I'd like to take a moment and draw attention to what a superfood is and what people are indulging in. A superfood is any food that is rich in nutrients that are considered to be especially beneficial for one's health and well-being.
And I've got great news: cacao chocolate is one of those superfoods! Truly, it's so much more than just chocolate. Cacao has got loads of benefits, and anything that is added into or paired with, has additional benefits for the body.
One of my goals with writing this article about the benefits of cacao chocolate is to inspire you, the reader, and the people in your life to be mindful of what you are consuming and help you pick healthier options. Nowadays, products are packed full of unnecessary ingredients, and part of the reason I started Wiser Beans Chocolate is to change that.
Although our bean to bar chocolates are indeed delicious, they're more than just that. So let's talk about these top three benefits and show you a peek into our world.
Benefit 1: Rich in both minerals and antioxidants
The cacao nibs are their own rich source of both minerals and antioxidants contained in several other superfoods, including matcha, turmeric, and ginger–all of which are ingredients in select bean to bar chocolates we offer.
Cacao chocolate includes minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and potassium, as well as several polyphenols and flavanols. According to one study, the seeds of cacao pods contain the most polyphenols and flavanols among other superfood berries. Meanwhile, magnesium, zinc, and iron all support various functions in your body and can help to improve your immune functions, bone health, and energy production.
Antioxidants in cacao work together with these minerals to combat what's known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when compounds called free radicals are more prevalent in the body than antioxidants are. When antioxidants in chocolate are provided to the body, they can combat these free radicals and thus restore balance in the body, while protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.
Overall, everything we've mentioned here is found in cacao chocolate, and yes, they all contribute to improvement in your body physically!
Benefit 2: Natural mood booster
Cacao is more than a delicious treat—it’s a powerful mood enhancer. Cacao is rich in compounds like serotonin, aka a 'happy' hormone, and theobromine. In fact, cacao beans are the world's largest natural source of theobromine you can find in food, according to research.
Another study revealed that the flavonoids we mentioned earlier are what contribute to cacao's ability to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. And along those lines, a similar study found that one specific flavonoid that promotes this effect is called epicatechin, which is both considered anti-inflammatory and good for your brain when eaten.
Whether you enjoy it in its pure form or blended with other superfoods, indulging in cacao can be a simple, yet effective way to brighten your mood and enhance your overall wellness.
Benefit 3: Heart improvement
The brain may be the center of our mindset, and it does need care. However, it's our heart that plays a huge role in living our best lives. Cacao chocolate supports that!
It's thanks to the high concentration of flavonoids and theobromine. According to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, cacao that's rich in flavonoids has the ability to improve mood and cognitive function by enhancing the body's blood flow to the brain, while theobromine widens blood vessels to improve circulation. Together, these compounds make cacao chocolate a heart-friendly treat.
When consumed in moderation, cacao chocolate can contribute to better cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
You Can Experience the Benefits When You Taste Wiser Beans Chocolate
Of course it's one thing to read about all of these benefits of cacao chocolate, and completely another to taste bean to bar chocolate for yourself. All of our chocolate is made with a minimal amount of ingredients, and they taste smooth, rich, and delicious too. Best of all, they're good for you. That pretty much sums up the Wiser Beans Chocolate experience.
For the best results of these health benefits (within moderation), try our dark cacao chocolate which contains 80% cacao and maximizes these top benefits for your health and well-being.
Shop online now and discover our delicious bean to bar chocolates. You can also talk to us about becoming a Wiser Ambassador and share these benefits with your customers.
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