Cacao is not just a tasty dessert, but a nutrient-rich superfood that will transform your body and brain well-being. Or, as it is also called, raw chocolate, cacao is cold-pressed from Theobroma cacao seeds and was consumed centuries ago in the traditional manner. Unlike processed cocoa, cacao retains its high antioxidant level, valuable minerals, and mind-expanding chemicals. In powder, nibs, or dark chocolate, cacao is full of scientifically and traditionally validated health advantages.

From cardiovascular health to mood support, continue reading and discover the ways in which cacao can be integrated into your improved way of living.

Here Are 8 Amazing Benefits of Cacao!


Cacao is Good for Heart Health

One of the Health Benefits of Cacao is that it can be helpful to cardiovascular function. Cacao contains elevated amounts of flavonoids, namely epicatechin, in which inflammation is reduced and blood vessel function is enhanced. They are chemicals that have been proven to dilate arteries, soothe blood vessels, and block blood clots.

Cacao for Heart Health has grown and been boosted by a number of clinical trials. The daily intake of dark chocolate with high cocoa content has been associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and stroke. It also keeps the cholesterol level constant by lowering LDL, increasing HDL, and increasing the antioxidant level. Also, the magnesium content in cacao regulates the heartbeat of the blood, reduces arrhythmias, and regulates high blood pressure.

Cacao has Antioxidant Capacity

The antioxidant properties of cacao represent one distinctive feature among other species. Raw cacao develops antioxidant levels which surpass blueberries by 40 times. Raw cacao contains two antioxidants named polyphenols and flavanols, which protect against oxidative stress by combining with free radicals, which destroy cells and DNA. Cacao and antioxidants are best friends when it comes to immunity, anti-aging, and protection against disease.

Not only will these nutrients guard your cells from degeneration, but also from aging-related diseases, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. And guess what, cacao is really even prescribed by most functional medicine doctors as part of an antioxidant-based diet to maintain health in the long run by preventing inflammation.

Cacao is Good for Skin Care

Cacao in Skin Care also got super-hot along with the holistic and natural cosme phenomenon. Since it is very flavonoid-dense, cacao protects the skin from environmental stress, sun, and aging. With topical or chronic use, cacao extracts produce smoother, firming, brighter-looking skin.

It also has fatty acids that moisturise and hydrate the skin layer. It has iron and magnesium that stimulate greater blood flow and healing activity. Cacao butter, cacao bean-derived, is used in all the moisturisers and lip balms because it is extracted with the capacity to provide deep moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.

By incorporating cacao into your skin care routine, not only glides across the texture and health of your skin, but is an antioxidant-fighting super star for combating breakouts, redness, and dullness.

Cacao helps in Weight Loss

Cacao and weight loss form an unexpected pair, according to most people, but research proves otherwise. Cacao provides two essential functions because it contains hunger-suppressing nutrients and metabolism-boosting nutrients along with fiber content. Cacao fiber supports digestion by keeping people feeling full longer, thereby making them less prone to hunger pains.

Raw cacao contains naturally occurring MAO inhibitors, which curb hunger and elevate mood without the need for excess dependency. It's low glycemic and therefore a wonderful dessert alternative to blood sugar controllers.
Third, cacao also initiates thermogenesis, the way your body uses burning calories when trying to generate heat, and increases caloric burn every day so subtly.

Cacao Boosts Mental Health

For mind activity and emotional balance, cacao and mental health are synonymous. Cacao provokes the brain to discharge a series of neurotransmitters which place one in a good mood, i.e., serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
The phenyl ethylamine (PEA) content, or love chemical, creates the increased mental alertness and mood.

The magnesium content of cacao causes relaxation of the nervous system, which helps people suffering from anxiety, depression, or tension. Cacao has also been implicated in improvement in cognitive function and memory with enhanced cerebral perfusion.


Cacao's Function in Modulation of Blood Pressure

The flavanols present in cacao are very useful to the blood vessels and therefore, Cacao and Blood Pressure Control are God-created. They release nitric oxide, leading to dilatation of blood vessels and improved blood flow. Daily intake of dark chocolate or flavanol-enriched cacao drinks lowers clinical trial systolic and diastolic blood pressures. It works best in hypertensive and pre-hypertensive subjects. The best news about cacao is that it accomplishes all the above without the unwanted side effects of so many over-the-counter medications.

Cacao helps in Mood Enhancement

Sad? Cacao and Mood Enhancement are companions. Its endogenous chemicals like anandamide, the "bliss molecule," act as specifically as the cannabinoids and create euphoria. Theobromine, cacao's mellowed caffeine, wakes you up without pummeling you with the jitters of caffeine. Counterbalancing its mood-stabilizing effect of serotonin stimulation, cacao calms your mood, clears attention, and even relieves PMS in women. If you've had a crappy day or need to break up those juices of creativity, a pinch of cacao may have some mood-boosting effect.

Cacao offers Immune System Boost

Your immune system loves antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and a cacao and immune system boost is a treat. Cacao is full of immune-boosting minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium that combat infection.
The flavonoids also control inflammatory reactions and maintain healthy intestines—two functions that directly impact immunity.

Because much of your immune system lives in your gut, cacao's prebiotic fiber nourishes friendly bacteria, once more bolstering defenses. So cacao is a nutritious food to add to your diet when it's cold and flu season or when your immune system is weakened.

Best Ways to Eat Cacao

  • Blends raw cacao powder into yogurt parfaits, smoothies, and milkshakes
  • Spices cacao nibs as crunchy granola or salad garnish
  • Snuggles up with steaming cups of cacao and their antioxidant zing
  • Promotes dark chocolate (70% and above) into desserts
  • Cacao and honey face masks for a radiant face

Safety Precautions While Having Cacao

  • Consume in moderation to avoid caffeine buzz or sleep disturbance
  • Use caution with added sugars in processed foods made with cacao
  • Migraine sufferers, listen up, cacao's a migraine headache offender
  • The oxalate load of cacao is far from optimal for kidney stone-formers
  • Have raw, organic cacao alone for the best advantage

Conclusion

The sheer number of cacao's health attributes is too phenomenal to ignore. Clear minds and pure hearts, radiant skins and a robust immunity are only some of the bounties of this age-old superfood, ever anything but extraordinary. It requires cacao to be introduced into your life as a food or cosmetic as an almost inexpensive experience with humongous benefits. Just remember to use it in its raw form and moderation. Due to its nutrient-dense configuration and dense plant chemicals, cacao richly deserves the designation of nature's healthy indulgence.

Please book an appointment with the Best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.