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Raw organic cocoa powder is a taste treasure and much more than just an ingredient for making your hot chocolates with dark chocolate; it is a food that contains countless surprising nutritional benefits. You can easily prepare it at home by mixing some raw cacao nibs "or by rapping from the" raw cacao paste, you will then obtain your raw cocoa powder ready to be used in your recipes. You can also buy raw cocoa powder in many natural food stores, specialty grocery stores, and online. In this case, the raw cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans that have not been roasted at high temperatures as is the case with conventional cocoa.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of raw cocoa powder and its many facets, how it can be consumed, and the daily amount not to exceed, plus a bonus at the end of the article: raw cocoa powder recipes.
What are the benefits of cocoa powder ?
Cocoa powder can be beneficial for health due to its nutritional qualities. It is important to note that these benefits are mainly obtained with its unprocessed and unsweetened form. Here are the main benefits of cocoa powder: raw cacao It seems like your message is incomplete. Could you please provide the text you would like translated from French to English?
A super antioxidant: Cocoa powder is an excellent source of antioxidants due to its high flavonoid content, including catechin and epicatechin. These antioxidants help protect against cellular aging and oxidative stress, thereby contributing to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as certain types of cancer.
Protect your heart and your cardiac health: Thanks to the flavonoids present in cocoa, blood vessels are dilated because nitric oxide levels increase, which can improve blood circulation, regulate heart rate, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is why moderate consumption of dark chocolate has been associated with various heart health benefits, as it contains a higher proportion of cocoa compared to milk chocolate or white chocolate. It is made from cocoa beans, sugar, and cocoa butter, without the addition of milk or other dairy products. Dark chocolate is characterized by a high cocoa content that can vary between 50% and 90%.
Impact on mood and well-being: You have probably already felt happy after eating chocolate or any food containing cocoa, but have you ever wondered why? The answer is that cocoa contains compounds that can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which play an essential role in mood regulation. Consuming cocoa can thus promote a feeling of well-being and pleasure.
Source of essential nutrients and vitamins: Cocoa powder contains minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, vitamin D, and B9. These nutrients and vitamins are important for many bodily functions, including bone health, blood pressure regulation, and strengthening the immune system.
An excellent slimming ally: Yes indeed! Cocoa can help you lose weight; it may seem absurd, but eating raw cocoa can reduce body fat thanks to the flavonols it contains (we're talking about cocoa, not chocolate!). Cocoa improves fat metabolism and increases the feeling of satiety.
Why consume cocoa powder ?
The powder of raw cacao It offers numerous benefits, which is why you should not deprive your body of the wonderful virtues of this food that it can provide to your organism. First of all, it is important to know that the nutritional values of raw cocoa powder remain intact because it is not heated to high temperatures, which means that its nutrient content is not altered. Therefore, you can fully enjoy all its nutrients and its intense flavor.
Moreover, not only does it have beneficial properties for the body, but it also offers a rich, deep, and complex flavor that delights the taste buds despite its bitter taste. You can also use this powder in cooking in a variety of preparations, both sweet like hot chocolate, cakes, desserts, and savory like marinades and sauces, to enhance flavors and create original dishes. In South America, it is used as a spice !
The fats in cocoa can be beneficial for the body when consumed in moderation. These fats naturally come from cocoa beans and are primarily composed of unsaturated fats, such as oleic acid (similar to the fatty acid found in olive oil), which is considered a heart-healthy fat and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, stearic acid, although a saturated fat, does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels in the same way as other saturated fats.
Raw cocoa powder is a healthy alternative to commercial chocolate powders because it is naturally unsweetened and unprocessed, which means you can enjoy the taste of chocolate while avoiding excess sugar and other undesirable additives often found in commercial chocolate products such as bars or powdered chocolate. It is important to note that commercial powders generally contain less than 30% cocoa, along with sugar and other ingredients. fats added to improve the flavor and texture.
In summary, cocoa powder is much more than just a kitchen ingredient. It is a true asset for exploring new flavors, providing health benefits, and stimulating our culinary creativity, all while enjoying delicious chocolate in all its forms.
How much cocoa powder per day ?
The consumption of raw cocoa powder should be moderated to avoid adverse effects related to the overconsumption of certain compounds present in cocoa. It is recommended to consume 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, which is about 5 to 10 grams of raw cocoa powder. However, if you wish to benefit from the antioxidants present in cocoa, you can slightly increase the dose, but it is important to remember that it contains theobromine and a bit of caffeine. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the consumption of raw cocoa powder for sensitive individuals to avoid any adverse effects such as insomnia or agitation.
And finally, moderation is essential. It is preferable to consume cocoa powder as part of a balanced and varied diet, ensuring to avoid excessive consumption and not neglecting other important nutritional sources for your body.
Our recipe ideas for using cocoa powder
We are going to give you two delicious and creative recipe ideas using raw cacao, very easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy and energizing snack:
Sure, please provide the text you would like translated from French to English. Raw cacao energy balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pitted dates
- 1 cup of almonds or cashew nuts (or a mix of both)
- 2 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: shredded coconut, chia seeds, or chocolate chips (or a chocolate bar cut into small pieces) for coating
Instructions:
- In a food processor, place the dates, the pre-soaked and rinsed almonds or cashews, the raw cacao powder, and the salt.
- Blend the ingredients until you get a sticky and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too dry, add a few more dates; if it is too wet, add a few more almonds or nuts.
- Add the coconut oil to the dough and mix again until it is well incorporated.
- Prepare a plate or dish covered with parchment paper.
- Take small portions of dough and form balls by hand.
- If you wish, roll the energy balls in shredded coconut, chia seeds, or chocolate chips for an extra coating.
- Place the raw cacao energy balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up slightly.
- Once cooled, your raw cacao energy balls are ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit !
2- Raw cacao smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 3 teaspoons of raw cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 cup of almond milk (or any other plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- A few ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel the banana and cut it into pieces.
- Place all the ingredients in a blender or mixer.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup if necessary.
- If you prefer a cooler smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again until they are well incorporated.
- Pour the raw cacao smoothie into a large glass.
- You can sprinkle a little raw cocoa powder on top for decoration. Enjoy !
