Are you a chocolate lover? Then you’re going to love this. Raw cocoa is one of the healthiest superfoods you can add to your daily routine. Not only does it taste amazing, but it comes with endless health benefits too.

In this article, we will discuss why you should add raw cocoa to your daily routine.

What is Raw Cocoa?

Raw cocoa, also known as cocoa beans or cacao, is the unprocessed and pure form of chocolate. Cocoa beans are derived from the Theobroma cacao tree and are loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids and other essential nutrients.

These beans are native to Latin America and are known for their rich taste and health benefits.

Better Heart Health

Raw cocoa has cardiovascular health benefits that have been proven by multiple studies. Raw cocoa contains flavonoids that help maintain healthy blood flow, reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A study published in Nutrition Research Review showed that people who consumed cocoa products experienced lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. The antioxidants found in raw cocoa can even reverse the damage done by free radicals, which in turn helps reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Boosts Brain Function

Raw cocoa contains a natural stimulant called caffeine which can help improve brain function. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition showed that consuming cocoa flavanols improved cognitive function, attention, and memory in healthy adults.

Furthermore, cocoa contains a substance called theobromine, which has been shown to help increase mental alertness and improve cognitive performance.

Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

Chocolate is known for making people happy, and this is because of the presence of anandamide, a fatty acid neurotransmitter that binds to receptors in the brain, boosting feelings of pleasure and motivation.

Cocoa also helps reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety, resulting in a more relaxed state of mind. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that cocoa polyphenols helped reduce symptoms of anxiety in people with clinical symptoms.

Helps with Weight Loss

If you are looking to lose weight, raw cocoa can be a great addition to your diet. It contains dietary fiber which helps keep you full for longer periods and reduce the overall number of calories consumed.

A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research showed that consuming cocoa helped regulate glucose levels and suppressed fatty acid synthesis, leading to a reduced risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Improves Skin Health

The antioxidants found in raw cocoa can give your skin a natural glow. These antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and wrinkles.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming a high-flavanol cocoa for 12 weeks resulted in improved skin circulation, increased skin hydration, and shorter exposure to UV radiation before skin redness occurred.

Quick and Easy to Add to Your Daily Routine

Adding raw cocoa to your daily routine is easy. You can add it to your morning coffee, smoothie or even sprinkle it on your breakfast cereal.

Raw cocoa can also be used as an ingredient in healthy baking recipes to make delicious chocolate treats without the guilt.

Conclusion

Raw cocoa is a powerful superfood that comes with a wide range of health benefits. Adding this delicious and nutritious ingredient to your daily routine can help boost heart health, brain function, mood, weight loss, and skin health.

Plus, it’s easy to add to most diets and recipes, making it a versatile and enjoyable addition to your daily routine.