Aside from its delicious warmth, taste and charm there are many benefits to cacao. Harvested from a tree and fermented, it is both a product of the earth and a natural process that hosts huge benefits to health. From helping with the reduction of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to reducing the risk of heart disease your tasty morning ritual is more of a power house than you probably realise. 

It’s worth noting that not all “cacao” listed products come with the same level of goodness. The cacoa powder found in popular chocolate bars is processed at high temperatures to produce a smooth sweet taste. It is less bitter than cacao, but loses some nutritional value when heated. On the other hand, cacao powder and nibs are processed at lower temperatures to hold onto the goodness closely. Bare Cacao is then kept raw, roasted in-house to ensure even more of the health benefits are kept in tow. 

Here are the benefits of Cacao 

Lower Blood Pressure 

Cacao is packed with flavonoids that are linked to improving blood flow to both the brain and the heart. In doing so they assist in preventing blood clots and as a result lower blood pressure. 

Reduced Diabetes Risk 

Those flavonoids are also helpful in increasing insulin sensitivity. Insulin is an essential hormone that controls your blood sugar levels. Ensuring that its sensitivity is increased has been linked to reducing risk of diabetes. 

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease 

The high levels of potassium in cacao has been linked to reducing lower body inflammation and results in less stress on cells. This also has the benefit of decreasing the risk of heart disease. 

Reduced Inflammation 

We’re still not done with the benefits offered by flavonoids. Studies show that they reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. Reduced inflammation has endless benefits, not limited to decreased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. It also helps to improve blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Improved mood

Raw cacao contains serotonin, which is linked to improving mood and decreasing stress levels. It also has levels of anandamide, known as the “bliss” chemical that is likened to creating feelings of euphoria. Theobromine is also present, which acts as a mild stimulant that is often used to treat depression. 

Improves minerals intake 

Cacao is often considered a superfood due to it being an excellent source of essential minerals. It boasts plenty of iron, protein, magnesium, potassium and fibre. It's an easy and delicious way to ensure you’re consuming essential elements of your diet in a single cup. 

It improves Nitric Oxide levels 

The flavanols in cocoa are thought to improve nitric oxide levels in the blood. It's a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of your blood vessels, causing the vessels to widen. This hosts many benefits including, reduced blood pressure, a boosted immune system, improved memory and increased cognitive function. 

Want to feel the benefits for yourself? Buy a bag of Bare Cacao today.