Raw Organic Cacao The Superfood Your Body Will Love

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If you’re like me, always on the lookout for foods that nourish the body while still tasting incredible, then you’ve likely heard about cacao. But let me stop you right there—not the sugary chocolate bars we see in supermarkets. I’m talking about the real deal: raw organic cacao. This pure, unprocessed form of chocolate is not just delicious, it’s a superfood packed with nutrients and health benefits.

Whether you’re sipping on a cacao-infused smoothie or indulging in a raw vegan cacao mousse, this powerhouse of a health food deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. Ready to dive into the world of cacao? Let’s take a look at why this ancient food is a game-changer for both your body and mind.

What is Raw Organic Cacao?

Raw organic cacao comes from the cacao bean, the seed of the Theobroma cacao tree. The beans are minimally processed to preserve the wealth of nutrients that get lost when making traditional chocolate. Unlike cocoa, which is roasted at high temperatures and often stripped of its goodness, raw cacao retains all of its potent antioxidants and minerals, making it a true superfood.

Want to know more? Check out this insightful video from David Wolfe on the benefits of raw cacao: David Wolfe on Cacao.

What Makes Cacao a Superfood?

So why is cacao considered such a nutritional powerhouse? Here are some of the key minerals and nutrients that make it stand out:

Magnesium: Cacao is one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium, a crucial mineral for relaxing muscles, maintaining heart health, and even helping with sleep and stress.
Iron: If you’re on a plant-based or vegan diet, cacao offers the highest plant-based source of iron. Pair it with vitamin C-rich foods to increase absorption.
Zinc: Your immune system’s best friend. Zinc helps keep you strong, and cacao is a fantastic natural source.
Copper: Essential for brain function and helping prevent cognitive decline.
Antioxidants: Raw cacao has 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries! These flavonoids help protect your body from oxidative stress and premature aging.

Let’s break these down a bit more and see how they benefit your health.

5 Major Benefits of Raw Organic Cacao

1. The Top Plant-Based Source of Iron

If you’re always looking for more iron in your diet, especially on a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, look no further. Cacao boasts 13.9 mg of iron per 100 grams, much more than beef or spinach. While you may not be eating 100 grams of cacao at a time (it’s strong stuff!), incorporating it regularly into your meals is a great way to support your iron levels naturally. Just don’t forget to pair it with vitamin C—think oranges, kiwi, or even superfoods like camu camu, which contains 40 times more vitamin C than oranges.

2. Rich in Magnesium for Optimal Heart and Brain Function

Magnesium deficiency is widespread, especially in the Western world. It’s linked to stress, anxiety, and even poor sleep. But fear not, cacao is here to save the day! It’s one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium, a mineral essential for heart health, muscle relaxation, and even mental clarity. So, when you reach for that square of raw chocolate, remember it’s not just your taste buds you’re treating—it’s your entire body!

3. Contains 40x More Antioxidants Than Blueberries

Yes, 40 times! Cacao has an impressive ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score of 98,000 per 100 grams, compared to just 2,400 in blueberries. These antioxidants are your body’s frontline defense against free radicals—those nasty compounds that can cause cell and tissue damage and lead to diseases like cancer. So, adding a bit of cacao to your daily routine could give your body a much-needed antioxidant boost.

4. A Natural Mood Elevator and Antidepressant

Feeling a little down? Cacao contains four bliss chemicals: serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine, all of which are linked to happiness and a sense of well-being. These natural mood boosters make cacao an excellent and healthy way to lift your spirits.

5. Higher Calcium Content Than Dairy Milk

Surprised? Raw cacao contains more calcium than cow’s milk, with 160 mg per 100 grams compared to 125 mg per 100 ml of milk. It’s time to rethink that milkshake or latte—perhaps you’d prefer a cacao-infused smoothie or some raw vegan chocolate?

How to Incorporate Cacao Into Your Diet

So, how do you start adding this superfood to your meals? The great thing about cacao is that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re adding it to your smoothies, desserts, or morning coffee, it’s an easy way to nourish your body. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy cacao:

1. Morning Cacao Smoothie

Start your day with a nutrient-packed smoothie. Just blend a tablespoon of raw cacao powder with a frozen banana, almond milk, a handful of spinach, and a dash of cinnamon. It’s a creamy, delicious way to kickstart your day with a boost of energy and focus.

2. Raw Cacao Energy Balls

If you’re looking for a healthy snack, raw cacao energy balls are the perfect treat. Combine dates, almonds, and raw cacao powder, then roll them into bite-sized balls. These are great for an on-the-go snack when you need something sweet but nutritious.

3. Cacao Porridge

Upgrade your morning oatmeal with a spoonful of cacao powder. Top it off with sliced bananas, nuts, and a drizzle of raw honey for a delicious, indulgent start to your day that’s still good for you.

4. Raw Vegan Cacao Mousse

For dessert, whip up a guilt-free raw vegan cacao mousse using ripe avocados, cacao powder, almond milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a luxurious, healthy treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings while nourishing your body.

5. Cacao in Your Coffee or Hot Drink

For a simple cacao hit, sprinkle some cacao powder into your morning coffee or hot almond milk. It adds a rich depth of flavor, plus you get a magnesium boost.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Cacao

Incorporating cacao into your diet means you’re getting a wealth of health benefits. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re giving your body:

Fiber: Great for digestion.
Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function, as well as heart health.
Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
Calcium: Important for strong bones.
Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions.
Antioxidants: Protects against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Vitamins: Contains B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), all essential for energy and brain health.
Healthy Fats: Provides small amounts of monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.

Why Organic Cacao?

You might be wondering, “Why organic cacao?” The answer lies in how it’s grown and processed. Conventional cacao can often be loaded with pesticides and other chemicals, which can not only harm your health but also the planet. Organic cacao, on the other hand, is grown without these harmful substances, ensuring a purer, cleaner product. Plus, supporting organic cacao helps promote sustainable farming practices, which is better for everyone—us, the environment, and the farmers who grow it.

Cacao More Than Just Health

Cacao isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about connecting with nature and enjoying food in its most natural, unprocessed form. When you take a moment to appreciate the rich, earthy taste of raw cacao, you’re not only benefiting physically but emotionally as well. There’s something truly mindful and joyful about incorporating cacao into your life. It’s a way to nourish not just your body but also your spirit.

Final Thoughts

Cacao is more than just a superfood—it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and health-boosting properties that can transform your well-being. From its rich mineral content to its ability to elevate mood and improve heart health, cacao is a must-have addition to your diet. Whether you’re blending it into smoothies, sprinkling it into coffee, or indulging in a raw vegan mousse, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this incredible health food.

So why wait? Start incorporating raw organic cacao into your meals today, and let its natural goodness nourish your body from the inside out.