Cacao benefits health in different parts. Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. Drinks made with cacao might also increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. Research shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress, which boosts your overall mental and physical health. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of cacao for health.
Cacao Benefits for Health
Muscle growth and fitness
Every cell in the human body contains protein, therefore it’s crucial to be eating it daily to repair cells and support the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Aduna Super-Cacao contains 23% of natural protein, perfect for those looking to up their protein intake and for vegans and vegetarians who may not be getting enough protein in their diet. Aduna Super-Cacao is also a source of potassium and magnesium with a single serving providing 15% and 26% NRV respectively. Potassium helps support normal muscle function. Maintaining a good flow of oxygen to all our organs, muscles and tissues is key to athletic performance and post-workout recovery. Super-Cacao has been scientifically proven to improve blood flow – try it blended with banana for a pre or post-workout smoothie. Thanks to its high magnesium and potassium content, it is also rich in electrolytes which further support muscle recovery.
Stress relief
A 2019 study by UCL found that eating dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety, positively affect mood and relieve symptoms of depression. The research compared chocolate consumption with depressive symptoms in 13,000 US adults. People who ate dark chocolate in the past 24 hours were 70% less likely to report feelings of depression. Aduna’s Super-Cacao Powder is a source of magnesium and potassium, both of which are essential for normal psychological function and the running of the nervous system. Psychology Today magazine named magnesium “The Original Chill Pill… an old home remedy for anxiety, apathy, depression, headaches, insecurity, irritability, restlessness… and silkiness.” A single serving of cacao powder contains 26% of your magnesium NRV and 15% of your potassium NRV so adding it to your routine will help you to combat stress, relax and maintain a sense of calm.
Feels good
As well as stopping you from feeling stressed, cacao also actively makes you feel happier! Aduna’s Cacao Powder contains a powerful mix of beneficial natural compounds, including serotonin, endorphins, phenylethylamine (compound humans have been shown to produce when in love), tryptophan, and anandamide, all of which have been shown to enhance mood and create feelings of euphoria. A natural way to feel good!
Blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, and the majority of those who have it typically use drug therapy to control it. However, this is not the only option and there are proven methods to lower your blood pressure naturally, with the help of cacao. This relationship between cacao and blood pressure was first found in the Dutch Zutphen Elderly Study, where 470 elderly men were tracked for 15 years. Those with the highest cocoa consumption had lower blood pressure and an adjusted 50% relative reduction in risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Since then, various randomized dietary studies show that consuming cacao every day can significantly reduce blood pressure compared to those that don’t consume cacao. Aduna’s Super-Cacao is also a source of potassium (15% NRV per serving) which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Brainpower
The flavonoids in cacao and chocolate have been shown to have a positive effect on the brain – helping improve various types of cognitive and visual tasks. This is a result of more efficient blood flow to different nerve tissues, which regulate and control bodily functions and activity. One study of healthy volunteers showed that after just 5 days of consuming high-flavanol cacao there was improved blood flow to the brain. Further to this, a similar study by researchers showed that daily consumption of cocoa flavanols improved thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Anti-aging
Not only can it improve thinking skills but the high antioxidant content found in cacao powder can also counteract or slow down cognitive decline during aging. Furthermore, studies have shown that a diet rich in flavonoids can help reduce the risk of dementia. It’s not just our insides that can benefit from the anti-aging powers of cacao – polyphenol antioxidants found in cacao protect our cells from premature oxidation or destruction and can keep us looking and feeling younger too. Try making a homemade Cacao Body Scrub and using it after the shower for a refreshed body and face.
3 tablespoons Cacao Nutrition
- 140 calories
- 4 grams protein
- 7 grams fat
- 17 grams carbohydrate
- 7 grams fiber
- 0 grams sugar
Cacao Side Effects
If you are eating it in large amounts then it might cause caffeine-related side effects. Such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and fast heartbeats. Cocoa can also cause allergic skin reactions, and constipation, and might trigger migraine headaches.
