Benefits of drinking raw cacao
At Sacred Taste, we believe that raw cacao powder can provide numerous health benefits. Which is why we have carefully curated our high quality cacao powders into organic vegan drinks for everyday use, alongside our 100% Ceremonial Grade Cacao.
Benefits of Raw Drinking Our Sacred Cacao
Rich in Antioxidants: Raw cacao powder is a rich source of antioxidants, which are important compounds that protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that raw cacao beans had higher antioxidant activity and polyphenol content compared to roasted cocoa beans (1). This means that consuming raw cacao powder may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
May Improve Mood and Brain Function: Raw cacao powder contains compounds such as phenylethylamine and theobromine, which are known to improve mood and cognitive function. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming a high-flavanol cacao drink improved mood and cognitive performance in healthy young adults (2). Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that consuming a cacao drink improved cognitive function and increased blood flow to the brain in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (3).
Lowers Blood Pressure: Raw cacao powder contains flavanols, which are compounds that have been shown to improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming flavanol-rich cocoa products was associated with significant reductions in blood pressure (4). Another study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that consuming a high-flavanol cacao drink lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension (5).
Can Improve Exercise Performance: Raw cacao powder contains compounds such as theobromine and caffeine, which are known to improve exercise performance. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that consuming a cacao drink improved cycling performance in trained cyclists (6). Another study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that consuming a high-flavanol cacao drink improved exercise performance and increased muscle oxygenation in healthy young adults (7).
At Sacred Taste, we believe that raw cacao powder can provide numerous health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content and nutrient profile. However, it's important to choose high-quality raw cacao powders that are minimally processed and free from additives and sweeteners to ensure that you are getting the most health benefits.
With Love
The Sacred Family
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Article by Clare Lucas
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References:
Oracz J, Zyzelewicz D, Nebesny E. Antioxidant properties of raw and roasted cocoa beans from different origins. Food Chem. 2015 Jul 1;179:293-7.
Francis ST, Head K, Morris PG, Macdonald IA. The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people. J Psychopharmacol. 2006 Nov;20(5):583-92.
Sorond FA, Lipsitz LA, Hollenberg NK, Fisher ND. Cerebral blood flow response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 Oct;4(5):433-40.
Ried K, Fakler P, Stocks NP. Effect of cocoa on blood pressure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 25;4(4):CD008893.
Grassi D, Desideri G, Necozione S, et al. Blood pressure is reduced and insulin sensitivity increased in glucose-intolerant, hypertensive subjects after 15 days of consuming high-polyphenol dark chocolate. J Nutr. 2008 Sep;138(9):1671-6.
Decroix L, Tonoli C, Soares DD