8 Amazing Health Benefits of Cacao

Cacao is a natural food with a wide range of health benefits. Cacao can enhance cognitive function, boost mental health and reduce oxidative stress with antioxidants. It supports cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and mediates the natural inflammatory response. Cacao can also boost one’s energy levels, strengthen bone and skin health, and even reduce the risk of cancer. It also contains many essential minerals for overall health, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. The broad array of bio-actives makes it a complete healthy superfood for long-term wellbeing and happiness.

Amazing Health Benefits of Cacao

1. Cacao enhances cognitive function and boosts mental health 

Cacao is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to mental health and function. Firstly, cacao contains theobromine, a natural, mild stimulant similar to caffeine, that interacts with adenosine receptors throughout our bodies1,2.This can lead to boosted energy levels and enhanced cognitive function that provides an all-round uplifting effect1,3–6. 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 natural cannabinoids called N-acylethanolamines7–10. Together, these compounds are able to activate our natural reward pathways, improve focus, and elevate feelings of pleasure and joy11–14,14–21. The combination of all these brain enhancing components in one superfood promotes positive mental health and provides a beautiful sensation of joy, happiness, bliss and wellbeing. 

2. Cacao contains antioxidants to manage oxidative stress

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. This protects our cells from damage by oxidative stress and prevents the development of chronic inflammation22–27 Flavanols in cacao can inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes in our body when they become over-active and mediate our bodies’ natural inflammatory response26,27,30. This prevents excessive production and circulation of inflammatory molecules in our bodies and prevents the development of conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

3. Cacao supports overall cardiovascular health

Thecardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood and blood vessels,and their job is to transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients andwaste products around the body. This system is important to ensurethat the body’s organs and muscles are well nourished andoxygenated for healthy function. Problems in the cardiovascularsystem can arise when one is dealing with oxidative stress, chronicinflammation, high blood pressure and diabetes and this may causeother issues. Cacao contains flavanols which can reduce oxidativestress and, in turn, reduce high blood pressure and chronicinflammation22–25,28.Cacao also contains theobromine, a known vasodilator that can helpreduce high blood pressure3.In this way, these components of cacao are able to support andimprove cardiovascular health.

4. Cacao reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes

Conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity can lead to metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Other associated symptoms include chronic inflammation, increased resting heart rate and chronic stress. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of flavanols in cacao can lower high blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress and mediate an over-active inflammatory response. Theobromine also acts as a vasodilator in blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure and improve cardio vascular function. In this way, cacao is able to improve symptoms and conditions associated with metabolic syndrome and improve metabolic health3,22,25,26,29.

5. Cacao contains the natural stimulant theobromine to boost energy

Cacao containsthe natural stimulant, theobromine, which is derived from caffeine and exerts asimilar uplifting effect in the body. Theobromine works by blocking adenosinereceptors in the body and influences the effects of adenosine to boost energy,enhance focus and mood, and create an all-round uplifting effect3,29,31. Theobromine has some significant benefits over caffeine as it is less potent as a stimulant and doesn't over activate the adrenal system, providing stimulation without burnout. The outcome is an uplifting effect that is sustained, without big peaks and troughs often experienced with caffeine.

6. Cacao is a mood-enhancing aphrodisiac 

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 analysed the aphrodisiac properties of chocolate, and attributed it to 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, that is released in the brain when people fall in love. combine these two with theobromine that acts to dilate and open blood vessels and for some the body may experience an increase in desire as a result. It is no wonder we gift chocolate to our loved ones on Valentines day, the perfect superfood to get you in the mood.

7. Cacao can improve overall skin health

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are both conditions that can cause a decline in skin condition and result in the development of acne. Psychological stress is also a known cause of reduced skin health and acne. These conditions have been documented to trigger acne in individuals and exacerbate these issues in a stubborn and continuous cycle2,45–47. Cacao flavanols are capable of countering oxidative stress and mediating the inflammatory response of the immune system. This can help to reduce damage to skin cells and improve skin condition22–26. Other components in cacao, such as tryptamine and PEA, are able to interact with serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways in our bodies to reduce mental and emotional stress, boost mood and enhance feelings of pleasure14–17,19,48,49. Reducing mental and emotional stress is important in slowing down over-active sebum production, which may also lead to the development of acne47. 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 an amazing antioxidant rich skin moisturiser 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 moisturiser with taking 20g of cacao orally to get your skin glowing again inside and out.

