Cacao trees are native to the Amazon basin and grow throughout the tropics, mainly in Africa. These trees were domesticated in South America about 5000 years ago and are now found in equatorial regions across the globe. Manufacturers develop the texture and flavor of harvested beans through a fermentation process to make both cocoa and cacao powder.
The raw and organic beans are filled with nutritional value but are lost after being processed into chocolate.
- Cacao packs in more calcium than cow’s milk.
- It is densely packed with protein, iron, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- Cacao helps combat depression, stress, signs of aging, blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.
Cacao vs. Cocoa: What is the difference?
Cacao and cocoa are two different products that come from the same cacao beans. There is no consensus on when the correct usage of these terms. We see products utilizing cacao and cocoa interchangeably.
If you love chocolate, you might have noticed that some products are either marketed as cacao while others have cocoa. Some foods are labeled “cacao nibs” while others may say “cocoa powder.”
So, what does the different terminology mean?
Chocolate is a highly processed product made from cacao beans, which are technically considered seeds. It also has not-so-healthy ingredients like refined sugar, artificial preservatives, and soy lecithin.
Some people believe that the raw version of processed beans should be labeled “cacao” while the roasted and more processed varieties should be called “cocoa.” However, the terminology depends more on the ingredient list and flavonoid levels. Both cacao and cocoa can be extraordinarily nutrient-dense when they don’t have added sugar.
Benefits of Cacao powder
1. Increases energy
Caffeine is raw cacao that can help you overcome fatigue and give you the raw energy boost you need. If you don’t like coffee, or if it makes you too jittery, try taking a sniff of raw cacao for an added energy boost.
2. Boosts your mood
Besides the fact that eating chocolate makes us happy simply because it tastes so good, some research-backed data suggest that chocolate or raw cacao can positively affect your mood as it releases feel-good endorphins in the body.
3. Supports brain health and reduces stress
If you’re concerned about the long-term well-being of your cognitive functions, keep raw cacao and our Snogo straw around. A study found that the flavonoids present in raw cacao can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in rats and the risk of stroke in humans. The same antioxidant is also linked to higher agility of the mind, better attention, and stronger working memory. Researchers have also found that chocolates that have at least 70% or more cacao can help reduce stress levels.
4. Supports cardiovascular health
Raw cacao offers impressive cardiovascular health benefits because of the nutrients called flavanols and procyanidins. These nutrients are antioxidants, and studies show that they can help reduce the risk of heart-related disease.
5. Gives you a magnesium boost
The human body needs magnesium for the functioning of at least 300 different enzyme systems. These enzymes are known to regulate nerve functioning, blood pressure, and blood sugar. When you can’t get enough magnesium from your diet, raw cacao is nature’s most significant source of magnesium.
6. Combats aging
Chocolate’s antioxidant content can help you to fight premature aging. With advancing years, we tend to lose firmness and elasticity in our skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. A study found that regular consumption of cacao supports skin elasticity and promotes younger-looking skin.
7. Fights inflammation
Raw, unprocessed cacao beans are loaded with antioxidants that allow the body to fight free radicals caused by environmental toxins, stress, and poor lifestyle habits. According to a study, it reduces inflammation in the body and prevents chronic disease. A bump a day of raw cacao every day will naturally minimize your body’s inflammatory load.
8. Improves insulin sensitivity
A study supports that flavonols present in dark chocolate and raw cacao can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also prevent the inflammation caused by diabetes.
9. Rich in iron
Raw cacao can help people who are at risk of anemia by increasing iron levels in their bodies. Iron supports blood health, energy levels and plays a crucial role in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. Lack of iron in your diet can lead to a shortage of these blood cells, leading to anemia.
10. Soothes cough
A bit of pure raw cacao may be able to cure chronic cough. A UK research study found that raw cacao has theobromine which acts on sensory nerve endings to reduce chronic cough.
11. Improves digestive health
Cacao contains fiber that bacteria consume to create fatty acid chains. These fatty acids are beneficial for your digestive system.
12. Healthy source of fat
Contrary to the information given by some weight-loss experts, your body need healthy fats to stimulate enzymes responsible for growth, immunity, and a healthy metabolism. You should consume or sniff cacao in its purest form as it is an incredible source of healthy fats.
13. Combats tooth decay
Cacao beans have theobromine, a component more effective than fluoride at preventing cavities and protecting against tooth decay. Theobromine has antibacterial agents that fight plaque, harden tooth enamel, and lessen the chances of tooth decay. You can try nibbling on cacao nibs for strong, healthy teeth.
How to find your flow?
Sniffing cacao helps you find your flow. At Snogo, we help you do so by offering a one-of-a-kind product that lets you scoop and sniff cacao in one go.
Steven Kotler, Executive Director at the Flow Research Collective, says it best:
“If we want to achieve the kinds of accelerated performance we see in action and adventure sports, then it’s 4 percent plus 4 percent plus 4 percent, day after day, week after week, months into years into careers. This is the road to real magic. Follow this path long enough, and not only does impossible becomes possible, but it also becomes what’s next—like eating breakfast, like another a day at the office."
About Snogo
Cacao has a range of health benefits; we offer our cacao with a sniffing straw for quick intake. Our signature blend contains Asian Mint, Kava, Ginger, Holy Basil, Vitamin B-12, and the caffeine equivalent of a coffee cup.
The Snogo is an on-the-go device that provides a quick and fantastic sniffing experience. We use medical-grade stainless steel with a spring-loaded straw as a 3-in-1 product. Our Snogo products are available in silver, nitride, and gold gloss shades. You can email us at arrian@Snogostraws.com to know more about our products.
