Cacao Powder/nibs/beans
Cacao is a good source of phytonutrients,
beta-carotene, aminos, protein, omega 3, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, sulphur, potassium -
and possibly the best food source of muscle relaxing, stress relieving magnesium.
Magnesium is the most common deficient major mineral even following a balanced diet - it
is estimated that over 80% of Australians are chronically lacking.
Cacao
products have an anti-oxidant (ORAC) score of 95,500. To put that into perspective,
that's 14 times more anti-oxidant flavonoids than red wine, 21 times more than green
tea, and 7 times more than even dark chocolate!
Phenylethylamine (PEA) found
in cacao products is an adrenal-related chemical that is created within the brain and
released when we fall in love, and also helps increase focus and alertness.
Pure raw cacao seems to diminish appetite - likely as a result of its unusual MAO
inhibitors that allow more serotonin and other neurotronsmitters like anandamide (the
bliss chemical) to circulate in the brain, precipitating a rejuvenating effect.
Cacao beans, nibs and powder contain no sugar and have a fat content lower than most
other nuts.
The Kuna Indians of the Panamanian Islands of San Blas consume
significant amounts of high flavonol cacao; they also have extremely low blood pressure
that doesn't climb as they age. Dosage: 1 tablespoon in a smoothie
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