02/12/2024
10 Health Benefits of Cacao
The cacao bean might seem small, but it’s full of nutrients. Because it turns into such a tasty treat, scientists are really interested in studying it. And the research so far shows lots of great health benefits.
1. Boosts Brain Function
Eating cacao regularly can help improve your brain power, attention, thinking speed, and memory. It can also reduce mental tiredness, both immediately and over time. This is mostly because of the theobromine, caffeine, and flavonols in cacao. One study even found it might help with some age-related memory problems.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
Though there aren't clinical trials proving cacao directly boosts the immune system, its high levels of flavonoids and minerals suggest it could be helpful. Cacao is rich in zinc, which is important for fighting off infections, and its polyphenols support healthy gut bacteria, which are key to strong immunity. In fact, cacao might even help your body produce more white blood cells, which fight off illness.
3. Supports Heart Health
Cacao is packed with theobromine and flavonols, which help reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains minerals like potassium and zinc, which are important for keeping blood vessels healthy. Cacao can help lower high blood pressure, improve blood flow, prevent blood clots, raise "good" HDL cholesterol, and protect against harmful LDL cholesterol. In fact, a study showed that eating dark chocolate more than five times a week reduced the risk of heart disease by 57%.
4. Protects Against Chronic Diseases and Possibly Cancer
The polyphenols in cacao have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties. These benefits help protect against oxidative stress and long-term inflammation, both of which are linked to cancer and other chronic conditions. The antioxidants in cacao may also help improve insulin resistance, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of cacao can help protect against heart disease, kidney problems, and more.
5. Supports Gut Health
Your gut is often called "the second brain" because it’s so important for your overall health. Research is showing just how much the bacteria in your gut affects your body and mind. A healthy gut can help prevent or improve conditions like mood disorders, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, and even cancer. The flavanols in cacao act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
6. Boosts Mood
In simple terms, chocolate can make you feel better. Cacao contains several compounds that help improve mood, like theobromine, caffeine, and phenylethylamine (the "love drug"). It also boosts the body’s natural mood enhancers, such as anandamide ("bliss"), tryptophan, and serotonin.
7. Improves Sleep Quality
How well you sleep is often linked to how stressed you are. Cacao can help by balancing both energy and relaxation, similar to adaptogenic herbs. It may lower blood pressure (which is often higher in people with insomnia) and reduce anxiety (a common cause of sleeplessness) because of its magnesium and small amounts of tryptophan. Even though theobromine is a mild stimulant, it might still help you sleep longer.
8. Boosts Performance
The flavanols in cacao can help increase nitric oxide (NO) in the body, which can improve physical performance. A study found that after eating dark chocolate, cyclists used less oxygen and traveled further compared to when they didn’t consume cacao.
9. Protects Skin and Teeth
Cacao can help you look better too. Its flavanols protect your skin from sun damage, which may reduce wrinkles and even boost collagen, according to a study on mice. Theobromine in cacao also has antimicrobial properties, making it even more effective than fluoride at protecting your teeth from decay. So yes, cacao face masks are a thing, and if you want to try using cacao for your teeth too, we won't judge!
10. Slows Down Aging
Could chocolate be the secret to staying young? Maybe! In addition to keeping your skin fresh and firm, cacao may help delay age-related brain decline and protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One study found that a flavonoid in cacao called epicatechin had anti-aging effects in mice. After eating it regularly, the older mice showed gene and protein levels similar to younger mice, and their lifespan increased by 69%. While we need more studies on humans, this is a good reason to enjoy more cacao every day!
How to Add 100% Cacao Tableya to Your Diet
Now for the fun part—satisfying your chocolate cravings! Here are some delicious and easy ways to enjoy 100% cacao and get all its health benefits, helping you feel smarter, younger, happier, and healthier:
Gluten-Free Treats: Indulge in a flourless chocolate cake, breakfast smoothie, truffles, and biscotti—totally sinful yet healthy.
Two-Step Healthy Chocolate Smoothie: Blend cacao, chia, flax, maca, banana, strawberries, milk, kefir, and honey for a rich, creamy treat.
Maria's Cacao Brew: A supercharged hot chocolate that’s the perfect energy drink, way better than Red Bull.
Fun Cacao Tableya Recipes: Make a breakfast bowl, cookies, tarts, babka, or choux pastry—delicious and healthy.
Cacao can also be used as a coffee substitute, in smoothies, keto meals, or decadent drinks.
Remember, not all cacao is the same. The quality, taste, and health benefits depend on how it’s grown and processed. In general, the healthier the land and simpler the process, the better.
Our 100% Natural Cacao Tableya is the purest form of cacao you can find.
