Santos Natural Organic Food 

Country of Origin: Peru

Certification: SKAL

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