8. Cacao can help prevent cancer

Cacao contains several bioactive compounds that have beennoted for their protective effects against the development of cancer. Long-termchronic inflammation and oxidative stress are both conditions capable ofincreasing the risk of cancer development. These conditions can put stress onyour body and cause damage to your cells that may lead to dysfunction that mayresult in cancer. Flavanols in cacao are antioxidant compounds that scavengefree radicals and other reactive species in the body to prevent their damage toour cells. This then prevents the generation of dysfunctional cells andprevents excessive activation of the inflammatory response22,23,25–27. In this way, chronicinflammation and oxidative stress can be reduced by cacao flavanols and preventthe development of cancer. We have a saying 6 beans a day keeps the doctor away, as 8 beans of cacao (20-30g) has enough flavanols to keep your cells protected from oxidative stress and reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Buy health enhancing cacao today

$170.00$155.00
$95.00$95.00
$75.00$75.00
$32.99$32.99
$19.99
$350.00
$19.99
$26.99$26.99
$39.99
$19.99$19.99
$44.99
$45.00

References

(1) Franco, R.; Oñatibia-Astibia, A.; Martínez-Pinilla, E. Health Benefits of Methylxanthines in Cacao and Chocolate. Nutrients 2013, 5 (10), 4159–4173. http://dx.doi.org.helicon.vuw.ac.nz/10.3390/nu5104159.

(2) Al-Shobaili, H. A. Oxidants and Anti-Oxidants Status in Acne Vulgaris Patients with Varying Severity. Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. 2014, 44 (2), 202–207.

(3) Martínez-Pinilla, E.; Oñatibia-Astibia, A.; Franco, R. The Relevance of Theobromine for the Beneficial Effects of Cocoa Consumption. Front. Pharmacol. 2015, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00030.

(4) Haskó György; Pacher Pál. Regulation of Macrophage Function by Adenosine. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2012, 32 (4), 865–869. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.226852.

(5) Barletta Kathryn E.; Ley Klaus; Mehrad Borna. Regulation of Neutrophil Function by Adenosine. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2012, 32 (4), 856–864. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.226845.

(6) Basheer, R.; Strecker, R. E.; Thakkar, M. M.; McCarley, R. W. Adenosine and Sleep–Wake Regulation. Prog. Neurobiol. 2004, 73 (6), 379–396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2004.06.004.

(7) Marzo, V. D.; Sepe, N.; Petrocellis, L. D.; Berger, A.; Crozier, G.; Fride, E.; Mechoulam, R. Trick or Treat from Food Endocannabinoids? Nature 1998, 396 (6712), 636–636. https://doi.org/10.1038/25267.

(8) Tomaso, E. di; Beltramo, M.; Piomelli, D. Brain Cannabinoids in Chocolate. Nature 1996, 382 (6593), 677–678. https://doi.org/10.1038/382677a0.

(9) PubChem. Phenethylamine https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/1001 (accessed May 17, 2021).

(10) Bertazzo, A.; Comai, S.; Brunato, I.; Zancato, M.; Costa, C. V. L. The Content of Protein and Non-Protein (Free and Protein-Bound) Tryptophan in Theobroma Cacao Beans. Food Chem. 2011, 124 (1), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.05.110.

(11) Gunduz-Cinar, O.; Hill, M. N.; McEwen, B. S.; Holmes, A. Amygdala FAAH and Anandamide: Mediating Protection and Recovery from Stress. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 2013, 34 (11), 637–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2013.08.008.

(12) Sugiura, T.; Kobayashi, Y.; Oka, S.; Waku, K. Biosynthesis and Degradation of Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol and Their Possible Physiological Significance. Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. Fat. Acids PLEFA 2002, 66 (2–3), 173–192. https://doi.org/10.1054/plef.2001.0356.

(13) Tsuboi, K.; Takezaki, N.; Ueda, N. The N-Acylethanolamine-Hydrolyzing Acid Amidase (NAAA). Chem. Biodivers. 2007, 4 (8), 1914–1925. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790159.

(14) Bortolozzi, A.; Díaz‐Mataix, L.; Scorza, M. C.; Celada, P.; Artigas, F. The Activation of 5-HT2A Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex Enhances Dopaminergic Activity. J. Neurochem. 2005, 95 (6), 1597–1607. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03485.x.

(15) Barroso, N.; Rodriguez, M. Action of Beta-Phenylethylamine and Related Amines on Nigrostriatal Dopamine Neurotransmission. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1996, 297 (3), 195–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(95)00757-1.

