Tag: Raw cacao benefits

A study found that the alkalization process used for Dutch-processed cocoa can destroy a significant portion of its original antioxidant content. This stark nutritional distinction highlights the fundamental difference between raw cacao powder and cocoa powder, rooted in how the cacao bean is processed after harvesting.

According to nutritional experts, consuming the correct amount of raw cacao can provide a wealth of antioxidants, essential minerals, and mood-boosting compounds. Finding the right daily dose of raw cacao for health benefits depends on individual factors and the desired outcome, balancing potency with avoiding overstimulation.

Raw cacao powder boasts an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score of 98,000 per 100g, while cocoa powder's can be as low as 26,000 per 100g. This significant difference in antioxidant capacity lies at the heart of the debate: is raw cacao healthier than cocoa? The answer lies in their journey from bean to powder, which dictates their nutritional fate.

A single tablespoon of raw cacao powder contains only about 12 milligrams of caffeine, a fraction of what is found in a typical cup of brewed coffee. This significant difference explains why the energy boost from cacao is often described as gentle and sustained, unlike the intense peak and crash associated with coffee.