A superfood that has been gaining some popularity of late would have to be cacao. Once frowned upon due to its association with chocolatey desserts, this miracle food is now more likely to be compared to a powerful medicine. Some experts would go so far as saying that cacao is the healthiest food on the planet!
Although that may take some time debating, there is no arguing that cacao is definitely powerful, with a vast array of health benefits. Some of which are yet to be even discovered. Let’s look at some of the benefits this 'superfood' has to offer.
If food is your medicine then look no further than cacao. Great at fighting diseases and improving cardiovascular health, cacao has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of cognitive diseases as we age, such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Some doctors believe that this may be due to the way it enhances mood and promotes a sense of positivity due to the presence of chemicals that produce the feel-good chemicals in the brain, serotonin and dopamine. A highly desirable boost for women during PMS and menstruation. If Planet Earth gave us a natural anti-deppresant, this surely would be it.
Now that you're getting prepared for #SUMMER you all probably want to know what benefit cacao has on getting you nice and lean. Part of our desire as humans, particularly as the warmer days set upon us, is to look for methods of speeding up our metabolism. Well look no further! Cacao is even more effective at speeding up the metabolism than the substance that we turn to aid in weight loss most often, coffee. Coffee, in the long term, actually has a detrimental effect on metabolism whereas cacao will only ever enhance it! So opt for cacao the next time you want to do your body a service of a fat-burning nature.
Rich in flavour, with a silky texture, and an amazing aroma to match, I'm sure i won't have to twist your arm to convince you that it's time you implement cacao into your daily eating routine.
Cacao can be purchased in a variety of different forms these days. As a solid, in the form of cacao nibs, or as a powder. Both of which are available at GNC. The way I've been enjoying it of late is in a powdered form called 'Dark Chocolate Energy Powder' by Cocoawell, available here at GNC. Not only is the cacao used here Certified Organic Fair Trade Cacao, this exclusive product also contains green tea, theobromine and caffeine. Great as a part of a complete breakfast to help get you started in the morning, and fantastic in the afternoon when focus is sometimes a struggle.
So get your daily dose of cacao and protect your cells from disease, improve your mood (Moodi knows all to well about that) and speed up your metabolism to get your body in shape faster this summer!
P.S If you normally drink a glass of red wine to 'set the mood' when with that special someone, then try cacao. It's aphrodisiac properties (minus the debilitating effects of alcohol) will surprise you!
The #DietDoctor,
Moodi Dennaoui
#countnutrientsnotcalories