Our Certified Organic Raw Cacao Powder (Cocoa Powder) is made by taking raw cacao nibs and cold-pressing some of the oil out. This natural process retains 22% of the cacao butter and results in a flavorful powder packed with powerful nutrients and natural mood lifters. Raw cacao powder dissolves easily in liquids making it easy to create delicious chocolate shakes, fudge, hot chocolate and more. Try Sweetening with our organic agave nectar to create low glycemic, delightful treats. The possibilities are endless for this antioxidant pick me up. See what you are missing and turn your chocolate cravings into super nutrition by rediscovering real chocolate in our Raw Organic Cacao Powder.

Our Raw Organic Cacao powder is high in the mineral magnesium, essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently, building strong bones, and maintaining proper blood pressure. Cacao also contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants on the planet, exceeding that of red wine, green tea, and many other exotic fruits and vegetables. Recent scientific studies have shown that cacao boosts blood flow to the heart, brain and other organs and while having protective effects against heart disease. It has also been shown to be helpful in lowering blood glucose levels. Research from Germany also suggests that the flavanols in cacao may help maintain youthful, beautiful skin. Plus cacao is a good source of sulfur which promotes healthy skin, nails and hair.

Cacao, 'the food of the gods' has been used for centuries to boost energy and enhance mood. With over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, cacao remains one of the most complex and pleasurable foods on the planet. In its raw form, cacao contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), and tryptophan (a natural anti-depressant). By raising the neurotransmitters in our brain, cacao promotes an overall feeling of well being. In essence, raw chocolate makes you happy!

What's the Difference between Cacao and Cocoa? The official name of the chocolate tree is Theobroma Cacao. Some experts believe that over time the word "cacao" became Anglicized, and most likely through common error people started calling it "cocoa". Now, with the rebirth of old-style, artisanal chocolate there is a movement to reclaim the beans rightful name: cacao (pronounced Ka-Kow). Today, the two words are often used inter-changeably.

Cacao and dark chocolate has been shown to have excellent antioxidant levels exceeding red wine, green tea, and other exotic fruits and vegetables. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values of dark chocolate (13,120 per 100 grams) exceed those of prunes (5,700), blueberries (2,400), strawberries (1,540) and spinach (1,260). But adding milk to chocolate does not help, in fact, it seems to block the activity of the phytochemicals responsible for the powerful antioxidant capacity of cacao.

Some of the possible health benefits of Cacao:

● Anti-depressant
● Helpful for arteriosclerosis
● Natural aphrodisiac
● Dilates blood vessels
● Improves the cellular functioning of those cells lining blood vessels
● One of the strongest antioxidants on the planet
● Boosts blood flow to the brain, heart, & other organs
● Protects against heart disease
● Has been shown to inhibit cataract formation in diabetic lab rats
● Anti-inflammation
● Lowers the oxidative stress of strenuous activities - thus helping athletes to recover
● Anti-platelet function
● Improves digestion
● Stimulate kidney & bowel function
● Can be used in treatment of skin problems including eczema, psoriasis & burns
● May reduce risk of cardiovascular mortality
● Strong stress reliever
● Relaxes muscles
● Increases insulin sensitivity in healthy persons
● Helps build strong bones & teeth
● Contains more magnesium than any other food
● Lowers blood glucose levels
● Lowers the risk of hardening of the arteries
● Reduces free radicals throughout the body
● May be used to increase breast milk production
● Lowers bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol
● Endothelial function improved in overweight adults
● May be helpful in preventing additional neural damage in the case of a stroke
● Reduces blood pressure
● Promotes an overall feeling of euphoria & well being
● Helps maintain youthful, beautiful skin, hair, & nails

Suggested uses: Add 1-2 teaspoons to hot water and sweeten with agave nectar to create a healthy hot chocolate. Add to chocolate recipes, shakes or smoothies.

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao

Other Names: Cocoa, Chocolate Tree, Koko, Kakaobaum, kakaw, kakao

Origin: Peru - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw organic non-GMO products available. Our Raw Cacao Powder is made from organically grown Cacao Beans that pass our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers Raw Cacao Powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Organic Cacao Powder in a cool, dark, dry place.