Raw, Organic Healthy Cacao

Everyone loves chocolate. Men, women, children, even dogs love chocolate. The problem with most chocolate that we have available to us is that it's over-processed and really isn't anything like the cacao from which it comes. Plus its had a lot of equally over-processed sugar added to it.

Raw cacao still affects our neurological systems in the same way that the over-processed chocolate we get does. That part has not been lost. Cacao is distantly related to cocaine, but doesn't have the heavily addictive and negative metabolism effects that coca does. Cacao, rather, only lightly induces the neurotransmitters that cause us to feel contented or euphoric.

Cacao also has great health benefits besides its calming and even stress relieving effects. Cacao is most often found as chocolate, but not the commercial milk or sugared dark chocolates you usually find the store. Instead, it is found in artisan chocolates, usually as very dark and unsugared treats.

Raw cacao contains antioxidants, beloved for their anti-aging properties that benefit skin, eyes, nails and more. The very name “Cacao” means “Food of the Gods.” There are over 300 compounds in cacao, including magnesium which primarily what makes it so calming.

Cacao also contains traces of phenylethylamine (PEA), an adrenal chemical that our bodies naturally create when excited, which explains some of the metabolism-enhancement briefly felt when you've eaten it. This short increase in metabolism, while small, enhances the well-being effects of cacao.

Anandamide is also in cacao and is another “alert” chemical that increases metabolism and temporarily raises blood sugar levels. This ads to the PEA effects and both work to benefit the longer-term effects of the magnesium in cacao. Some would be interested in knowing that while the effects of anandamide are similar to amphetamines (but not related), the chemical is closely related to the THC that is the active ingredient in marijuana.

The bad news for some is that in order to use cacao to get the same “high” you get from a few hits of marijuana, you would have to consume about twenty-five pounds of cacao.

The most controversial thing found in cacao, interestingly enough, is the thing that makes it most like coffee: theobromine. This is one of the more concentrated elements in cacao (making up about 1-2% of the bean) and it works almost exactly like caffeine does, but at only about 25% of caffeine's efficiency.

Compared to caffeine, however, cacao is much safer and has few ill effects when eaten in normal quantities. Dark chocolate derived from cacao at the size of the average chocolate bar (50 grams of cacao) has about 1/ 4 of the effects of a cup of coffee. In fact, it's roughly equal to decaf.

Another thing to be aware of if you plan to use cacao as a supplement is its interference with your body's calcium absorption. It contains oxalic acid, which can block the body's ability to absorb calcium. Its not alone in this, as spinach, rhubarb, black pepper, and other foods also contain oxalic acid.

Many people replace their morning coffee with a raw cacao drink made from cacao powder, similar to hot cocoa, but not as sweet. In moderation, cacao is a great supplement to ad many antioxidants, beneficial mood raising, and more to your life.

Buy Cacao Nibs and Beans

	Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Nibs, King of Cacao 16 Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2) List Price: $37.24 Sale Price: $24.65 Average Rating:
	King of cacao. Raw chocolate - the new red wine. Cacao beans (theobroma cacao/raw chocolate) are the source for all chocolate and cocoa products. Our certified organic, raw cacao is the premium criollo variety...

	Certified Organic Kosher Raw Vegan Health Cacao Chocolate Nibs - 1 Pound Sale Price: $15.68 Average Rating:
	Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs are the partially ground cacao beans that are the natural source of all chocolate products. And though the Mayans may have touted cacao as the Food of the Gods, weve got dessert on our minds...

	Navitas Naturals Trail Power 3 Berry, Cacao Nibs And Raw Cashew Trail Mix, 8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 2) List Price: $26.68 Sale Price: $10.10

	18 Rabbits Veritas Granola, Hazelnut, Walnut and Cacao Nibs, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3) List Price: $30.00 Sale Price: $14.99 Average Rating:
	Veritas-- Whole Hazelnuts, Walnuts, and Cacao nibs blended with oats, coconut, and maple make this granola a perfect choice at any time of day. Very low in sugar. Wheat Free. Dairy Free. Soy Free. No Refined Sugars.

	Organic Nectars Premium Raw Crillo Cacao Nibs, 8-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 2) List Price: $29.39 Sale Price: $24.60 Average Rating:
	A rich unsweetened chocolate treat, Organic Nectars Premium Raw Cacao Nibs are harvested from raw organic unsweetened criollo cacao beans, one of nature's greatest sources of magnesium, and processed below 118 degrees...

	Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Nibs Mayan Superfood, 10 Pound Bag List Price: $160.00 Sale Price: $123.08 Average Rating:
	Cacao has been enjoyed for its healthful and invigorating properties in South American cultures for thousands of years. This bag contains 100% pure cacao nibs that are certified organic, kosher, vegan and raw...

	Accra — Single Origin Roasted Cocoa Nibs Sale Price: $9.95 Average Rating:
	Professional chefs and home cooks alike have requested the cocoa nibs that we use to create our award winning chocolate. Roasted pieces of cocoa bean, nibs are crunchy like a nut but with the beautiful rich flavor of chocolate...

	Navitas Naturals Trail Power Organic Goji, Cacao Nibs And Raw Cashews Trail Mix, 4-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4) List Price: $26.56 Sale Price: $20.43 Average Rating:

	Navitas Naturals Organic Goji Berry, Cacao Nibs And Raw Cashews Trail Mix Trail Power, 16-Ounce Bag List Price: $23.10 Sale Price: $16.14 Average Rating:
	Trail mix was invented by ancient nomads who were experts at creating portable, high-energy snacks that withstood weather and did not need cooking. This bag contains 100% pure goji berries, cacao nibs and raw cashews that are certified organic, kosher and vegan...