Happy Valentine’s Day! Did you know that Americans consume around 58 million pounds of chocolate each year on V-day? Instead of opting for that standard, heart-shaped chocolate box, consider consuming raw cacao. Here’s why…

Benefits of Raw Cacao: 

1. 40x the antioxidants in blueberries

2. Loaded with iron, magnesium and calcium

3. Mood-boosting and heart-opening

4. Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging

5. Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation

Ways to Consume Raw Cacao: 

1. Add to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or raw desserts

2. Make avocado pudding with cacao

3. Add it to coffee or make a cacao latte

4. Substitute raw cacao when a recipe calls for cocoa powder

Cacao vs. Cocoa: 

1. Raw Cacao is minimally processed, roasted at low temperatures (preserving the nutrients), doesn’t have additives, sugars or flavor enhancers, and has a bitter flavor

2. Cocoa is more processed, roasted at higher temperatures (reducing the nutrients), supplemented with additives, sugars, and flavor enhancers, and has a much sweeter flavor

What’s your favorite way to consume raw cacao?

PC: @ksenia.brief