What is cacao?
Cacao is basically raw chocolate. They're pieces of the cacao bean that bave been roasted and hulled.
Now you're probably asking to yourself "Cocao bean? I thought it was a cocoa bean??" In fact, the name "cocoa" was derived from the Mayan word "cocao". It's basically the traditional name for the bean.
Health benefits:
- Cocao is very high in magnesium. Magnesium can help with things like physical aches and pains, to mental health issues, and sleep disorders.
- Like all chocolate, it contains phenylethylamine; A chemical your body releases when you fall in love <3
- Releases endorphins that help reduce stress
- Contain theobromine, an alkaloid that stimulates your body similarly to caffeine
- Contains mild amounts of caffeine
- Packed with fibre, healthy fats, and protein
And the list goes on!
How to eat!
Cacao nibs are pretty tasty on their own. They're pretty bitter, similar in texture to a coffee bean, but a little sweeter. However, if you're not convinced yet to throw back a (modest) handful, try one of these:
- Add cacao nibs to your oatmeal. Add a little dried cranberry or blueberry too if you're into that!
- Mix in a bit with some vanilla greek yogurt, a little cocao (or cocoa.. cause they're the same thing!) powder for a tasty treat!
- Try adding some cacao nibs to any blended smoothie that could use a chocolate kick!
I hope you learned a lot from this post, and I really hope you've been inspired to go out and try some of these for yourself!
Don't forget to leave a comment, tweet @ me, or send me an email (links are all available in the new page menu at the top right of the page!) if you have any requests!
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Shawn
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