We all love chocolate, but how much do you know about the plant it comes from? Read on to learn more about the benefits of cacao, one of our favorite superfoods for chilling out.
What is cacao?
Cacao is a tropical superfood widely known for its delicious flavor. Native to Central and South America, the tree’s fruit has been eaten for over 4,000 years! The seeds of the cacao fruit are fermented, dried, and roasted before becoming the chocolate we know and love.
Why we love it
A less processed form of chocolate, cacao is packed with health benefits! We love it most for its mood-boosting properties, but it also has higher antioxidant levels than blueberries, tons of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, and can reduce overall inflammation. Cacao even promotes the production of anandamide, a neurotransmitter known as “the bliss molecule,” in the brain, helping us keep calm and unwind.
How to use it
Our favorite way to add cacao to our routine is with our Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend or our Shroom Shield Blend! They pair the many benefits of cacao with other superfoods like turmeric and functional mushrooms – and they’re super yummy.
Need some inspo? We’ve got tons of recipes featuring cacao on our TikTok and Pinterest! Here are our faves:
