A Little History on Cacao Arriba
This is one of our favorite cacaos sources on the planet! This farm in Ecuador is run by a visionary, and received recognition for "denominacion de origen". A term that translates to a high-standard and next-level quality production on heirloom varieties. This also indicates that the origin of that ancestral cultivation is true to its area, meaning there was no foreign pollination or seeds added in the mix of its reproduction. This is revolutionary in todays world!
Did you know Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) means "Food of the Gods"?
Medicinal Properties
Did you know that cacao contains 40x more anti-oxidants than blueberries? It has an amazing ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400. ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Cacao is also loaded with iron and magnesium. Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g. This compares to beef at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg.
Raw cacao is also one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world. Magnesium is important for a healthy heart and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus. This might just be the reason your body craves cacao when you're pulling an all-nighter! Last but not least, cacao contains more calcium than regular cow's milk. Cacao has 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.
Cacao is also a great source to help combat depression. Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression.