There are numerous reasons to include healthy cacao nibs in your recipes and in your diet. You may want to note that cacao nibs are also referred to as (raw) cocoa nibs, just in case you get confused! Regardless of how it’s spelled, cacao nibs are a pure chocolate treat made from crushed cacao beans: essentially unsweetened chocolate chips with nothing added.
They are dried and fermented bits of cacao beans. The texture of our raw organic cacao nibs is similar to that of roasted coffee beans. They have a deep chocolate flavor which can be described as slightly bitter and nutty.
Cacao nibs are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, iron and magnesium.
Cacao nibs are often included in trail mix, smoothies, overnight oats, brownies and muffins for an enriched flavor as well as for the many health benefits. Here are 6 health benefits that you should be aware of:
1) Nutritional Powerhouse: Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Raw organic cacao nibs are an excellent source of fiber and iron. A single one-ounce serving of cacao nibs provides 18% of the DV for fiber and 21% of the DV for iron. They are also chock-full of protective antioxidants and magnesium. In fact, raw cacao nibs are one of the best food sources of magnesium: an essential mineral involved in over 300 chemical reactions in our body, from nerve function to bone health.
2) Brain Food: A study led by researchers at the Northumbria University in England examined the effects of cacao consumption on cognitive activity. Subjects who consumed a cacao drink before performing mathematical calculations completed them more quickly and accurately than the control group that received no cacao. The lead professor of the study suggested that the high polyphenol content of cacao may be protective against declining cognitive function. Organic cacao nibs are one smart snack!
Read about 4 more health benefits on the next page …
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