I get many funny looks when I tell my health coaching clients that I whole-heartedly endorse a fully stocked chocolate supply in every household. Afterall, it’s one of the most important food groups!
We’ve all heard about the benefits of dark chocolate, but you can get even more nutrition by eating the beans themselves. Raw, unprocessed cacao is one of nature’s best nutrition secrets.
It’s super food with super powers:
- Loaded with tons of magnesium for muscle and nerve function and to stabilize heart rhythms
- More antioxidants and disease fighting properties than red wine or green tea!
- Improves focus and pleasure: cacao stimulates the euphoric neurotransmitters in the brain
- Aids in calcium absorption
- Stabilizes mood swings
History of Cacao
Cacao has been used for millions of years, dating back to an ancient south-central Mexican tribe from 1200 to 300 BCE. The Mayan and Aztec civilizations followed suit over the next 1000 years. All of these civilizations bestowed the highest nutritional, spiritual, and cultural honor to the cacao beans believing them to have powers and even using them as currency because of the esteemed value!
What are Cacao Nibs and How Do I Use Them?
Cacao nibs are the roasted, separated, and chopped pieces of a full cacao bean. They have a chocolatey taste, but aren’t quite as sweet, which means you can use them in a LOT more ways! Mix them into banana nut bread, granola bars, smoothies, or melt with your favorite almond milk for a super food hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
Also Read:
Cocoa vs. Cacao: What’s the Difference?