Is Raw Cacao a Stimulant? Exploring the Health Benefits of Raw Cacao — Wellness Designers + Gym Consultants
Cacao as a stimulant
Be warned too that cacao beans are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao. It has a stimulant effect (it is known as “the cocaine of the Mayan’s” for a reason!) and has a half-life of 6hrs or so, suggesting it should only be consumed in modest amounts after dark by those people susceptible to such things.
Anti-inflammatory effects of cacao
Inflammation is a double-edged sword, in acute situations it helps us heal and fight infection. The antioxidants in cacao, such as flavonoids, can relax blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. The polyphenolic flavonoids in cacao also have the potential to prevent heart disease and support a healthy cardiovascular system. However, long-term inflammation is linked to chronic illnesses. In theory, the antioxidant polyphenols in cacao should combat the free radicals which mediate chronic inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and create a subject of considerable interest to the medical community.
A randomized, controlled, cross-over trial with 24 participants found that those who consumed two servings of a cocoa product per day for four weeks experienced a greater reduced inflammatory markers IL-1β and IL-10 compared to the placebo group.[4]
Cacao for blood sugar control
With diabetes levels on the rise due to the pervasive unbalanced Western diet, anything that can help keep blood sugar in check is likely to capture the health community's attention - and scientists believe that cacao might help by interacting with insulin to do just that.
In 2015, a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study (the gold standard!) tested the effects of polyphenol-rich chocolate on 60 participants. Researchers instructed subjects to eat 25 grams of the chocolate daily for eight weeks and found that fasting blood sugar and HbA1c (indicative of longer-term blood sugar levels) decreased above and beyond that of the placebo group.[3]
How to integrate cacao into your diet?
We buy 1kg bags of organic, sustainably sourced cacao powder and add a tablespoon to our morning smoothie with a nut mylk base and either a vegan or organic whey protein powder. Cacao beans are the source of various cacao products, including cacao nibs, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. Raw cacao powder is a rich source of antioxidants and can be added to smoothies for its health benefits. Hot chocolate, made from cocoa powder, is another popular way to consume cacao, but it contains caffeine and should be consumed in moderation.
After a light breakfast of seasonal berries and macadamias with kefir, followed by some organic boiled eggs and an avocado, this malty cacao-flavored mid-morning smoothie is all we need to get through to lunchtime. Try it for yourself!
References
[1] http://www.mjpath.org.my/2013.2/history-and-science-of-chocolate.pdf
[2] http://www.njmonline.nl/getpdf.php?id=1269
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4460349/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23823716