Tag: Raw cacao

According to manufacturers, Honey Mama's bars are free from refined sugar, gluten, and dairy, using simple whole-food ingredients instead. So, is Honey Mama's chocolate healthy, and what sets it apart from conventional chocolate bars on the market?

According to scientific research, raw cacao beans, which are the base for raw chocolate, can contain up to four times the antioxidant capacity of traditional dark chocolate. The question of 'is raw chocolate healthy' is frequently asked by health-conscious consumers seeking a nutritious alternative to conventional sweet treats.

Raw cacao powder contains a modest amount of caffeine—approximately 12 milligrams per tablespoon—but its energizing effects are fundamentally different from coffee's, thanks to its high concentration of theobromine. This mild stimulant profile is a key reason many people find cacao to be a gentler source of energy.

Raw cacao powder can contain over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, measured by ORAC score, cementing its status as a potent source of beneficial compounds. So, is cacao high in antioxidants? The definitive answer is yes, though its antioxidant concentration largely depends on how the cacao is processed and prepared.

Raw cacao is a potent superfood containing significantly higher levels of antioxidants and minerals than processed cocoa due to minimal heat treatment. But what does eating raw cocoa do for your body, and what should you consider before incorporating it into your diet?

According to the National Institutes of Health, polyphenols found in cocoa have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in numerous studies. So, is raw cocoa inflammatory, or does it actually help combat it? The answer is more complex than it appears, depending heavily on the specific product, processing, and context.

Raw cocoa contains over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, according to the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale. This unprocessed superfood is prized for its high nutrient density, but it also carries unique considerations regarding its stimulating compounds and bitter taste.

According to the International Cocoa Organization, a single cacao tree produces enough beans to make only about 1.5 to 2 pounds of cocoa powder annually, yet the journey these beans take determines whether the final product is cacao or cocoa. This core difference in processing is the answer to whether these two chocolate ingredients are, in fact, the same.

Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Mesoamerican civilizations were already using cacao, a potent seed that would become the basis for chocolate. However, unlike the sugary treats we know today, their raw cacao preparations were revered for their medicinal and stimulating properties. The question today is not just about its benefits, but how much is a healthy amount.

Dosage recommendations for ceremonial cacao vary significantly, with suggestions ranging from a gentle 10-15 grams for beginners up to a potent 42-50 grams for deep ceremonial experiences. This guide explores how many grams of ceremonial cacao per day is appropriate for various purposes, helping you find your ideal amount for daily wellness, meditation, and ritual use.