Written By: GMI Reporter

Cacao is a powerful medicinal substance used since ancient times. Researchers have now gathered evidence of its proven health benefits

Raw cacao powder has recently gained popularity among health food enthusiasts, but cacao concoctions have been used as a therapeutic measure against a variety of illnesses as early as 600 B.C. Because of its costly nature, cacao was often reserved only for the very wealthy or very ill and was known for centuries as the "Food of the Gods". It wasn't until recent years, however, that modern scientific researchers began to seriously consider the use of cacao as a medicinal substance with powerful and proven health benefits. [1] Now, there is a growing body of evidence supporting many of the health claims of traditional cacao usage.

Cacao is made by cold-pressing raw seeds from the Theobroma Cacao tree. Cocoa powder, a similar product, is made by roasting raw cacao powder. Both cacao and cocoa have similar health benefits and are high in cocoa flavanols, a specific kind of plant-based nutrient with multiple health benefits. However, studies have found that the roasting process used to make cocoa powder may remove a significant portion of these flavanols and therefore reduce the potential health benefits of cocoa powder. [2] Until processing methods can be optimized to retain maximum nutritional value, raw cacao powder may be a more nutritious food than cocoa powder.

Here Are 6 Evidence-Based Reasons to Include More Cacao or Cocoa Powder in Your Diet:

1. Reduced Risk of Cardiometric Disorders

Studies have shown an association with chocolate consumption and a reduction in the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular disease. [3] [4] Dietary intervention trials showed cocoa flavanols (present in raw cacao and dark chocolate) to have strong vascular effects, including improved blood pressure and platelet function. [5] [6] These results suggest that the regular consumption of cacao or chocolate products containing flavanols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. [7]

2. Rich Source of Antioxidants

Cacao seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, especially compared to most other antioxidant-rich foods. In one study, it was reported that "cocoa‐based products contribute a greater proportion of the dietary intake of phenolic antioxidants than do green tea, wine, soya[1] beans, and blueberries, which are known antioxidant‐rich food products and beverages." [8] Despite a loss of antioxidants during roasting and fermentation processes, cocoa powder also contains up to 50mg of polyphenols per gram, a much higher amount than the antioxidant levels found in most foods. [9]

3. May Reduce Inflammation

Multiple studies on cocoa consumption involving subjects with coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases related to chronic inflammation showed that a "consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa may reduce inflammation, probably by a reduced activation of monocytes and neutrophils. This may prevent or even reduce vascular inflammation." [10] Other research similarly found that cocoa flavanols could be used as a possible preventative measure against diseases linked to inflammation and further supported the anti-inflammatory effect of cacao. [11] [12]

4. Lowered Risk of Diabetes

"Besides the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects demonstrated by cacao flavanols, publications have emphasized their potential benefits in reducing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes." [13] Further studies showed that consistent supplementation with cacao lowered the glycemic levels and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reducing the risk of type II diabetes. [14] [15]

5. Improves Cognitive Function

Research has linked the consumption of cocoa flavanols with improved mental performance. This may be due to the increased cerebral blood flow caused by cocoa flavanols. [16] [17] Additionally, flavonoids found in cacao protect neurons from oxidative damage and may play a role in the regulation of oxidative stress, one of the main causes of decreased cognitive function. In another study involving aging rats, flavonoids preserved cognitive ability, lowering the risk for stroke and Alzheimer's disease. [18]

6. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Cacao seeds may have anti-cancer properties thanks to their potent antioxidant quality. Cancer is characterized as the uncontrollable dividing of abnormal cells that invade and interfere with the functioning of healthy tissue in the body. Cacao has been shown to have antimitotic effects, making it a potential preventative measure for fighting abnormal cell growth. [19] [20] Additionally, the flavonoids present in cacao "appear to be anti-proliferative, induce apoptosis...and are most likely to be effective as anti-cancer agents." [21]

How to Safely Add Cacao to Your Diet:

While cacao is a wonderful compound that can be safely used at home, it's important to note that most chocolate products contain added ingredients that may outweigh any health benefits, and overconsumption of these products may have a harmful effect. "The addition of milk, sugar, and other substances to cocoa powder or cocoa liquor in the production of commercial cocoa drink mixes and chocolate candy may impact the bioavailability of cocoa flavanols if not their concentration." [22] Another study concluded that overconsumption of sugary cacao drinks and other high-calorie chocolate products could lead to increases in body weight that reversed the endocrinological benefits of cacao. [23] Moderation is important in the addition of such sugary and high-calorie foods.

To safely incorporate cacao into your diet and reap its full benefits, use a cacao powder that is organic and raw. If raw cacao powder is too difficult to find, organic cocoa powder or dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa retains many of the antioxidant benefits of cacao and can be safely consumed in small quantities without concern about added ingredients affecting the potency of flavanols. Milk chocolate may also possess some healthful benefits but to a much lesser extent, and often has a higher amount of sugar and other potentially harmful ingredients than dark chocolate products. [24]

Raw cacao powder can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cocoa powder in baking recipes and smoothies, or in hot chocolate recipes instead of sugary drink mixes. As with all foods, it's important to enjoy cacao in moderation. Always listen to your body to determine which foods are right for you.

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