Cacoa Powder - Better than chocolate!

Mayans cultivated Cacao as early as 1500 B.C.E. The Mayans weren't too far off in their belief that cacao was divine as it has the highest antioxidant properties of commonly consumed foods today and as a plethora of health benefits.

So you've heard of Cocoa and want to know what is the difference between cacao and cocoa? Though they are technically the same thing, cacao is now used by proponents of a Raw Diet to differentiate the raw cacao from the more processed, roasted Cocoa. Both are made from the same plant and are essentially the same thing, though foods labeled RAW Cacao may be a more healthy alternative.

Cacao powder has many benefits including:

• Increases blood flow
• Creates calm
• Improves complexion (by increasing blood flow) 
• Aids in Cognition (and can be helpful to people who are recovering from a stroke)
• Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels
• Increases good cholesterol
• May help prevent colon and pancreatic cancer
• High in fiber
• Low in calories
• High in potassium
• Cacao is a mild stimulant (it has some caffeine but also contains Theobromine a stimulant that is more mild than caffeine)
• High in antioxidants 
•  "Cocoa powder contains flavanols, which may help prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer, according to the American Dietetic Association. Flavanols act as antioxidants and reduce the presence of free radicals. This can lead to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. To receive the maximum antioxidant benefits, aim for a high cocoa percentage. (Livestrong)"

Cacao can be added to your morning smoothies (I add it daily, it is yummy and good for you!) or substituted for Cocoa in any recipe!

*Disclaimer- I love Cacao and have never had any adverse side effects, if you even have a question in your mind that it may negatively effect you, please consult your doctor! If you start taking cacao as always listen to your body and talk to your doctor if negative side effects arise!

 "Cocoa Powder Nutrient Information." Livestrong.com <http://www.livestrong.com/article/112056-cocoa-powder-nutrition-information/> 

Murray, Jennifer. "What is the Difference Between Cocoa and Cacoa." About.com. <http://vegetarian.about.com/od/beverage1/a/Difference-Between-Cocoa-

     And-Cacao.htm> 

Roizman, Tracey. "Cocoa Powder Health Benefits." Healthy Eating. <http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/cocoa-powder-health-benefits-6390.html>

 

"What are the benefits of Cocoa Powder."Livestrong.com. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/107621-benefits-cocoa-powder/#ixzz2KecX0Yvt>

"What are the health benefits of Dark Cocoa Powder." Livestrong.com. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/265323-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-dark-cocoa-

     powder/>

Why I love Apples (and you should too)

Besides from the fact that apples are absolutely delicious, they also have a ton of amazing health and weight loss benefits! Because of how many benefits apples have (and the fact that they are easier/quicker to read any way) I/m just going to use bullets, so here we go:

1. Eating one apples gives you the same hydration as one 8oz. glass of water. For athletes this means no water sloshing around in your belly while you are performing. Everyone else- water is good for you, keeps you energized, aids in digestion, and helps with weight loss!
2. Apples are low in calories 100g of fresh apple slices equals about 50 calories! (www.nutrition-and-you.com)
3. Apples help fight heart disease by lowering blood fats (www.whfoods.com).
4. Apples help curb your appetite, studies show eating an apple 15 minutes before a meal lowers the caloric intake by 15% - people who ate apples also felt more satisfied with their meals - apple juice/applesauce or processed apple products did not show the same results as whole apples (www.whfoods.com). 
5.  Apples help maintain good two forms of good bacteria in the large intestine, this helps with stomach discomfort, regularity, and weight loss! (www.whfoods.com)
6.  Full of anti-oxidants (www.nutrition-and-you.com)
7.  "Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body." (www.nutrition-and-you.com).
8. Apples are a great source of B-Complex vitamins which help with the immune system, metabolism, and other bodily functions.  (www.nutrition-and-you.com)

 

If you aren't convinced - go buy a yummy Honey Crisp apple take a big bite and you will be! Apples rock - they are a great snack and meal for kids too. Imagine the health benefits an apple a day can give you and your family!