Feeling a little low today?
Did you know that taking a piece of a chocolate bar can help uplift your mood?
Who doesn’t love a bite of chocolate? The rich, chocolatey flavor and the satisfying crunch of a good chocolate bar can make anyone feel like they’re indulging in a little piece of heaven. But are the chocolates on supermarket shelves healthy for you?
Commercial chocolates are made with cocoa powder (not cacao powder) and are loaded with sugar and chemical preservatives to increase their shelf life. However, chocolate is a superfood if it is processed as little as possible, from the cacao bean to a chocolate bar. When cacao beans are crushed and minimally processed, we get chocolate’s purest form – cacao powder. This cacao powder is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious! It can be used as a substitute for highly processed cocoa powder in recipes, making it a healthier option.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of cacao powder and explore its health benefits, and versatile culinary uses. So grab a cup of vegan hot chocolate and get ready to learn about this amazing superfood!
What is Cacao Powder?
Cacao powder is a magical ingredient that has been cherished for centuries by ancient civilizations for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Made from crushed cacao beans, it is a pure form of chocolate that has been stripped of its high-fat content and refined sugar. With its intense chocolatey taste, cacao powder is a popular ingredient in baking, smoothies, and other desserts.
Cacao Powder vs. Cocoa Powder: What's the Difference?
Cacao powder and cocoa powder are made from the same source, the cacao bean, but they undergo different processing methods. Once the beans are fully dried, they are roasted to develop their rich flavor and aroma. After roasting, the beans are then cracked and the outer shell is removed, leaving behind the cacao nibs.
Cacao powder is processed on low temperatures using unroasted or lightly roasted cacao beans then ground into a fine powder. The process retains the maximum nutritional content of the cacao bean, including antioxidants, iron, and magnesium. Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is made from roasted cacao beans that are processed at high temperatures before being ground into a powder. The process removes some of the nutritional content but intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Therefore, cacao powder is considered healthier than cocoa powder for baking and cooking due to its high nutritional content. Now, you can indulge in eating chocolates guilt-free!
Culinary Uses of Cacao Powder
Here are some fun and creative recipes with cacao powder:
- Chocolate Mousse- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxHowbbbWss
- Vegan Choco Peanut Spread – https://www.instagram.com/p/CinK-Xtowz3/?hl=en
- No Bake Vegan Brownies – https://www.instagram.com/p/ChEafdgFpz9/?hl=en
- Choco Cookies – https://www.instagram.com/p/CfTDMkGK-w9/?hl=en
- Satvic Hot Chocolate – https://satviclifestyle.in/vegan-hot-chocolate-recipe/
More About Cacao Powder
Want to know more about Cacao powder? Here’s our community members’ 10 most commonly asked questions and their answers which will help learn more about this superfood.
1. Does cacao powder contain ‘caffeine’ and acts as a stimulant just like coffee?
Cacao powder is made from organic cacao beans. However, organic cacao beans have a small amount of caffeine which is not harmful to health. As the plant itself contains caffeine, we can’t avoid it anyway. Hence, no one can claim that it is caffeine-free.
Cocoa beans contain from 0.1 to 0.7% caffeine. Caffeine is also in lesser amounts in the skin surrounding the cocoa beans. It usually constitutes 0.05% to 0.3 % of caffeine, whereas dried tea leaves have approximately 3% caffeine, and dry coffee beans have almost 1.2% caffeine.
Cacao powder also contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can act as mild stimulants and affect mood and energy levels. However, the effects of cacao powder on the body and brain may differ from those of coffee, as cacao powder also contains other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants.
2. How is cacao powder processed?
Cacao powder is made from cacao beans that have gone through a series of processing steps. The general steps involved in processing cacao powder are:
Fermentation
The harvested cacao beans are removed from their pods and packed into piles to ferment for a few days. During this process, the beans release heat and chemicals, which cause them to change in colour and flavor.
Drying
The fermented beans are spread out to dry in the sun or using mechanical dryers. The goal is to remove all moisture to completely dry the beans.
Grinding
The roasted beans are ground in a mill to create a chocolate liquor paste. This paste contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
Pressing
The chocolate liquor separates the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter. The remaining solid pieces are ground into a fine powder to create cacao powder.
