Be Healthy and Happy!

Eat Chocolate!

What is cacao? Are beans and nibs different?
Cacao is  a small evergreen tree that is native to tropical Mexico, but is now cultivated throughout the tropics. Its seeds are used to make cocoa, chocolate & cocoa butter. The nibs are peeled & crushed cacao beans.
What do I do with the beans and nibs? You can:

cacao pods

cacao beans

cacao tree

cacao flower

SOME FACTS:
Raw Cacao Beans contain many chemicals that may enhance physical and mental well-being. This includes alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic acid, lysine, and some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and anandamide (the so-called "bliss" chemical.) Raw Cacao beans are also a very rich source of magnesium which helps to relax nerves and muscles, builds and strengthens bones and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

A key element found in cacao helps serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate longer in the brain. Monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), a naturally occurring compound, help keep dopamine and anandamide available to the body.

PEA (Phenylethylamine) is also found in cacao beans. It may help lift depression. It is a member of group of plant-based stimulants called methylxanthines. (Caffeine is the most familiar methylxanthine.)