What is Cacao?
Cacao is the seed of a fruit of an Amazonian tree that was brought to Central America during or before the time of the Olmecs. Cacao beans were so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that they used them as money!
Cacao beans contain no sugar and between 12% and 50% fat depending on variety and growth conditions. There is no evidence to implicate cacao bean consumption with obesity.
Cacao contains a wide array of unique properties and minerals, including high levels of magnesium and sulfur, in fact, Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food.. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium!
The cacao tastes similar to, yet better than, unsweetened bakers chocolate. A sweetener is often used, like raw organic agave nectar in conjunction with other ingredients to satisfy any chocolate craving you may have- like our Rawzinets!
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Cacao may increase your focus and alertness and contains nutrients to keep you happy. This is because of the chemical Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that is also created within the brain and released when we are in love. This is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation.
Anandamide
Anandamide, a neurotransmitter, is produced naturally in the brain when we are feeling great, and this neurotransmitter has been isolated in cacao. Cacao also contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies' ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer, when we eat cacao.