That Protein is taking over the Health Hub with a nutritional look into why chocolate-lovers will be getting a boost of 5 essential benefits of raw cacao!
That Protein creates delicious vegan super proteins made with organic and cold pressed ingredients including baobab, chia and raw cacao. You can try their delicious range of Super Proteins, created by nutritionists, blended into smoothies, bakes, protein shakes and cereals.
5 Health Benefits Of Raw Cacao
1. Antioxidants
Raw cacao - called “The Food of the Gods” is an antioxidant powerhouse. 100g Raw cacao has an *ORAC value of over 55,000. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow some types of Cell damage caused by free radicals.
Raw cacao powder is different from Cocoa powder which is processed at much higher temperatures than raw cacao, degrading the nutrition you will find in raw cacao. It will often have added ingredients including refined sugar and will have a different taste.
2. Fibre
Raw cacao is an excellent source of fibre. The UK government daily dietary fibre target is 30g a day but according to a recent BBC report, less than 10% of people achieve this target. A good quality raw cacao powder can be around 25% fibre.
3. Energy
Raw cacao powder is high in iron which EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) confirms “contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue”.
4. Boosts Mood
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology 2013 showed that there is a mood-boosting effect attained by eating raw cacao at certain levels for 30 days. Chocolate with a high percentage of cacao could also benefit your mood. How so? Raw cacao is high in polyphenols which are shown to help with anxiety reduction and enhance calmness. Raw cacao is high in magnesium which Psychology Today magazine has dubbed the “The Original Chill Pill”.
5. Reduces Blood Pressure
A study from the University Hospital Dusseldorf concluded that cacao flavanols lower blood pressure and increase blood vessel function in healthy people [note if you are suffering from an existing blood pressure issue always take guidance from your healthcare provider].
That Protein Raw Cacao Porridge Recipe
One Serving of That Protein’s Blissful Raw Cacao Organic Super Protein contains around 12g of Raw Cacao so it is a great way to up your raw cacao enjoyment!
½ banana, chopped
A few dark chocolate buttons
To make the Porridge:
5. Spoon the cacao porridge into a bowl and top with chopped bananas, some blueberries, peanut butter and chocolate buttons.
*ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)
Ruijters EJ et al Pharmacol 2014
