THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF CACAO AND HOW TO EASILY INCORPORATE INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE

If indulging in some highly processed, sugar-filled chocolate over Easter doesn’t sound like you, then please read on for some fun facts on chocolate, cacao and a delightful health-friendly recipe..

Chocolate is something that makes a lot of us feel reeeeally good.. and for good reason!

What are the therapeutic benefits of cacao?

How cacao makes us feel good, the science behind it all..

When we reach for chocolate as comfort food, it’s because it contains phenethylamine – a compound responsible for the release of endorphins. It also increases serotonin, hence why we crave chocolate when we’re feeling a bit down or premenstrual!

Plus, it can reduce inflammation in the body, here’s how:
Unless the goodness of the cacao is counteracted by inflammation-causing refined sugar, the actual cacao contains flavonols which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so including organic raw cacao into your diet can reduce inflammation.

What are our picks for delicious, and nutritious Easter treats?
Mayde Tea cacao cinnamon spice – one of our best-selling tea blends, and we’re not surprised why! The balance of sweet and aromatic spices with honeybush and cacao nibs results in a soothing, palate-cleansing tea.

Mayde Tea mint cacao – The healthiest choc-mint treat. Aromatic peppermint and organic cacao improve digestion and add a little sweetness to your day.

Mayde Tea drinking chocolate – a very recent release. Add this to your smoothie or raw treats, or snuggle up on the couch with it mixed into some warm almond milk for a delicious hot chocolate.





Antioxidant-rich spiced cacao tonic recipe
Have cacao cinnamon spice tea on hand? Try serving it up in a tasty blend of honey, cacao powder, turmeric and a plant-based milk as an antioxidant-rich spiced cacao tonic.

Ingredients
2 tsp Cacao cinnamon spice tea

½ cup plant-based milk of choice

1 TSP Cacao powder

1TSP Organic honey

¼ TSP Turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory properties (optional)

Method
1 – Brew tea as per instructions.

2 – Put the tea on the stove over a low to medium heat with the rest of the ingredients and stir constantly until combined.

3 – Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Cocoa powder is the processed form of cacao and will have much fewer therapeutic properties. Always choose organic raw cacao powder over cocoa powder.

A maximum of 4 teaspoons of cacao per day is recommended to prevent overstimulating the nervous system. Moderation is key!



Do you know of other therapeutic benefits of cacao than what is mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments.