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Youve probably noticed that wellness influencers have been scooping powdered cacao by the spoonful into their drinks andsmoothies.
Yelena Yemchuk
But what exactly is cacao and are the health claims about it true?
And, what are the differences between cacao, cocoa, andchocolate?
What is cacao and where does it come from?
Cacao was used by the pre-Columbian populations of the Maya andAztecs, who venerated it as a sacred food.
Cacao was imported to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
This powder is used for ice cream, cookies, cakes, and more.
Cacao powder, on the other hand, tastes bitter because it is made from the raw cacao bean.
It is less processed than cocoa and therefore retains many of the plants original nutrients.
When buying cacao, look for powder that is organic and raw, i.e.
processed at low temperatures so that the nutritional properties remain intact.
What are the health benefits of cacao?
The health benefits of cacao are many.
It also contains powerful antioxidants that protect the bodys cells from oxidative stress.
Cacao is a great source of polyphenols, especially flavanols, a subgroup of flavonoids.
Here are some of the benefits of cacao:
Can cacao help maintain a healthy weight?
A study published inNational Library Medicinelinks the consumption of dark chocolate to a low body mass index.
What is the difference between cacao and chocolate?
Though they both come from the same plant, cacao and chocolate are not the same.
The difference lies in the level of processing.
Cacao is the rawest, purest form of chocolate.
It does not contain sugar.
White chocolate does not contain cacao; its just cocoa butter, milk, and sugar.
Garnish with a sprinkling of cinnamon and blueberries or raspberries if desired.
Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until a mousse-like consistency develops.
Pour the mousse into glasses and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Garnish with berries or mint leaves.
