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Be Healthy and Happy!

Eat Chocolate!

CACAO

a Latin work meaning "food of the gods"

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

 

nibble on raw or roasted beans or nibs

 

blend them in a smoothie or any of your herbal teas

 

add them to cereal, oatmeal or trail mix
 

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.)

Nutritional Facts

Cacao Beans

Serving Size

1 oz (28 gm)

Calories

130

Calories from Fat

110

Total Fat

12 gm

Sat. Fat

7 gm

Trans Fat

0 gm

Cholesterol

0 gm

Sodium

0 gm

Total Carbohydrates

10 gm

Dietary Fibre

9 gm

Sugars

0 gm

Protein

4 gm

Vitamin A

0 gm

Vitamin C

0 gm

Calcium

2 gm

Iron

6 gm

Source: (www.goodcausewellness.com)

Did you know that cacao beans and dark chocolate:  

 

promote cardiovascular health

 

counteract depression

 

reduce pain

 

build strong bones and

 

re-invigorate the muscles
Cacao Beans contain:

 

Flavonoids with antioxidant properties

 

Theobromine, a mild stimulant

 

Minute traces of caffeine

 

Essential minerals including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese

 

Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid
 

 

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