten.  Cacao, a seed of the cacao fruit, is no exception.  Seeds contain high amounts anti-nutrients that bind to key minerals in the body, thus creating a mineral deficiency.

This is the seeds way of punishing the predator and getting them to stop eating of the seed.  As a result, this allows for the preservation of the future fruit trees to grow…

The best way to prepare cacao and remove the anti-nutrients found within the seed is to either roast or boil.  Remember, all cacao goes through a fermentation process.  As a result, there is no need to perform this step…

If making chocolate, be sure to roast the cacao before grinding into a fine powder.

Likewise, if making a beverage, be sure to grind the cacao then boil.  Reduce the heat after 10 minutes and allow all the cacao goodies to combine with the water.

If your interested in incorporating this super food into your diet I recommend Divine Organic Cacao Nibs – Premium Rio Arriba

 

Be sure to leave your questions and comments below!

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Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8833428

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3835452/