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Cacao has so many health benefits. However, it has some unique benefits that make it stand out from other plants and beverages. These benefits include:

It can prevent cancer

Being the second largest cause of death in the world, cancer is feared by all. Cancer occurs when free radicals from your diet and the environment damage cells, causing dangerous mutations. Scientists have discovered that antioxidants can help fight these radical damages, and lower oxidative stress, and cancer risks. These antioxidants can be found in cacao. To be more specific, cacao contains polyphenols, niacin, and flavonoids which help to protect existing cancer cells from spreading, protect your cells from being damaged, and stops cancer cells from growing.

It promotes lower blood pressure

Cacao is natural treatment for blood pressure. It promotes dilation of blood vessels which allows better blood flow and reduces oxidative stress.

It helps to decrease insulin resistance

Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes may benefit from flavanols found in dark chocolate. These flavanols lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, lower fasting insulin, and improve insulin sensitivity. This is also a result of polyphenols which helps to slow digestion and absorption of carbs and sugar.

It can help with weight loss

If you are trying to lose some weight, indulge some cocoa powder in your diet. It helps to suppress your appetite and as a result you will feel full for longer. It also helps to prevent fast storage, and it increases fat burning.

It can promote better dental health

Cacao contains antioxidants, antibacterial, and immunity-enhancing effects that lead to better dental health and help treat and prevent gingivitis. Cacao protects the enamel of your teeth and helps to strengthen your teeth. These benefits however are for those that use unsweetened cocoa powder.

Cocoa has very many health benefits. It has nutrients that help to take care of the whole-body including hair and skin. Today we narrow down to the specific benefits you get from cacao when you use it on your hair or skin.

Cacao benefits to the skin

Cacao powder is a powerful antioxidant. It removes free radicals that could cause damage to skin layers. It also protects the skin. Cacao is an ideal moisturizer. Regular use of cacao on the skin helps to smoothen the skin and maintain an even tone. Cacao can be used in a face mask to help nourish the skin.

Cacao has compounds that help to lighten skin color and energize skin cells. It helps to remove dead skin cells and blemishes when used as a scrub. contains vitamins and minerals that increase blood circulation

Cocoa powder can also be used in beauty products. It can be used in makeup products such as foundations and powders. If you are looking into buying natural makeup products that won’t harm your skin, then look into those with cacao.

Cacao powder protects the skin from UV damages like sunburns and skin cancer. It is also used to treat pimples.

Cacao powder benefits to your hair

Cacao powder increases the volume of your hair. It promotes the growth of hair cells and as a result, increased volume. Cacao powder also helps to maintain curls. It keeps curls hydrated and nourished.

It can be used to dry shampoo to darken hair, especially for those with darker hair. It takes care of the scalp, strengthens your hair’s roots, and prevents hair loss. It increases blood circulation in your scalp, resulting in healthy hair and faster growth.

Cacao has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent scalp infections that could lead to baldness. It makes hair look shiny and healthier

The big question is, “Does fermenting cacao beans improve chocolate?” Which is better, unfermented or fermented?

Fermentation is done to break down phytic acid which is a protective compound present in all nuts that helps to put together natural minerals in these nuts. Breaking it down is crucial for easier digestion and easier mineral absorption to the body.

Fermenting cacao beans also helps to improve flavor and aroma. Fermentation is also important in preserving cacao beans as it prevents the formation of molds and unwanted bacteria.

To preserve the cacao and the full nutrients, we use organic traditional ways of fermenting cacao. We fermented our cacao in banana leaves for at least 3 days before taking it for processing. Fermented cacao is rich in antioxidants.

Unfermented cacao is preferred by those who love chocolate with a mild flavor. Unfermented cacao also has a distinct aroma that is not as strong as that of fermented cacao. It is rich in antioxidants ‘

Both fermented and unfermented cacao beans are healthy. They both achieve their purposes and therefore it is up to you to decide. If you are looking for some chocolate with a strong flavor and aroma, then go for fermented cacao. It is commonly loved by bakers and brewers. On the other hand, if you are looking for cocoa not so strong maybe to mix with other naturally sweet ingredients, go for unfermented cacao. It is mostly used in smoothies, ice cream, and other sweet desserts.

We have both fermented and unfermented organic cacao to help meet your needs. Why don’t you make an order today?

Although the organic cacao market takes a very small share of the total cacao, it is gradually increasing especially in the 3^rd world countries. Organic cacao is that which is cultivated using environmentally friendly farming methods.

This type of cacao is the best for consumption as it gives 100% benefits of the product. Farmers are adopting production of organic cacao although their produce is not able to meet the demand in the market.

