Are you worried about Easter approaching and all those tempting chocolate eggs that, while delicious, just don’t really vibe with your health and weight loss goals?

Here’s how you can get your chocolate fix in a radically healthy way!

Welcome to the world of Cacao. Not to be confused with regular cocoa or sweetened drinking chocolate.

Wondering what the difference is?

Let me explain..

Cacao vs Cocoa

Cacao is a tropical evergreen tree that produces pods containing seeds, or beans, covered with a delicious sweet pulp. These seeds or beans are what we use to make chocolate and cocoa butter.

The difference between cocoa and cacao is that cocoa is processed at a much higher temperature, whereas cacao is made from the fermented beans that have not been roasted. They are processed at much lower temperatures and do not include an additives.

Cacao powder is bitter and much higher in nutrients. Cocoa powder is often bitter but has lost some of its nutritional value.

In stores, you will find that cocoa powder often has added sugar or dairy, whereas cacao is a much cleaner, purer powder.

Nutritional Benefits of Cacao

Cacao is an incredible superfood. It’s actually one of the most chemically complex foods on the planet!

It contains more magnesium and chromium than any other food that has been studied to date. The majority of people are deficient in magnesium, which is a critical mineral for our health, seeing as it has a function in over 300 cellular processes.

The antioxidants contained in cacao have been proven to dissolve plaque build up in the arteries, a critical part of helping to reverse heart disease and lower blood pressure. Considering what a huge cause of death heart disease is, this is important information!

Cacao also contains a significant amount of iron, a critical mineral for keeping our blood healthy. It also has chromium - an important trace mineral that can assist in weight loss as it helps to balance blood sugar. With a huge amount of people deficient in chromium, it’s good to know that Cacao has enough to help reverse any deficiencies.

❊Builds strong bones

❊ Detoxifies the liver

❊ Protects the balance of brain chemistry

❊ Supports cardiovascular health

❊ Facilitates anti-aging

❊ Helps to reduce pms

❊ Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood clotting.

Cacao Promotes Happiness

Cacao also has an added spiritual component.

Are you familiar with the “bliss molecule”?

That is a molecule known as Anandamide which binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. It promotes feelings of euphoria, and can stimulate happiness and mental well-being.

Cacao also contains the “Love Molecule” PEA (phenylethylamine) - a compound that elevates your mood, brings feelings of excitement, and can help calm anxiety.

Add to this the other naturally occurring amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids and you really have an amazing superfood that is bursting with health-boosting properties.

Truly raw cacao has a very minimal amount of caffeine (comparable to a decaff), so even for people avoiding caffeine, this shouldn’t be a problem (unless you are very sensitive).

Experiment with adding cacao to a smoothie, making a cacao latte with plant-based milk and honey, or baking a raw brownie.

There is so much you can do with this incredible food! If you are looking for a natural mood boost, and to get that chocolate fix, there is literally nothing better on this planet than raw cacao.