HEALTH BENEFITS
OF CACAO
CACAO HEALTH BENEFITS
Cacao is a natural food with a wide range of health benefits. Cacao can support healthy cognitive function, mental wellbeing and contains potent antioxidants.
It supports cardiovascular and metabolic health, healthy energy levels, as well as support bone and skin health.
It also contains many essential minerals for overall health, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron.
CACAO AND BRAIN HEALTH
Cacao is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to mental wellbeing and brain health.
Firstly, cacao contains theobromine, a natural, mild stimulant similar to caffeine, that interacts with adenosine receptors throughout our bodies.
This can support energy levels and healthy cognitive function that provides an all-around uplifting effect.
Cacao also contains several compounds that are similar to our own neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and anandamide.
These compounds include tryptophan, tryptamine, phenylethylamine (PEA), and N-acylethanolamines. Together these compounds provide a wide array of benefits.
CACAO ANTIOXIDANTS
Oxidative stress is a state where there is an imbalance between reactive free radicals and our natural ability to inactivate them and repair the resulting damage.
Free radicals are an important part of our natural immunity, but health problems can occur when there are too many of these reactive compounds in our body to handle.
Cacao contains antioxidants called flavanols which scavenge free radicals and other reactive molecules in our bodies.
CACAO AND HEART HEALTH
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Their job is to transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products around the body. This system is important to ensure that the body’s organs and muscles are well-nourished and oxygenated for healthy function.
Cacao contains flavanols which can reduce oxidative stress and supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
Cacao also contains theobromine, a known which supports healthy arterties and circulation.
In this way, these components of cacao are able to support cardiovascular health.
CACAO AND ENERGY
Cacao contains theobromine, which is derived from caffeine and exerts a similarly uplifting effect in the body.
Theobromine has some significant benefits over caffeine as it is less potent as a stimulant and doesn't over-activate the adrenal system, providing mild stimulation without burnout.
The outcome is an uplifting effect that is sustained, without big peaks and troughs often experienced with caffeine.
CACAO AND SEXUAL HEALTH
The Aztecs may have been the first on record to draw a link between the cocoa bean and sexual desire: the emperor Montezuma was said to consume the bean in copious amounts to fuel his romantic trysts.
Nowadays, scientists have analyzed the aphrodisiac properties of chocolate and attributed it to the two main molecules it contains.
One, tryptophan, is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal and mood.
The other, phenylethylamine (PEA), a stimulant related to amphetamine, is released in the brain when people fall in love.
It is no wonder we gift chocolate to our loved ones on Valentine's day, it's the perfect superfood to get you in the mood.
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CACAO AND SKIN HEALTH
Oxidative stress can cause a decline in skin health.
Psychological stress is also a known cause of reduced skin health and acne.
Cacao flavanols are potent antioxidants that help to support a healthy balance of oxidative stress in the body.
Other components in cacao, such as tryptamine and PEA, help to support a healthy stress response.
The key with cacao is not to consume it with too much sugar, as high sugar intake can exacerbate skin issues such as acne or blemishes.
Further to this, cacao butter, in particular, is a fantastic antioxidant-rich skin moisturizer that can be applied topically to improve skin quality and radiance. Combine periodical full cacao paste face rubs with daily use of cacao butter as a topical moisturizer. Take 20g of cacao orally to get your skin glowing again inside and out.
CACAO AND IMMUNE HEALTH
Cacao contains several bioactive compounds that have been noted for their ability to support a healthy immune system.
Long-term oxidative stress can take a toll on our bodies. Flavanols in cacao are antioxidant compounds that scavenge free radicals and other reactive species in the body.
In this way, cacao can help to support a healthy balance of oxidative stress in the body. One serving of Uturunku (20-30g) has a high level of flavanols, the potent antioxidant that cacao is known for.
