Is Chocolate Powder Healthy? (100% Cacao)

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Cacao powder is associated with various health benefits due to its composition of over 300 identifiable chemical compounds. These compounds are renowned for their ability to enhance mood, increase energy levels, and promote a sense of well-being.

Why is cacao powder healthy?

Chocolate powder in it’s 100% cacao form is healthy because it contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants on the planet, exceeding that of red wine, Green tea, and many other exotic fruits and vegetables. Chocolate (cacao) powder is a source of the mineral magnesium and recent scientific studies have shown that cacao may assist with healthful blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs. It has also been shown to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Chocolate powder is high in antioxidants, surpassing those contained in superfoods such as baobab, green tea, berries, and chia seeds. And is a rich source of fiber, protein, healthy fats and a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

You will find the following amounts of nutrients contained in two tablespoons of cacao powder:

What can I use chocolate cacao powder for?

Cacao powder is rich in potassium, which reduces the risk of heart disease by acting as an anti-inflammatory and reduces stress on the cells. The fiber in cacao also increases healthy digestion and can reduce irritable bowel discomfort and other digestive problems.

1. Add to smoothies: Smoothies always pair naturally with cacao powder since cacao powder turns smoothies into chocolate ice cream. In contrast, smoothies' sweet flavor conceals cacao's slightly bitter taste.

Blend your preferred fruit (berries, bananas, and avocado with almond milk are great), add 1 or 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, and revel in its rich, exotic flavor.

2. Add to your stews: Cacao powder has long been used as a savory spice, such as beef and mushroom stews. The earthy spice and slightly bitter taste are naturally great when combined with other herbs to make stews.

Combining cacao with chili, lime, and cinnamon is a great way to make your stew extra delicious.

3. Use in baked treats: You can use cacao powder interchangeably with unsweetened cocoa powder for your baking treats. However, you will lose much of the antioxidant benefits of cacao due to heating during the baking process, and the taste will be bitter.

Therefore, use cacao in the already-baked treats by sprinkling cacao nibs to your cakes and batters for a crunchy texture.

4. To make a face mask: Cacao contains high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids, which are powerful stimulants for blood circulation in the skin, removing unwanted wrinkles and giving you a perfect glow.

Health Benefits Of 100% Cacao Powder

Cacao powder is also known as a powder made from cocoa beans, being the raw substance of chocolate, and has no preservatives or other added sugars with milk. Chocolate bars are differentiated from this.

1. Provides Antioxidant Properties

Cacao contains many of the richest flavonoids, which have produced powerful anti-inflammatory properties and reduce oxidative stress. The antioxidants in cacao might benefit from neutralizing free radicals and unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to aging and disease, and their sources are derived from oxidative stress.

2. Supports Brain Health

Cacao has more flavonoids, and a rich supply could benefit brain functioning. This process increases the bloodstream to the head and boosts cognitive performance as well. Experiments and reviews have also illustrated that cacao enhances memory retention, focus abilities, and cognitive ability overall, thus forming a healthy consumption for anyone on the path toward mental well-being.

3. Increases Metabolism

Cacao has the natural ability to boost metabolism. Combining its antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients will help regulate the body's metabolism, which might be helpful in weight management. Cacao also contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, compounds that increase energy and fat burning.

4. Cardiovascular Health

It has been proved that moderate consumption of cacao may improve cardiovascular health. Flavanols found in cacao promote the production of nitric oxide, which enhances blood vessel function. Nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, allowing for proper blood flow and decreased blood pressure. According to various studies, cacao might prevent heart disease by improving the health of blood vessels.

5. Mood Enhancer

Chocolate is often associated with pleasure, and it's no wonder why. Cacao contains compounds that can cause the release of endorphins, the body's "feel-good" hormones. It also contains serotonin precursors, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, thus promoting emotional well-being.

Is 100% Cacao Powder Good For Weight Loss?