(16) Irsfeld, M.; Spadafore, M.; Prüß, B. M. β-Phenylethylamine, a Small Molecule with a Large Impact. WebmedCentral 2013, 4 (9).

(17) Sotnikova, T. D.; Budygin, E. A.; Jones, S. R.; Dykstra, L. A.; Caron, M. G.; Gainetdinov, R. R. Dopamine Transporter-Dependent and -Independent Actions of Trace Amine Beta-Phenylethylamine. J. Neurochem. 2004, 91 (2), 362–373. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02721.x.

(18) Sabelli, H.; Fink, P.; Fawcett, J.; Tom, C. Sustained Antidepressant Effect of PEA Replacement. J. Neuropsychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 1996, 8 (2), 168–171. https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.8.2.168.

(19) Aghajanian, G. K.; Marek, G. J. Serotonin, via 5-HT2A Receptors, Increases EPSCs in Layer V Pyramidal Cells of Prefrontal Cortex by an Asynchronous Mode of Glutamate Release. Brain Res. 1999, 825 (1), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-8993(99)01224-X.

(20) Marek, G. J.; Wright, R. A.; Gewirtz, J. C.; Schoepp, D. D. A Major Role for Thalamocortical Afferents in Serotonergic Hallucinogen Receptor Function in the Rat Neocortex. Neuroscience 2001, 105 (2), 379–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4522(01)00199-3.

(21) Radulovacki, P.; Djuricic-Nedelson, M.; Chen, E. H.; Radulovacki, M. Human Tryptamine Metabolism Decreases during Night Sleep. Brain Res. Bull. 1983, 10 (1), 43–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/0361-9230(83)90072-2.

(22) Davison, K.; Howe, P. R. C. Potential Implications of Dose and Diet for the Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Cardiometabolic Function. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2015, 63 (45), 9942–9947. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b01492.

(23) Fraga, C. G.; Litterio, M. C.; Prince, P. D.; Calabró, V.; Piotrkowski, B.; Galleano, M. Cocoa Flavanols: Effects on Vascular Nitric Oxide and Blood Pressure. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2011, 48 (1), 63–67. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.11-010FR.

(24) Heiss, C.; Keen, C. L.; Kelm, M. Flavanols and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Eur. Heart J. 2010, 31 (21), 2583–2592. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehq332.

(25) Jaramillo Flores, M. Cocoa Flavanols: Natural Agents with Attenuating Effects on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors. Nutrients 2019, 11 (4), 751. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040751.

(26) Mastroiacovo, D.; Kwik-Uribe, C.; Grassi, D.; Necozione, S.; Raffaele, A.; Pistacchio, L.; Righetti, R.; Bocale, R.; Lechiara, M. C.; Marini, C.; Ferri, C.; Desideri, G. Cocoa Flavanol Consumption Improves Cognitive Function, Blood Pressure Control, and Metabolic Profile in Elderly Subjects: The Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) Study—a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2015, 101 (3), 538–548. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.092189.

(27) Murphy, K. J.; Chronopoulos, A. K.; Singh, I.; Francis, M. A.; Moriarty, H.; Pike, M. J.; Turner, A. H.; Mann, N. J.; Sinclair, A. J. Dietary Flavanols and Procyanidin Oligomers from Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Inhibit Platelet Function. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2003, 77 (6), 1466–1473. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/77.6.1466.

(28) Keen, C. L.; Holt, R. R.; Oteiza, P. I.; Fraga, C. G.; Schmitz, H. H. Cocoa Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Health. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2005, 81 (1), 298S-303S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/81.1.298S.

(29) Mitchell, E. S.; Slettenaar, M.; vd Meer, N.; Transler, C.; Jans, L.; Quadt, F.; Berry, M. Differential Contributions of Theobromine and Caffeine on Mood, Psychomotor Performance and Blood Pressure. Physiol. Behav. 2011, 104 (5), 816–822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.07.027.

(30) Goya, L.; Martín, M. Á.; Sarriá, B.; Ramos, S.; Mateos, R.; Bravo, L. Effect of Cocoa and Its Flavonoids on Biomarkers of Inflammation: Studies of Cell Culture, Animals and Humans. Nutrients 2016, 8 (4). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040212.

