Here's the science behind the health benefits of organic raw cacao nibs

A bit much of course, but let us welcome our new super food of the week.  What this all means is trhat raw unproceessed cocoa is becoming readily availble for your own self processing if you want.

I personally consume cocao in some form daily and generally with scant sweetening.  nThe first hot drink i consume very day is a mug cocoa powder usually mixed with some honey to create a gluey paste.  I now also add some monkfruit infusion as a natural sweetener.  In this way i have modified a lifelong allergy condition with the monkfruit while getting a good shot of cocoa.

I will likelly upgrade this to cocoa nibs to see if this is good.  

Here's the science behind the health benefits of organic raw cacao nibs

August 13, 2021 Denis Ivanchuk

https://www.healthrangerstore.com/blogs/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-organic-raw-cacao-nibs?

Raw cacao nibs are the crushed, dried bits of cacao beans, which are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. “Theobroma” means "food of the gods" in Greek, and this antioxidant-packed plant has been cultivated throughout Mexico and parts of Central and South America for thousands of years as a source of food, medicine and even currency. Today, cacao trees grow on either side of the equator and can be found even in tropical Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. [1][2]

To make raw cacao nibs, producers first crack harvested cacao beans to remove the tough husks. What remains is then dried and, in some cases, fermented before being packaged. These beans are also the ones used to make popular cacao-based products, such as chocolate bars, cocoa powder and cocoa butter. But unlike these products, raw cacao nibs go through minimal processing and don’t contain added sugars, artificial flavorings or preservatives, making them the healthiest and purest form of chocolate available.

Because they’re minimally processed, raw cacao nibs retain most of the phytonutrients found in cacao beans. These plant compounds are linked to several health benefits. Raw cacao nibs are also naturally low in sugar, which makes them a healthy addition to smoothies, sauces, homemade trail mixes, oatmeal and baked goods. They are also commonly used as a healthy alternative to milk chocolate chips in dessert recipes.

How raw cacao nibs can support optimal health

When incorporated into a balanced diet, raw cacao nibs can promote optimal health through the following ways:* [3]

Support healthy cardiovascular function

Raw cacao nibs can help keep your heart healthy by supporting healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. This benefit can be attributed to potassium, one of the key nutrients in cacao. Potassium also helps your body eliminate sodium through urine. High levels of sodium can cause your body to hold extra water, which can put stress on your heart and blood vessels. [4]

Raw cacao nibs are also a great source of flavanols, a family of bioactive compounds that promote healthy blood circulation by supporting normal blood vessel function. [5] Additionally, raw cacao nibs contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, these healthy fats can also help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [6]

Help protect against free radicals

Cacao beans contain catechins, anthocyanins and other potent antioxidants, according to a 2017 review published in the journal Nutrients. [7] Raw cacao nibs naturally contain these antioxidants since they are simply dried and crushed cacao beans.

Antioxidants can freely donate electrons to free radicals without turning into harmful chemicals themselves. Free radicals are generated by the body as byproducts of turning food into energy. They are also formed after exposure to environmental threats like air pollution, cigarette smoke and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At very high levels, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells and their components. [8]

Fortunately, catechins and anthocyanins are efficient free radical scavengers, so they can help neutralize these harmful molecules. [9][10] By consuming antioxidant-rich foods like raw cacao nibs, you can naturally support your body’s antioxidant defenses and help protect your organs and tissues from oxidative stress.

Support reasonable weight management plans

Raw cacao nibs are packed with soluble fiber, which dissolves in water during digestion to form a gel-like substance. Soluble fiber can help curb your appetite by slowing down digestion and gastric emptying. [11] This, in turn, helps keep you feeling full for longer. As such, raw cacao nibs can help you achieve sensible weight management goals when incorporated into a balanced diet and combined with regular exercise.

Promote healthy digestion

Raw cacao nibs also contain insoluble fiber, which draws water into and adds bulk to your stool. This allows your stool to pass more easily through your intestines, promoting bowel regularity. Raw cacao nibs also contain a modest amount of magnesium. Without this essential mineral, your body can't properly digest foods. Magnesium aids in digestion by activating enzymes that help your body absorb and utilize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. [12]

Support healthy brain function

Raw cacao nibs contain high amounts of epicatechin and theobromine, two antioxidants that support optimal brain health. According to a 2018 review published in the journal Nutrients, epicatechin positively influences certain cognitive functions, such as attention, working memory and information processing. [13]

Meanwhile, theobromine works as a natural stimulant that can help keep you awake and alert by promoting healthy blood flow to your brain. Theobromine also positively influences working memory and motor learning, as shown by a recent study published in the journal Nutrients. [14]

Theobromine is one of the substances produced when your body metabolizes caffeine. Caffeine is another stimulant present in raw cacao nibs. Both theobromine and caffeine help support optimal brain health through similar mechanisms.

Support healthy energy levels

Raw cacao nibs are a great pick-me-up snack for when you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon. That’s because theobromine and caffeine block the action of adenosine in your brain. [15] Adenosine is a chemical messenger that induces sleep by inhibiting the processes associated with wakefulness. The magnesium in raw cacao nibs can also help your body convert food into energy efficiently.

Support healthy, glowing skin

The powerful antioxidants in raw cacao nibs, such as catechins and phenolic acids, can help protect your skin from damage caused by exposure to UV radiation. Skin damage caused by UV rays has been linked to skin aging by numerous studies. [16]

The omega-6 fatty acids in raw cacao nibs also support your body’s natural ability to repair damaged or injured skin. [17] Additionally, omega-6 fatty acids also help protect you from external threats by promoting your skin’s barrier function. Several studies show that essential fatty acids like omega-6s can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin. [18]

Where to get organic raw cacao nibs

Raw cacao nibs are considered one of the healthiest cacao-based products on the market. Unfortunately, cacao beans are very efficient at absorbing heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, and other contaminants from the soil. As such, it can be incredibly difficult to find clean, organic raw cacao nibs.

After extensive searching and lab testing, the Health Ranger Store has finally acquired a new, clean lot of organic raw cacao nibs. Our Groovy Bee® Organic Raw Cacao Nibs are sourced from high-quality cacao beans that were grown under strict organic standards by our trusted suppliers located in pristine regions of Peru. Our premium raw cacao nibs are also rigorously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology to ensure quality products you can enjoy without worries.

Thanks to the powerful phytonutrients they contain, our Groovy Bee® Organic Raw Cacao Nibs can help support the healthy functions of your heart, brain and digestive system. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, our raw cacao nibs can also support your body's natural antioxidant defenses, skin health and sensible weight management goals.

Tasty and versatile, Groovy Bee® Organic Raw Cacao Nibs can be used in almost any recipe that calls for chocolate. Try adding our premium cacao nibs to your smoothies, baked goods and favorite desserts. You can even enjoy them straight out of the bag for a light and healthy, chocolatey snack.

Groovy Bee® Organic Raw Cacao Nibs are vegan, non-China, non-GMO and certified Kosher and organic. They can be stored for a very long time at room temperature because they don’t melt like soft chocolate.

Incorporate organic raw cacao nibs into your diet and enjoy the many health benefits of this remarkable superfood!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.