This video shows how and where Cacao is grown and cultivated and processed. Cacao is one of our favorite superfoods here at The Blue OK and it’s easy to understand why many South American cultures have called this remarkable plant, the food of the Gods.

The cacao bean is rich in magnesium, an energy mineral and vital electrolyte that keeps our heart beating well into old age. Unfortunately modern diets lack this vital mineral due to commercial farming depleting the soil of essential nutrients. In its raw state, cacao has more than 300 nutritional compounds and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food on earth. Our bodies need antioxidants to ‘mop up’ free radicals that can damage our cells.

Scientists from Cornell University recently discovered that raw cacao powder contains nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Cacao is also a hormone balancer. It also improves sleep, promotes lovely skin and protects the body from pollutants. Other notable benefits include:

- Appetite suppressant
Yes, it’s true. Raw chocolate actually has appetite-suppressant properties and often added to weight loss products to help control hunger! Simply enjoy a couple of raw chocolates or add half a teaspoon of raw cacao powder to a teacup of tepid water 20 minutes before a meal for a delicious, natural way to reduce your appetite.

- Aphrodisiac
Chocolate has long been the food for lovers and is a symbol of sensuality and sexuality. The ancient Aztecs gave chocolate as wedding presents and other South American civilizations believed that chocolate was the food of the heart. Raw chocolate from South America has to be the best chocolate aphrodisiac about!

- Sense of well being
Long considered a ‘happy food’, chocolate is a popular treat when we need ‘cheering up’, recent research has discovered that cacao contains chemicals which are scientifically proven to be present in the brains of people when they are happy, more relaxed, playful and creative.

Here at The Blue OK, we buy our raw cacao from Natural Zing in Maryland and Raw Food World in California.