(31) Sugimoto, N.; Miwa, S.; Hitomi, Y.; Nakamura, H.; Tsuchiya, H.; Yachie, A. Theobromine, the Primary Methylxanthine Found in Theobroma Cacao, Prevents Malignant Glioblastoma Proliferation by Negatively Regulating Phosphodiesterase-4, Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase, Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Kinase, and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B. Nutr. Cancer 2014, 66 (3), 419–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2013.877497.

(32) Campbell, J. D. Lifestyle, Minerals and Health. Med. Hypotheses 2001, 57 (5), 521–531. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.2001.1351.

(33) Jamison JR. Mineral Deficiency: A Dietary Dilemma? J. Nutr. Environ. Med. 1999, 9 (2), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/13590849961744.

(34) McLean, E.; Cogswell, M.; Egli, I.; Wojdyla, D.; de Benoist, B. Worldwide Prevalence of Anaemia, WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993-2005. Public Health Nutr. 2009, 12 (4), 444–454. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980008002401.

(35) Cherasse, Y.; Urade, Y. Dietary Zinc Acts as a Sleep Modulator. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18 (11). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112334.

(36) Prakash, A.; Bharti, K.; Majeed, A. B. A. Zinc: Indications in Brain Disorders. Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol. 2015, 29 (2), 131–149. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcp.12110.

(37) de Baaij, J. H. F.; Hoenderop, J. G. J.; Bindels, R. J. M. Magnesium in Man: Implications for Health and Disease. Physiol. Rev. 2015, 95 (1), 1–46. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00012.2014.

(38) Long, S.; Romani, A. M. Role of Cellular Magnesium in Human Diseases. Austin J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2014, 2 (10).

(39) Rosanoff, A.; Weaver, C. M.; Rude, R. K. Suboptimal Magnesium Status in the United States: Are the Health Consequences Underestimated? Nutr. Rev. 2012, 70 (3), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00465.x.

(40) Bailey, R. L.; Dodd, K. W.; Goldman, J. A.; Gahche, J. J.; Dwyer, J. T.; Moshfegh, A. J.; Sempos, C. T.; Picciano, M. F. Estimation of Total Usual Calcium and Vitamin D Intakes in the United States. J. Nutr. 2010, 140 (4), 817–822. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.109.118539.

(41) Wiranda -; Syukur, S.; Aziz, H. DETERMINATION OF CALCIUM (Ca) AND MAGNESIUM (Mg) CONTENT IN CACAO (Theobroma Cacao Linn) FERMENTATION AND NON FERMENTATION BY SPECTROPHOTOMETRY. J. Ris. Kim. 2015, 3 (1), 96. https://doi.org/10.25077/jrk.v3i1.104.

(42) Office of Dietary Supplements - Calcium https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ (accessed May 17, 2021).

(43) Calcium https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium (accessed May 17, 2021).

(44) Seem, S. A.; Yuan, Y. V.; Tou, J. C. Chocolate and Chocolate Constituents Influence Bone Health and Osteoporosis Risk. Nutr. Burbank Los Angel. Cty. Calif 2019, 65, 74–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2019.02.011.

(45) Antiga, E.; Verdelli, A.; Bonciani, D.; Bonciolini, V.; Caproni, M.; Fabbri, P. Acne: A New Model of Immune-Mediated Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disease. G. Ital. Dermatol. E Venereol. Organo Uff. Soc. Ital. Dermatol. E Sifilogr. 2015, 150 (2), 247–254.

(46) Bowe, W. P.; Patel, N.; Logan, A. C. Acne Vulgaris: The Role of Oxidative Stress and the Potential Therapeutic Value of Local and Systemic Antioxidants. J. Drugs Dermatol. JDD 2012, 11 (6), 742–746.

(47) Jović, A.; Marinović, B.; Kostović, K.; Čeović, R.; Basta-Juzbašić, A.; Bukvić Mokos, Z. The Impact of Pyschological Stress on Acne. Acta Dermatovenerol. Croat. ADC 2017, 25 (2), 1133–1141.

(48) Xie, Z.; Miller, G. M. Beta-Phenylethylamine Alters Monoamine Transporter Function via Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1: Implication for Modulatory Roles of Trace Amines in Brain. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2008, 325 (2), 617–628. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.107.134247.

(49) Jenkins, T. A.; Nguyen, J. C. D.; Polglaze, K. E.; Bertrand, P. P. Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis. Nutrients 2016, 8 (1). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010056.


 

is added to your shopping cart.

You have successfully subscribed!
This email has been registered
Close