If you’re anything like me, every once in a while I’ll have a chocolate craving! Chocolate comes from cacao seeds. Pure cacao is actually extremely beneficial for you! In fact! Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants in the world!

WHERE DOES CACAO COME FROM:

Chocolate in its purest form is derived from cacao. Organic cacao comes from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree which is found in central and South America. The extraction of cacao involves a  5 step process.

Step #1) Harvesting cacao pods from the trees

Step #2) Extracting the beans from the seeds 

Step #3) Fermentation of the seeds

Step #4) Drying  the seeds 

Step #5) Then the seeds are roasted, grinded , and further processed to  make either cacao powder, cacao nibs, cacao butter or chocolate.  

WHAT’S THE BEST FORM OF CHOCOLATE ?

Dark chocolate! Dark chocolate contains all if not most of the cacao benefits. The best form of chocolate is 100 % pure dark chocolate! 

Ever wonder what the % of chocolate means on your favorite chocolate bars?

Well the % is measured by a ratio. The % indicated on the label is the amount of cacao found in the bar. The remaining percent is the quantity of sugar and any other added ingredient. If you find that 100% cacao is too bitter opt out for a smaller %. You might want to try the 90% dark chocolate. You might find this option to be slightly less bitter as it contains 10% added sugar. 

THE BENEFITS OF CACAO:

CACAO AND ANTIOXIDANTS:

Antioxidants  help protect us from most age related health conditions. They work  to protect  our DNA  from any free radical damage. Free radicals  cause damage to our bodies in the form of  cellular damage  which can lead to illnesses. 

The most common antioxidants are found in: Vitamins C and E, green tea, berries, spinach (leafy greens), walnuts, flaxseeds and whole grains. 

CACAO AND MAGNESIUM:

 Cacao also contains the highest amount of magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral. It plays a vital role in:

• Supporting heart health 
• Increases brain power 
• Releases menstrual cramps 
• Relaxes muscles
• Increases flexibility 
• Helps build strong bones 

Magnesium helps to reduce the strain felt throughout our body. By lessening this strain our body is able to relax and reduce the resistance that is felt throughout our joints and muscles. 

OTHER  BENEFITS OF CACAO:

• Contains high traces of iron: iron  plays a key role in oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin keeps our blood healthy and helps to carry oxygen to our tissues.
• Contains an important trace mineral called  chromium: Chromium works to help balance our blood sugar levels 
• Contains high amounts of zinc: Zinc is a trace mineral that helps our immune system as well as our liver and pancreas function. 
• Contains traces of serotonin: Serotonin is called our  stress defense shield. Serotonin  is our feel good hormone that helps boost our mood!
• Contains fiber: Cacao is a source of soluble fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and helps promote intestinal health. A healthy intestine assures proper nutrient absorption. 

HOW TO BUY GOOD QUALITY CACAO:

• Look for organic, raw cacao 
• It can be found in the form of: Cacao beans, cacao powder, cacao nibs or even cacao paste

As a chocolate fanatic myself, these are my top 2 favorite chocolate recipes that are easy to make and satisfy my sweet tooth while also benefiting from the super properties of cacao!

My favorite healthy  chocolate recipes:

 #1) Healthy avocado brownies: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 large avocado 
• ½ cup of maple syrup 
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla 
• 3 eggs 
• ½ cup of organic cacao 
• ½ teaspoon of salt 
• 1 reason of baking powder 
• ½ cup of flour 

What to do?

• Combine the avocado, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs in a blender.
• Mix until you have an evenly blended liquid. 
• Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. 
• Combine the flour mixture and the chocolate blend together 
• You can add in other ingredients like; chocolate chips, flax seeds, coconut flakes etc…
• Line your favorite brownie dish with parchment paper
• Cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 mins
• Let the brownies cool and garnish with flaxy salt or cacao powder 

#2) Chocolate power bites:

 Ingredients: 

• 2 cuts of oat flour 
• ⅓ cup of organic cacao 
• 1 ripe banana
• ½ peanut butter 
• ½  cup of maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon 
• ½ cup of dates 

What to do?

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl 
• You can begin by mixing with a large spoon but i suggest using your hands… feel free to get a little messy 
• When everything is well combined you can begin to roll little bit sized balls 
• You can garnish with anything you might like.
• I added coconut flax, goji berries and chia seeds to mine
• Store in the fridge  and  enjoy!

FUN FACT!! World chocolate day is July 7th!