Benefits of Cacao - a Super Food

Benefits of Cacao – a Super Food
 
Everyone loves the sweet taste of chocolate - but what if you could satisfy your cravings and reap the health benefits too?
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Let me introduce you to the superfood Cacao - (pronounced kə-ˈkā-ō). 

Cacao is the tree from which cocoa is processed.

As a superfood, raw cacao powder provides more than 300 phytochemicals, nearly 20 times more antioxidants than blueberries, and nearly four times the antioxidant power of dark chocolate.  Raw cacao also contains calcium, protein, magnesium, essential fatty acids, carotene, thiamin and riboflavin.
 
Many people think that cacao and cocoa powder are the same and use them interchangeably in their recipes.  They are not.  Cocoa powder has been chemically processed which destroys the health properties of the cacao powder described above. 
 
Read your labels.  As with your vegetables, non-organic cocoa has been treated with toxic pesticides and chemicals and may contain genetically modified (GMO) products.
 
In contrast, raw organic fairly traded cacao, has multiple benefits, if used in moderation.  Add it to your favorite smoothies and recipes.

You will love this highly satisfying Chocolate (Cacao) Banana Smoothie. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and is great for those on the go! 

Chocolate (Cacao) Banana Smoothie