That’s how we get raw cacao powder. It tastes bitter than cocoa powder but offers more nutritional content as it is pure.
3. Is it fine to consume cacao powder during pregnancy and lactation period?
The percentage of caffeine is significantly less in raw cacao powder. While cacao powder is generally safe to consume in moderation during pregnancy and lactation, it is important to exercise caution and consult with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Moderate consumption of cacao powder is unlikely to cause any harm, and may even provide some benefits due to its high antioxidant content. Some studies have suggested that consuming cacao during pregnancy may improve blood flow to the placenta and reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
In general, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to one cup of coffee. It is important to discuss any dietary changes or concerns with a healthcare provider during pregnancy and lactation.
4. Is cocoa powder vegan like cacao powder?
Cacao powder and cocoa powder are both plant-based and hence, 100% vegan. Both powders are obtained from the Cacao plant by processing cacao beans. However, cacao powder is a healthier substitute for cocoa powder, as cocoa powder loses its nutritional value during processing. Sometimes, sugar and dairy are added to cocoa powder to enhance its taste. No such additives are added to raw cacao powder, which is less processed and nutrient-rich.
5. Should cacao powder be eaten raw or cooked?
You can consume it any way you feel is convenient for you, In raw form it can be used in smoothies, shakes, energy balls, chocolate shake, and ice creams. In cooked form, it can be used in cookies, cakes, brownies and chocolates
However, raw uncooked cacao powder is more nutritious than cooked.
6. Can I consume cacao powder every day?
Raw cacao powder should be a supplement to your diet, not a major part. It contains small amounts of Caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and can negatively affect sleep if taken in too much quantity every day. If you are in a healing stage, raw cacao should be limited to once or twice a week, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time. You can have it more often if you are perfectly healthy.
7. What are the health benefits of cacao powder?
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cacao powder is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. So not only is cacao powder delicious, but it can also help you live a longer and healthier life!
- High in Fiber: Cacao powder is high in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and promote feelings of fullness. This can lead to better weight management and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Plus, who doesn’t love feeling full and satisfied after a meal or snack?
- Mood-Boosting Properties: Cacao powder contains compounds that can help boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety because of compounds like phenylethylamine.
- Nutrient-Dense: Cacao powder is a veritable powerhouse of essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy bodily functions. Magnesium, in particular, is essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health. So not only does cacao powder taste good, but it can also make you feel good from the inside out!
- Cardiovascular Benefits: The flavonoids in cacao powder have been linked to improved heart health, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. So if you’re worried about your heart health, adding some cacao powder to your diet might be just the ticket!
8. Does cacao powder help in weight loss?
Cacao powder itself is not a weight loss supplement, but it can be part of a healthy diet that supports weight loss. Cacao powder is a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. Additionally, cacao powder contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which can contribute to weight gain.
Additionally, cacao powder can be a healthy alternative to traditional chocolate in baking and desserts, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar and calories. However, it’s important to note that while cacao powder can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, it’s not a magic weight loss solution on its own. To achieve sustainable weight loss, focusing on a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle factors are important.
Cacao Powder in Skin Care : Beyond Desserts & Sweets
Cacao powder has numerous benefits for the skin and can be used in various ways in skincare. Here are a few ways to use cacao powder for your skin:
Body Scrub
Mix cacao powder with sea salt and coconut oil to create a homemade body scrub. The salt will exfoliate your skin, while the cacao powder will provide a dose of antioxidants and nourishing minerals.
Bath Soak
Add a cup of cacao powder to your bath water for a relaxing and indulgent soak. Cacao powder contains magnesium, which can help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.
Lip Balm
Mix cacao powder with candelila wax, shea butter, and coconut oil to create a moisturizing and nourishing lip balm. Cacao butter, which is derived from the cacao bean, is also a popular ingredient in many lip balms due to its moisturizing properties.
In summary, cacao powder can be used in various ways in skincare due to its numerous skin-loving benefits.
Embrace the Power of Cacao Powder!
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Cacao powder, the purest form of chocolate, is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This superfood is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals, and has mood-boosting and cardiovascular benefits.
By incorporating cacao powder into your daily routine, you can enjoy the delicious taste of chocolate while nourishing your body and promoting overall health and happiness. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how this superfood can improve your life?
