I know this appeals to more than just me. It’s chocolate.  And it’s GOOD for you!   Yummy. If we must eat chocolate,  let it be nutritious.

😍 KT

The Health Benefits of Cacao
Posted on November 2, 2014 by Nise

Cacao beans are what chocolate dreams are made of! Cacao beans are exotic, unusual type of beans that grows in tropical, moist regions with warm climate and this little discovery is responsible for our most beloved chocolate. Cacao beans contain more than three hundred healthy nutrients, especially flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants etc. 100 grams of Cacao beans contain 408 calories which is high, because of the fats and carbs they contain. However, these are healthy ingredients and make Cacao beans a powerhouse of nutrients.

Cacao beans are rich in everything! Have you ever wondered why chocolate can lift up your mood almost instantly? It’s because Cacao beans contain serotonin and dopamine – two good mood hormones which have positive effects on the entire body and mind. Cacao beans can directly fight depression due to these properties. Besides giving you happiness, Cacao beans can also give you lots of protein. They’re an excellent source of antioxidants. Forget about simple numbers – Cacao beans have 621 antioxidant compound. They can battle free radicals that cause damage in the body and diseases like cancer, degenerative diseases, heart conditions and premature aging.

Cacao beans are good for the heart as well. They contain polyphenols that are able to reduce blood pressure and their magnesium content makes them excellent for the heart. Magnesium can increase the overall heart health and blood will pump more efficiently through the body carrying all the necessary nutrients.

There is a specific nutrient in Cacao beans that is amazingly rich in health benefits. It’s called epicatechin. It has similar effects like penicillin and anesthesia and it can reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, strokes and heart diseases. This compound gives Cacao beans their bitter flavor and is often removed during the processing of the beans. In order to gain the most benefits from Cacao beans, consume them whole.

Cacao beans can help you lose weight due to the polyphenols present it in. All of the nutrients and health benefits help your body maintain its balance and this in return helps you eat less and be in a better mood so that you won’t try to find comfort in food. Also, for best results, always consume either raw Cacao beans or products with 70% raw Cacao in them.

Cacao beans can be found in health food stores or online. Store in accordance with the supplier’s advice.

The nutritive value for 100 grams of Cacao beans is as follows:

408 kcal

Dietary fiber: 32.7 grams

Protein: 19.8 grams

Carbohydrates: 10.8 grams

Total fat: 24.5 grams

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Serving suggestions:

Raw Cacao beans can be consumed for full health benefits as a snack

Cacao is used for cooking, making chocolate, hot drinks, added in cereal, in desserts, with dried fruits etc.

Cacao beans are best consumed without milk because milk can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb antioxidants.

This story was found here: http://eathealthylivefit.com/2014/11/the-health-benefits-of-cacao/