What is cacao?
Cacao is the raw seed of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). It naturally contains flavanols, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds and is the ingredient from which cocoa and chocolate are produced.
What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?
Both cacao and cocoa come from the same plant (Theobroma cacao). The main difference lies in how they are processed. Cacao usually refers to minimally processed beans or powder, while cocoa typically refers to beans that have been roasted before being ground into powder. Both naturally contain flavanols, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds, although processing methods can influence their final nutritional composition.
Why is cacao associated with brain function?
Cacao naturally contains flavanols that have been widely studied for their role in supporting healthy blood flow, including circulation to the brain. Combined with its naturally occurring magnesium and antioxidant compounds, this has made cacao a popular ingredient in supplements designed to support cognitive health and memory.
Can cacao help support stress and mood?
Cacao naturally contains magnesium along with several bioactive plant compounds. Together with its long history of traditional use, this has made cacao a popular ingredient in supplements designed to support relaxation, mood and resilience to everyday stress.
What nutrients are naturally found in cacao?
Cacao naturally provides magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, dietary fibre and a wide variety of polyphenols, particularly flavanols, making it one of the richest whole-food sources of antioxidant plant compounds.
