There is a growing argument that chocolate is healthier than it was once deemed, but many people still don’t understand how. Chocolate, itself, is a sugary treat that is usually associated with obesity. How can it be healthy? The answer is in the cacao. The reason dark chocolate is usually regarded as healthier is because of its higher cacao percentage than milk chocolate, but still, there is an even healthier alternative.
Raw cacao products contain significantly larger amounts of the phytochemicals (nutrients/compounds found in plants) that make chocolate healthy. In this article, we’ll go over some of the benefits of these nutrients and how you can implement Myprotein’s Cacao Liquor Buttons into your everyday diet.
Benefits of Cacao
Adding cacao to your diet won’t have a significant impact alone, but combined with a balanced diet and proper exercise, you can notice the effects. Cacao has been shown to benefit a variety of health aspects from immunity to metabolism. Below are some of the benefits:
#1 Mood Enhancer
This is why people typically turn to chocolate when they’re feeling stressed. Cacao enhances mood by causing the body to release serotonin and anandamide, which leads to positive and euphoric feelings. Other known benefits include acting as a cancer-fighting agent, managing cholesterol, and helping to prevent constipation.
#2 Cholesterol Management
For cholesterol management, cacao has been shown to increase good HDL cholesterol, which helps to prevent blood clots and cardiac issues.
#3 Energy
Since it also contains small amounts of caffeine, cacao may also have benefits as a minimalistic pre-workout. Thanks to its mood-enhancing qualities, it’s ability to prevent blood clots by helping regulate nitric oxide production and vasoconstrictors (things that constrict your veins), and a small dosage of caffeine, it has all the benefits of a pre-workout drink. All things considered, however, the doses would be so minute in cacao alone that if you’re most interested in feeling the effects significantly, it would be better to try a pre-workout blend, such as MYPRE.
#4 High in Fiber
Lastly, with 14.5g of fiber per 100g, cacao buttons are a great way to increase your fiber intake, which will help aid digestion. Combined, all of these benefits make the extract highly beneficial for health-minded individuals, and Myprotein’s cacao liquor buttons are an easy and effective way to implement it into your diet!
How To Add Cacao To Your Diet
Cacao liquor buttons, with all of their benefits, are also one of the most useful products in the Organic range. Derived from cacao nibs, they share many of the same uses. First and foremost, they are a great snack. You can eat them alone and kill cravings or you can add them to almost anything else, like yogurt or oatmeal, for a cacao taste. Since they are unsweetened, however, I would recommend also adding a bit of your favorite sweetener, if you choose to go with the latter, as it will give your meal a more “chocolatey” taste.
Additionally, they mix well in smoothies and shakes. If you would normally add cacao powder or cacao nibs, you can add cacao buttons for the same effect. And if you don’t keep them in the blender too long too, they will add a nice texture to your drink.
The buttons can be used as a nice garnish on your favorite desserts: ice cream, cake, brownies, etc. My favorite use for them is making homemade chocolate. By mixing cacao liquor buttons, cacao butter, sweetener, vanilla extract, and a bit of honey, I make a healthier alternative to chocolate with all the benefits! The recipes differ, however, and each ingredient you add will have a slightly different effect on the final product so I recommend trying a couple out if you’re interested, and going with what you like the most. Nevertheless, the buttons have a variety of great uses and can be a nice addition to a countless number of foods.
Take Home Message
Myprotein’s Organic range contains a variety of beneficial foods and powders that are perfect for anybody looking for a healthy snack or supplement. Cacao liquor buttons, specifically, are a great vegan, gluten-free, and high fiber option! Stacked with many health benefits, both neurologically and physically, and great baking options, this product is an excellent way to mix up your diet and satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
