Raw Cacao. A Superfood for the Skin & Body.

Raw Cacao, a Superfood for the Skin & Body.

Cacao, (pronounced ka-cow), is a bean that comes from the Theobroma cacao tree and has been used, dating back 4,000 years, by the ancient Mayan tribe for its health benefits and in spiritual ceremonies.

Cacao beans and nibs contain many beneficial constituents, but processing or roasting the bean destroys or lessens these beneficial constituents. Raw cacao is the healthiest form and contains many benefits for the skin and body. Raw cacao powder starts as raw whole beans carefully collected from the cacao fruit. The beans are washed, dried, husked and then processed into smaller pieces. These pieces are then cold pressed, which separates out the raw cacao butter (which we use in our Toe & Heel Butter). The remaining bean is then milled into a fine raw cacao powder ready to be used.

The terms cacao and cocoa can get confusing, and have very different health benefits for the skin and body. Raw cacao refers to the unrefined or unroasted bean. Cocoa is the roasted cacao bean, then traditionally mixed with sugars and oils to make the chocolates and hot cocoa that we are most familiar with. But raw cacao can (and is) used to make chocolate and hot cocoa in a healthier way, allowing you to enjoy the health benefits that raw cacao has to offer. 

The many skin & health benefits of raw cacao: 

• Extremely high in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from oxidation and aging. Contains more than 20x’s the amount of antioxidants in blueberries (ORAC value score).

• Improves circulation and hydration in the skin. Circulation stimulates new blood flow to the surface of the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing

• A potent anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and blemishes, improving the skin’s complexion. 

• More calcium than cow’s milk.

• High amounts of iron and magnesium, cacao is the richest food source of these nutrients. As a valuable source of whole food magnesium, helps to maintain a healthy brain, thyroid, and anti-inflammatory response.  

• One of the most potent sources of polyphenols. Supports healthy levels of cholesterol, reduces inflammation and supports cognitive function as it increases the flow of blood to your brain. 

• Lowering blood pressure 

• Delivers a healthy dose of phenylethylamine, a derivative of the amino acid phenylalanine, that regulates your mood and energy levels.

Want to reap the benefits of raw cacao for your Skin & Body?

This organic cocoa clay mask is packed with nourishing raw cacao powder, healing rhassoul clay and organic extracts and essential oils.This decadent mask softens, nourishes and exfoliates the skin.  Organic raw cacao is high in flavonoids & extremely high in  antioxidants, which help protect your cells from oxidation and aging, prevent free radicals from damaging the skin’s elastin, collagen & other proteins. Rhassoul clay is higher in Silica, Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium than other clay.  Rhassoul clay exfoliates, tones and enriches the skin. The mineral properties of Rhassoul Clay were studied extensively and presented at the 12th meeting of the National Institute of Phytotherapy in Paris in 1985.  It is excellent for dry and mature skin, but nourishing and very beneficial for all skin types. 

Skin Benefits of Raw Cacao: 

• Extremely high in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from oxidation and aging. Raw cacao contains more than 20x’s the amount of antioxidants in blueberries (ORAC value score).
• Improves circulation and hydration in the skin. Circulation stimulates new blood flow to the surface of the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing
• A potent anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and blemishes, improving the skin’s complexion. 
• High amounts of iron and magnesium, cacao is the richest food source of these nutrients. 

Add raw cacao to your morning or afternoon smoothies, create a healthy relaxing hot cocoa drink, make energy bites, and much much much more. One of my favorite websites for finding inspiring recipes to use raw cacao is detoxinista.com. And you can find raw cacao in some natural grocery stores as well as online at mountainroseherbs.com