Cacao is a tree endemic to South America that produces a fruit of the same name that can be used as an ingredient for foods, among which chocolate stands out.
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Load more productsCacao has a high level of fats (especially saturated, and to a lesser extent, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), carbohydrates and proteins, but it also contains magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, theobromine, caffeine, antioxidants and water, among others.
Cacao also stands out for having a high energy content, which is why it is usually indicated for those who carry out sports activities or intense physical exercise.
In recent years, numerous studies have been carried out that have shown the healthy properties of cacao, especially in terms of the cardiovascular system. Flavonoids, usually found in vegetables, are also present in cacao and are antioxidants that help prevent some heart diseases. These antioxidants also have benefits on cells, which help protect them from attacks by free radicals to prevent them from aging. Another component that helps this protection is oleic acid.
Flavonoids also provide benefits to the brain system, improving memory and other cognitive processes. The study Enhancing dentate gyrus function with dietary flavanols improves cognition in older adults published by the journal Nature Neoscience offered a group of middle-aged men chocolate enriched with flavonoids for three months to test its effects. The results showed that the trial participants’ ability to remember had improved significantly.
Cacao and chocolate also favor the production of endorphins, which produces a better state of mind that allows you to combat physical or mental stress. Other elements such as tryptophan or phenylethylamine also contribute to a more positive mood.
The main use of cacao is to make chocolate, for which both the powder and the fat obtained from crushing its fruit once fermented are used. Both cacao powder and butter are obtained from this fruit. Both are usually mixed together with refined sugars and milk; Depending on the amount of each used, the different types of chocolate arise.