'Cacao' is one of the main components of all chocolate, although you may have heard the word 'Cocoa' used more often. Generally 'Cocoa' refers to a more processed chocolate product with added sugar, as opposed to raw Cacao which has no sugar and is in its raw and natural state.
Most people are unaware that Cacao has one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of all known food! It boasts a high level of many amazing nutrients, especially magnesium, iron and zinc. These three are key for healthy blood formation, brain and heart function and strong bones. Cacao is full of health promoting and beautifying fatty acids and minerals, as well as a top source of nutrients that support mood and the immune system. It has been used for thousands of years to boost health and energy levels and infact the generic name 'Theobroma' is derived from Greek which means "Food of the Gods."
The main differences between raw organic chocolate and commercially processed chocolate are the processing methods used and the added ingredients:
Processing:
Commercially processed chocolate:
- Highly processed through intense high heating method which ultimately 'burns' out all the nutrients of cacao.
Raw Chocolate:
- Made by gently heating to temperature of a maximum of 40c (104F). This ensure all of the enzymes are kept intact and the amazing nutrients are still present.
Ingredients:
Commercially processed chocolate:
- Has a list of added ingredients such as white refined sugar, milk products, palm oil many other ingredients that we should all be avoiding in our diets. These ingredients include nasty chemicals, additives and preservatives.
- The end product is highly refined and processed and holds no nutritional benefits. Excess consumption can lead to diabetes, weight gain and many other health issues.
Raw chocolate:
- Has a maximum of 4 to 5 plant based ingredients. Each ingredient has its own nutritional benefits, and being raw, they are readily absorbed by the body ensuring you reap all the health benefits.
- Raw chocolate has no refined sugars and is sweetened using a natural form of sugar such as coconut nectar, raw honey, agave or maple syrup.
- The final product is natural, organic and pure and is suitable for people with different dietary needs such as vegans, vegetarians, people following a gluten/wheat/soy or lactose-free diet and even diabetics.
We are all love to indulge once in a while so make it a guilt-free treat and take advantage of the many nutritional benefits in raw chocolate!
When it comes to food and health, as Hippocrates once said, 'Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food’.
Renae Marie Parsons is founder of Naughty but Nutritious. Renae hand makes raw organic chocolate and is based in Dubai, UAE. For more information please visit www.naughtybutnutritious.com Facebook: NbN.Raw.Chocolate Instagram- Naughtybutnutritious |