Bulk Herbs: Cacao, Organic raw - powder

Cacao is the bean that chocolate is made from. In its raw state, it contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries. Our raw cacao powder is rich in a number of essential minerals including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. Raw cacao powder also contains many rare key nutrients that enhance physical and mental well-being.

Cacao contains anandamide, which is also produced naturally in the brain. It is known as the “Bliss” we feel, because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies’ ability to breakdown anandamide. This means after eating cacao, that a natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good for a longer period of time.

Cacao has been proven to be an excellent source of PEA (Phenylethylamine). It is an adrenal-related substance that is also created naturally by the brain and released when we are in love. This is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation.

Antioxidants are what keep you looking younger and help fight disease. An antioxidant laboratory analysis confirms that there are over 25,200 antioxidants in a single spoonful of raw cacao powder. Dark chocolate has been touted as a source of antioxidants, but this raw chocolate is way beyond that. Researchers found eating 100 grams of dark chocolate each day for 15 days lowered blood pressure. Another study concluded that the body’s ability to metabolize sugar (a problem for people with diabetes) was improved. Cacao also contains the antioxidant of catechin, which has a protective effect against heart disease and some cancers.

Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. It contains massive quantities of this essential nutrient. Magnesium is used to balance brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and helps regulate your heartbeat and blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency, which is present in approximately 80% of Americans, is linked with hypertension, heart disease and joint problems.

Cacao is also high in the beauty mineral sulfur. Sulfur builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver and supports healthy pancreas functioning. One of the key amino acids, Tryptophan, is found naturally in cacao. Tryptophan enhances relaxation and promotes better sleep. Cacao powder also contains Arginine, the aphrodisiac-like amino acid believed by body builders to build muscle and aid in muscle recovery.

Cacao contains subtle amounts of caffeine and theobromine. However, experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw, rather than cooked. One experiment conducted with a decoction of roasted ground cacao beans in boiling water produced an excitement of the nervous system similar to that caused by black coffee. Interestingly, when the same decoction was made with the raw unroasted beans; the effects were unnoticeable, leading the researchers to conclude that the physiological changes were caused by aromatic substances released during roasting.

So, use raw cacao when you get those chocolate cravings! This raw cacao powder can be used in place of cocoa powder in any recipe. This will not only add great taste to whatever you're making, but it also adds all these health benefits as well.

This cacao powder is certified organic and raw. Our premium cacao beans come directly from the farmers who cultivate them. These farmers grow their crops on their own land, using the same sustainable methods that have been used for generations. These cacao beans are guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides. They are USDA certified organic. They are imported from Peru and Ecuador.

The cacao powder is created by cold-pressing raw, organic cacao beans into a pressed cake separating the oil from the protein and fiber. The temperature is never allowed to exceed 120° F and is usually 104° F (all other cocoa powders are exposed to temperatures as high as 300° F!). A high-accuracy thermometer monitors the process. The remaining dry 'cake-like' material is then cold-ground and fine-milled so that only the finest raw cacao particles become the finished product.

This raw cacao powder has antioxidant activity as exhibited by an ORAC score of 1377 TE/g and is an excellent source of magnesium (42% DV) and iron (22% DV).

Suggested Uses:
* Get your day started right, by adding raw cacao powder to your morning smoothie.
* Create a protein drink from cacao. It’s a perfect fuel for competitive sports.
* Bake your own raw chocolate bars or fudge using cacao powder.
* Blend into cold coffee drinks.
* Sprinkle on banana, other fruits or your cereal.

Vilma
October 6, 2010 at 10:46 am    reply?

I'm always looking for additional sources of energy. I use Spiruline and Bee Strong daily for that purpose in addition to all the other supplements mostly from your website. I also try to eat well and only buy real food (the staff at the edge of he supermarket and little or no packaged. But I still learn something new every day.

I been trying different ways to use your raw chocolate. It's obviously unsweetened; so I think it takes an acquired taste as it is the case for wine. Since I have gotten used to drinking coffee with no sugar, I experimented one day mixing some of the chocolate powder with it. I do use milk, which in itself contains lactose, which is kind of sweet.

Now to the point: I sometimes drink coffee before I run to increase my energy level and hopefully make it a faster-paced run. I tried it with the chocolate the other day and was surpised to have more energy than usual. I had been struggling with the Miami heat, which zaps your energy and had so far in a while been unable to run 9-minute-miles. With my chocolate-coffee-milk fusion, I accomplished this goal on an otherwise empty stomach. I might have just discovered a new power gel.

Power gels are packed with caffeine and sugar (the better ones have protein in them). Runners are supposed to use 1 15 min. before starting an exercise activity and replenish them every hour after that. I'm going to continue to experiment with your raw chocolate instead.

Thanks for always delivering my orders so quick!

TimB
December 23, 2011 at 9:05 pm    reply?

Hello, How does the cacao powder smell? I have been buying cacao nibs and grinding them in a coffee grinder, but they smell awful so I quit eating them. Does this powder smell good?
Thanks
Tim