As much as there is a high demand for organic cacao, farmers often times end up remaining with their cacao at home due to lack of market. There is high competition from inorganic cacao which is sold at lower prices. Farmers also end up selling their cacao at the same prices as inorganic cacao to at least make ends meet. Those that value organic cacao, buy it for the right prices and as much as they are few, it motivates the farmers.

Organic cacao is packed with nutrients. Some of which include fiber, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium among others. It also contains antioxidants that help protect the human body generally, skin, hair, and nails.

There is a wide range of products you can get from buying cacao which is a really big plus for the buyer. You can get cocoa powder, cacao nibs, cocoa butter, and cocoa paste. Chocolate is under the cacao paste. Its diversity makes it ideal for use in many industries. Organic cacao can be used in bakeries, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, confectionaries, beauty industry, and beverage dispensers.

Health consciousness and need for premium product is what makes buyers prefer organic cacao. Directing focus to farmers who participate in organic cacao farming could help meet the demands in the market. Emerging markets can also be linked to the producers of organic cacao to create a win-win situation for both the farmer and the supplier.

At Tropical cacao, our main focus is to produce the most organic cacao to fill in the gap in the market and therefore giving consumers the best end-product. Why don’t you try us today?

If you are looking for an alternative beverage to replace your coffee or tea, cocoa should be your choice. It is not only heathy but also the perfect fix for your mood. It also has a great flavor you won’t regret on.

To make hot brewed cocoa, you will need roasted cacao beans or cacao nibs. Cacao nibs are crushed and therefore easier to use. You can get roasted cacao beans and nibs from us. You can also buy raw beans and roast at the comfort of your home.

Here is a procedure you can follow to roast your cacao nibs:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Spread your cacao beans or nibs in a baking tray
• Roast them in the oven for about 12 minutes or until they start smelling like brownies.
• Remove the cacao nibs from the oven and let them cool.
• To save some time, you can roast more cacao beans than you need at the moment
• After they have cooled completely, pound them slowly to look like coarse coffee grounds.

After you have broken your cacao beans to manageable grounds, it’s time to make that hot drink. Just like your regular coffee, it is easy to make this golden drink. You will need your cocoa, water, and sweetener or creamer (optional).

• Boil your water
• Add the ground cacao nibs to the water
• Allow them to mix while boiling for a minute
• Remove from heat
• Add your sweetener or creamer as desired

The amount of water and Cacao depends on how concentrated you want your drink. Adjust accordingly until you find your perfect mix. I use 1 tablespoon of cacao for 1 cup of water.

To enjoy the full benefits of cocoa, you need organic cacao. You will never miss on the flavor or heath benefits.

I have talked about the benefits of cacao over and over and today I am back to insisting. This time round, I will give you 4 good reasons why consuming raw cocoa is a gold mine to your bodies.

RAW CACAO IS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants help fight diseases, aging, and cancers in your body. Antioxidants also prevent free radicals that cause cell damage and therefore take care of your whole body.

CACAO IS HIGH IN IRON

Did you know that if your body has a deficiency in iron you could get anemia? Cacao is the plant with the highest iron content and taking it raw helps your body greatly. Iron is used to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that enables oxygen to be circulated in your body. This is the reason iron is so important in the body.

RAW CACAO IS HIGH IN MAGNESIUM

I have talked about magnesium over and over as it contains serotonin. Serotonin helps elevate your mood and this is why raw cacao was used in celebrations. Magnesium is also good for the nervous system and it helps improve your whole brain function. Magnesium is also packaged with anti-inflammatory benefits.

RAW CACAO IS RICH IN CALCIUM

Calcium is good for your bones, muscles, and heart. You should regularly take raw cacao if you want to be healthier and strong.

BAKING CHOCOLATE

The best premium chocolate used in baking is dark and unsweetened. You can however find sweetened and white chocolate at the baking stores. Dark chocolate brings out the real taste of chocolate. Sweetened chocolate is mostly used to ganache cakes, as toppings, etc.

CHOCOLATE MILK

This is a combination of cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. This dairy drink is greatly loved as it contains minerals and is also a good protein source. It is also a good mood elevator.

CHOCOLATE SPREAD

I’m pretty sure you have come across Nutella at least once in your life. Chocolate spread is a mix of oil content, sugar, and chocolate. It tastes so good especially when spread on wheat products like pancakes and bread.

MILK CHOCOLATE BAR

Same as chocolate milk, this is a combination of milk, sugar, and cocoa powder but now in solid form. This is most likely the chocolate bar that you will find at the grocery store. It melts in your mouth, and it is used to express love and elevate your mood.

BREWED COCOA

Probably the only beans you have seen being brewed are the coffee beans. Well, in the same way, cacao beans are grounded and brewed to make the perfect beverage. This drink is very nutritious as it is packaged with minerals. You need to try it.

With our cacao, I guarantee that you will get the best products and by-products. Talk to us.