Nutrition
This Delicious Treat Is Becoming One of the World's Top "Superfruits"
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June 18, 2021
This Delicious Treat Is Becoming One of the World's Top "Superfruits"
You may have been led to believe that this is an unhealthy treat to have every once in a while. Here’s the real truth…There’s a mouthwatering delicacy that has quickly risen to the top of the superfruit list. Want to guess what it is?
Here are a few hints…
It used to be called the “food of the gods”.
You may have been led to believe that it’s unhealthy.
A man named Milton S. Hershey pioneered the industry back in 1894.
Cacao (pronounced ka-cow).
Sound familiar?
You may have heard of its ultra-processed self—cocoa. Cocoa is what you make hot cocoa, Hershey’s chocolate bars, and ice cream with. It’s basically the unhealthy version of chocolate that you’ve grown up with.
Here’s the plus side—raw, unprocessed cacao is jam-packed with nutrients. Think: Magnesium, potassium, iron, and so on [1].
So, that serving of dark chocolate you’re “splurging” on actually isn’t a splurge at all! It’s a superfruit that is nourishing your body in ways that taste good and feel good.
What’s a Superfruit?
By now you may be wondering, “What’s a superfruit, anyways?”
A superfruit is a type of exotic fruit with extraordinary phytochemical compositions (like phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids, coumarins, hydrolysable tannins, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) and antioxidants [2].
Other superfruits include:
- Açai
- Acerola
- Camu-camu
- Goji Berry
- Jaboticaba
- Jambolão
- Maqui
- Noni
- Pitanga
The History of Cacao
Read on to get the answer, to learn what a “superfruit” even is, and to discover all its delicious benefits…
The Superfruit You Need to Add to Your Grocery List
Cacao dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Writings and remnants on pottery suggest that it was consumed as early as 600 B.C. [3].
From there, Spanish conquistador, Hernán Cortés, introduced cacao to Europe in 1528 by bringing King Charles of Spain samples.
Its original use was as a drink called the “Food of the Gods”, enjoyed only by the elite. It was prepared with cacao, cinnamon, pepper, and hot water [4], [5].
Cacao became so popular that it was even used as currency. One could buy one turkey in exchange for 100 cacao beans [6].
What Are the Benefits of Cacao?
The phytochemicals and antioxidants of cacao boast an array of health benefits, including [7]:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Insulin regulation
- Enhanced vascular functioning
- Prebiotic effects
- Glucose regulation
- Metabolism regulation
- Enhanced mood
- Increased energy
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved neuroprotection and cardioprotection
5 Chocolatey Beverage Recipes
If you have a sweet tooth like us, we have 5 non-guilty pleasures for you to enjoy—and you’ll get your cacao AND collagen fix too!
1. Cacao Lovers Collagen Smoothie
Get your antioxidants in with this creamy Cacao Lovers Collagen Smoothie.
With 20 grams of protein and healthy fats like cashew butter and coconut oil, you’ll be full until lunchtime!
2. Cacao Cherry Collagen Smoothie
Need to fend off that raging sweet tooth will something healthy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious?
This Cacao Cherry Collagen Smoothie is sweeping in to save the day.
With a half cup of organic cherries and a tablespoon of organic cacao powder, you’re doubling up on your antioxidants too!
3. Creamy Cacao Strawberry Collagen Smoothie
Don’t have time to make chocolate strawberries?
Make this instead: Creamy Cacao Strawberry Collagen Smoothie.
Call us bias, but this is *almost* better than biting into a juicy chocolate strawberry.
4. Cacao and Coffee Lovers Collagen Smoothie
If you consider yourself a chocolate lover AND a coffee lover, then you’ll love this Cacao and Coffee Lovers Collagen Smoothie.
Become more refreshed and energized by the sip.
5. Cacao Collagen Coffee
Switch out your normal cup of coffee for this Cacao Collagen Coffee.
You’ll get your caffeine, antioxidants, protein, and more all in a single cup!
The Bottom Line
Cacao is the best of both worlds. It tastes incredible AND is packed with a lengthy list of health benefits.
When buying cacao online or in a grocery store, be sure to opt for raw, organic, cold-pressed cacao powder. This will ensure that you get the least processed (and healthiest) product out there.
When buying a chocolate bar, opt for dark chocolate that’s 70% or above. The higher it is in cacao content, the more nutrients you will get.
Tell us which recipe you’re going to try this week!
As always, be sure to consult a health care professional before adding anything new to your diet, supplement, or exercise regimen. NativePath and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any diseases. All NativePath material is presented for educational purposes only.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Chad Walding nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.
