Cacao Nibs Will Pump You With Antioxidants

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We all need our chocolate fix somehow. Why not pump yourself with a ton of nutrients at the same time? Cacao nibs (not to be confused with cocoa powder) are basically chocolate in its purest form that’s been fermented, dried, roasted and crushed. It’s like eating the cacao bean right from the Theobroma cacao tree, once it’s been separated from its husk and broken up into smaller pieces. Even though dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids is considered a superfood, cacao nibs are on a different playing field and the least processed and most natural form of chocolate.

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Now, don’t expect that same comforting feeling you get when you bite into a milk chocolate truffle since cacao nibs have a little bit of a unique acquired taste and a crunchy nut-like texture. You can use them in savory recipes like with duck or spiced lamb or in sweet recipes with ice cream, smoothie bowls and other baked goods.

The leading nutritional benefit of cacao nibs would have to be antioxidants, which help to fight off free radical damage in your body. The free radicals in your body are responsible for causing a lot of health problems including cancer and DNA damage. If you’re looking for a reliable source of antioxidants, cacao nibs will be your champion with more proactive benefits than other antioxidants like wine, blueberries and even goji berries.

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Ever wondered why dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate? Research shows that the main health benefits of cacao come from epicatechin (a strong antioxidant found in plants) and throughout the whole manufacturing process, dark chocolate retains the epicatechin while milk chocolate loses most of it during this process.

Other nutritional benefits of cacao nibs include a generous amount of fiber in each serving, magnesium and potassium. Raw cacao also contains a rare amount phytonutrients that can boost your mood and keep you more focused and alert. So at the end of the day, you can still have your chocolate and improve your health at the same time.

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