Let’s get into another edition of Ingredient Spotlight! This time we’re looking at…
Cacao, the purest form of chocolate, has been celebrated for centuries not only for its rich flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. It’s also a key ingredient in our Cacao & Hemp bars! In this ingredient spotlight, we’ll explore its origins, cultivation, sustainability, nutrient profile, and some of the remarkable health advantages it offers.
The Origin and Cultivation of Cacao
The story of cacao begins in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. As early as 1500 BC, the ancient Mayans and Aztecs were among the first to cultivate and cherish the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, which translates to “food of the gods.” They used cacao beans to make a bitter, frothy drink called “xocoatl”. The word “chocolate” actually comes from this Nahuatl word, which was the language of the Aztecs, and is a combination of “xococ,” meaning “bitter,” and “ātl,” meaning “water” or “drink.” Xocoatl was often used in rituals and sometimes even as currency!
Cacao trees thrive in hot, humid climates, typically within 20 degrees of the equator. They are cultivated in regions such as West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. The trees require shade and rich, well-drained soil to produce the coveted cacao pods. Each pod contains 20-50 seeds, commonly known as cacao beans, which are fermented, dried, roasted, and processed to produce cacao nibs, powder, and butter.
The Nutrient Profile of Cacao
Cacao is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cocoa is the roasted derivative of cacao and usually used for making chocolate. Unfortunately, some of the beneficial antioxidants and enzymes are destroyed in the heat of the roasting process. In our Crafty Weka Bars, we use raw cacao, which is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, helping preserve enzymes and nutrients.
Here’s a breakdown of raw cacao’s impressive nutrient profile:
- Antioxidants: Cacao is rich in flavonoids, particularly epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins, which have potent antioxidant properties. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Minerals: Cacao provides a substantial amount of magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and copper. These minerals play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and immune support.
- Vitamins: It contains vitamins such as vitamin E and some B vitamins, which support skin health, energy production, and overall well-being.
- Fiber: Cacao is a good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
- Enzymes: Raw cacao contains beneficial enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, and oxidase, which aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall metabolic health
Health Benefits of Cacao
Cardiovascular Health
Cacao’s flavonoids have been extensively studied for their heart-protective properties. These antioxidants help improve blood vessel function, lower blood pressure, and enhance circulation by promoting the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Regular consumption of cacao has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Cacao contains compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA) and serotonin, known to enhance mood and promote feelings of well-being. The theobromine in cacao provides a mild stimulant effect, improving alertness and focus. Moreover, the flavonoids in cacao may improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing memory and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. So if you’ve ever got brain fog at work, grab a Cacao & Hemp bar. 😉
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants in cacao also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. By reducing inflammation, cacao supports overall health and well-being.
Skin Health
Cacao’s flavonoids protect the skin from UV damage, improving skin texture and hydration. Its antioxidant properties can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a more youthful complexion.
Environmental & Ethical Challenges
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Environmentally, cacao cultivation it often leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation due to the conversion of forests into cacao plantations and reliance on monoculture practices. Ethically, cacao farming is frequently associated with child labor, poor working conditions, and low wages for farmers. To address these issues, we need to support sustainable practices like agroforestry and shade-growing, which integrates cacao trees with other crops to maintain biodiversity, and organic farming, which reduces the need for harmful chemicals. Additionally, supporting Fairtrade-certified companiesor ethical chocolate companies that are smaller scale, local, and have direct trade models ensures that farmers receive fair compensation and work in humane conditions. (Check out Kate Hall’s article for a deep dive into these issues and a list of awesome ethical chocolate producers).
At the Crafty Weka Bar, we are slowly working to improve all aspects of our business to become more ethical and environmentally sustainable. As you can imagine, this is not something that happens overnight and it’s always a balancing act against maintaining a profitable business. Being able to choose the most ethical ingredient source for all our ingredients is something that we’re still working towards.
Get Your Fill of Cacao
As you can see, incorporating cacao into your diet is both delicious and beneficial – chocolate lovers rejoice! If you’re wanting to reap some of those health benefits from chocolate, opt for a high cocoa content (70% or more) to maximize rewards while minimizing added sugars and fats. Cacao nibs and powder are also brilliant added to smoothies, porridge, or baked goods (such as this delicious quinoa brownie from our friends at Kiwi Quinoa). Or even better, just grab yourself a Cacao & Hemp Crafty Weka Bar! By embracing this “food of the gods” in its purest forms, we can enjoy its many benefits while supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices.
One Response
I normally chew the fresh beans and swallow ie eat at least one pod.Is it good or bad to my health