What is Cacao?

Found in the Cacoa Bean

The Benefits of Cacao

Rich in Antioxidants

Cocoa beans are rich in specific antioxidants such as catechins and epicatechins, the antioxidants found in green tea, as well as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and polyphenols, the antioxidants found in red wine and grape seeds.

In fact, one study found that cocoa is more beneficial to health than teas and red wine in terms of its higher antioxidant capacity.

A Healthy Heart

Daily intake provides a series of antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health. Many studies published in the past few years have revealed the health promoting properties of the cacoa bean, especially on the cardiovascular system.

Daily consumption for one month was shown to significantly increase plasma levels of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. The flavonoids were shown to inhibit platelet activation, one of the main causes of stroke and cardiac infarction. The Proanthocyanidins were shown to inhibit diabetes-induced cataract formation, possibly by virtue of their antioxidant activity.

One study concluded that cocoa powder and dark chocolate favorably affect cardiovascular disease risk status by modestly reducing LDL oxidation susceptibility, and increasing serum total antioxidant capacity and HDL-cholesterol concentrations.

Elevate Concentration and Mood

Take pure dark chocolate to increase concentration and elevate mood. The cacoa bean is also a unique source of the biogenic amine phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is known as the molecule of love. When taken orally it increases attention and concentration, and elevates mood.