Raw Cacao Bars Recipe — 4 Ingredients (2024)

FAQs

What does cacao do for the body? ›

Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain and heart, and help prevent blood clots. The antioxidants in cacao and cocoa may affect how your body responds to insulin, which could lower your chances of diabetes.

The European Food Safety Authority recommends 0.1 ounces (2.5 grams) of high-flavanol cocoa powder or 0.4 ounces (10 grams) of high-flavanol dark chocolate containing at least 200 mg of flavanols per day to achieve heart health benefits ( 42 ).

It's easy to lose yourself in chocolate. The superfood of all superfoods, cacao — the dried seeds at the root of chocolate — is also one of the highest sources of magnesium in nature, full of antioxidants, calcium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Other than that, especially in powder form, cacao and cocoa can be used fairly interchangeably. You may simply find that the raw cacao powder has a richer, more chocolatey and slightly more bitter flavour, while processed cocoa powder can be a little bit sweeter.

Cacao is very powerful on the central nervous system and eating large quantities can interfere with calcium retention. Don't consume more than 40 grams (or four to six heaped teaspoons) of raw cacao a day.

Some studies show that cocoa may help fend off fat.

Keep in mind that eating chocolate with added sugar won't help you fend off fat, and can actually make you gain weight. Pure cocoa is great, but cocoa with added ingredients won't help you lose weight.

Rich in magnesium, cacao can promote relaxation and ease tension, potentially aiding restful sleep. However, it's crucial to listen to your body. If you experience any sleep disturbances after consuming evening cacao, it's best to shift your cacao indulgence to an earlier part of the day.

Many studies have begun to investigate the potential benefits of dark chocolate on the Liver. It was found that dark chocolate reduces damage to the blood vessels in patients who have suffered scarring on the Liver due to excessive drinking or Liver disease.

Like anything tasty, you should avoid too much of a good thing. A two-tablespoon serving of cacao powder has about 50 grams of caffeine, which is around half the amount of caffeine in a standard cup of coffee. If you're sensitive to caffeine, cacao may negatively affect your sleep.

The healthiest way to consume cacao is as unsweetened cacao powder or cacao nibs. Dark chocolate that's at least 72% cacao is another great way to incorporate cacao into your diet. Generally, the higher the chocolate's cacao content, the more antioxidants it will contain.

Does cacao powder need to be refrigerated? ›

Like your spice collection, cocoa powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry or cupboard. The fridge or freezer might seem tempting, but both of those spots actually foster humid environments; for cocoa powder specifically, they should be avoided.

Individuals currently taking any SSRI antidepressants, low blood pressure medication, or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment should not drink more than a meditation dose. The combination of medication and Cacao can cause adverse effects when consumed in higher doses.

Yes it is cacao, and I feel the benefits every single time I drink or eat it.

Your cocoa powder will have a 'best-before' date on it. The taste might start to gradually mellow after that date or it might go a bit 'clumpy', but it's unlikely you'll notice much difference. It's still safe to eat as long as it doesn't feel moist or smell unpleasant.

Can you substitute cacao for cocoa? You can certainly use cacao powder in your baked goods, but you might want to take into consideration that it is exponentially more expensive. Also, because cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder, it is a lot more bitter.

This may help with long-term memory, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and stroke. Cocoa's brainy benefits are, in part, due to it's amazing antioxidant ability, but also because of how it can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as increase insulin sensitivity.

Ceremonial cacao is more than just a beverage; it's a tool for inner exploration. It is believed to open the heart and allow for deep emotional release and connection. Many people use it as a means to connect with their inner selves and gain insight into their lives.

Cacao contains numerous active compounds and nutrients that stimulate the brain's production of neurotransmitters and neuro-modulators. This results in the release of feel-good hormones like Endorphins, Serotonin, and Dopamine, which are responsible for our improved mood after drinking or eating cacao.