One of the more surprising benefits of 100% cacao powder is its potential role in weight management. Being a product low in sugar and calories, cacao powder is very good for a diet-conscious person. In addition, flavonols in cacao regulate blood sugar levels by preventing them from spiking and crashing, which triggers cravings. With judicious use, cacao powder can contribute to a healthy diet and even aid in shedding pounds through fat oxidation promotion and metabolic boost.

Downsides Of 100% Cacao Powder

Although cacao is very nutritious, it should be consumed in moderation. Too much cacao may cause digestive issues, such as bloating or acidity, for some people. Also, cacao contains theobromine, a stimulant that can affect the heart or cause restlessness in sensitive people. Lastly, although cacao is low in sugar, one should avoid combining it with unhealthy ingredients (such as sugar-laden milk chocolate) that might cancel its health benefits.

Amazing Cacao Powder Recipes

These tasty everyday cacao powder recipes are perfect for exploiting its nutritional properties:

Cacao Beef Stew Basic Recipe

• 2 lb beef
• Three tablespoons of oil
• Two stalks celery, chopped
• Two onions, chopped
• Three tomatoes, chopped or blended
• One cup beef broth
• One teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• One tablespoon ground cumin
• One tablespoon ground cinnamon
• One tablespoon dried oregano
• Two ounces of cacao powder
• Salt to taste

When the beef is ready for frying, add the onions, ginger, and garlic. Add tomatoes and cover for a minute. Add beef broth, celery, and other spices and stir well. Season with salt, and simmer until the beef is tender, and broth thick. Stir in the cacao powder and serve immediately.

Cacao Antioxidant Face Mask Recipe

• One tablespoon cacao powder
• Two tablespoons clay (red clay works best for all skin types)
• 1/2 tablespoon natural oil (olive, jojoba, coconut)
• One small cup of soaked and cooled green tea

Mix the dry ingredients. Add your oil and then cool green tea. Sprinkle until you reach a creamy, smooth paste-like consistency. Apply, in a thick layer, over your face and leave for 15-20 minutes. 

Use an old piece of cloth to remove the face mask by dipping it in hot water, squeezing and holding the fabric close to your face to give it some steam. Then, dip the cloth in warm water and gently wipe the mask off. Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and apply some oil.

Cacao Beverage Recipe

Add a tablespoon of Cacao Paste Wafers to warm water and sweeten with maple syrup or Agave Nectar to get rich, healthy chocolate.

To improve the flavor, combine with a cup of coffee and add a bit of oat, almond milk, or organic coconut milk powder.

For a smoothie with a twist of healthy fats, use Cacao Butter Wafers.

FAQs on 100% Cacao Powder

Is 100% cacao powder good for fighting inflammation?

Flavonoid-rich cacao has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation, promoting overall health and wellness.

Is cacao powder a better choice compared to regular chocolate?

Yes, 100% cacao powder is healthier than regular chocolate because it has no added sugars or fats, which is common in milk or dark chocolate.

How does cacao affect blood sugar?

Cacao has a low glycemic index, meaning it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable option for those managing blood sugar levels or looking to avoid spikes in energy.

Include 100% cacao powder as part of a healthy diet to reap all the health benefits without sacrificing any wellness goals.

For Bulk inquiries and custom formulations click here: https://www.znaturalfoods.com/pages/bulk

References

Katz, David L., Kim Doughty, and Ather Ali. “Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease.” Antioxidants & redox signaling 15, no. 10 (2011): 2779-2811. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/

Lee, Ki Won, Young Jun Kim, Hyong Joo Lee, and Chang Yong Lee. “Cocoa has more phenolic phytochemicals and a higher antioxidant capacity than teas and red wine.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 51, no. 25 (2003): 7292-7295. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14640573/

Harvard University. n.d. Dark Chocolate. The Nutrition Source [online] Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/dark-chocolate/ [Accessed 15 November 2021].