The raw cacao nibs are small-sized pieces of dried cacao beans. The preparation process includes harvesting, fermentation, and cracking of the beans to produce dark bits.
Typically, raw cacao nibs are bitter with the texture of chocolate flavor. Additionally, they are fully enriched with plenty of nutrients. Those include healthy fats, protein, iron, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Also, these little nibs contain low sugar content and are completely vegan.
All these facts about raw cacao nibs are the reason why you should purchase them. Let’s learn in detail through this article!
Top Reasons You Should Have Raw Cacao Nibs
High Nutritional Value
Although cacao nibs are little in size, they are fully packed with a huge amount of essential nutrients. These delicious bits are the least processed superfood available in grocery stores and are lower in sugar than any chocolate product. Thus, emerging as the healthy option for all chocolate lovers.
One ounce of cacao nibs gives:
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fat: 15 grams
- Calories: 175
- Iron: 6% of RDI(Reference Daily Intake)
- Phosphorus: 9% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 16% of the RDI
- Manganese: 27% of the RDI
- Zinc: 6% of the RDI
- Copper: 25% of the RDI
Strengthens Cardiovascular System
Well, cacao nibs are highly rich in flavonoids and anti-inflammatory antioxidants, protecting the arteries of the heart and brain. Flavonoids make the blood thin and also prevent clotting. They eliminate the risk of heart disorders, lowers high blood pressure, and improve blood circulation.
Additionally, cacao is a great source of multiple compounds and polyphenols, the complex antioxidant which together strengthens the cardiovascular system. They increase the HDL or good cholesterol levels and decrease the LDL or bad cholesterol levels.
Enhances Mood
Consuming raw cacao nibs stimulate the brain which in turn releases a feel-good hormone called serotonin. They are rich in anandamide, a type of amino acid that is considered a “bliss molecule” and another compound- phenylethylamine.
The role of phenylethylamine is to trigger the release of endorphins and many more happy chemicals. These chemicals in the brain boost the mood and stabilize it too. So, best to have it during the menstrual cycle, a time when mood fluctuates a lot due to changes in hormones.
Better Cognitive Function
Various nutrient-dense compounds including flavonoids in raw cacao nibs are effective in increasing the flow of blood to the brain. The results of this are improvement in memory, response time, problem-solving and awareness capability.
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Also, the additional flow of blood prevents the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia disorders as you grow old. Moreover, cacao is rich in magnesium which is very essential for good mental health and an active brain. Deficiencies in magnesium in the body can cause bipolar conditions, panic attacks, schizophrenia, and anxiety issues.
Boosts Immunity
As we have already mentioned that cacao nibs are antioxidants rich, but do you know how effective they are for the immune system?
When you consume raw cacao nibs, there is an increase in T cells called the immune markers in the blood. They instantly strengthen the immune system through their systemic and intestinal anti-inflammatory properties and gut-bacteria-promoting effects.
Whenever you feel sick, sprinkle the raw cacao nibs over your hot soup to boost your immunity.
Increases Insulin Sensitivity
Raw cacao nibs help prevent the risk of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. As a result, it lowers the possibility of suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Having the cacao nibs regularly for a few weeks will lead to a drop in insulin resistance due to the high content of flavanols available. Flavanols play a significant role in reducing oxidative stress and varying glucose metabolism.
Addition Of Raw Cacao Nibs To Your Diet
Because of their ease to use and easy availability, cacao nibs in Singapore are widely used by individuals in multiple ways. These little-size superfoods are convenient to add to both sweet and savory recipes.
You can either roast the raw cacao nibs or use unroasted. But do note that roasted cacao nibs are slightly bitter for which you might need less sweetener to balance the flavor of the dish.
This is how you can add delicious raw cacao nibs to your diet:
- Add cacao nibs to your favorite breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and trail mixes.
- Use them as an alternative to chocolate chips for baking brownies and cookie recipes.
- Mix cacao nibs into hot chocolate or handmade nut milk.
- Add little nibs to your morning smoothie.
- Blend them into your homemade nut butter.
- Sprinkle the cacao nibs as a topping over the ice cream sundae.
- Mix into mole or barbecue sauces.
- Eat the nibs as a quick snack.
- Sprinkle raw cacao nibs as a topping over yogurt.
- Add to your coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Summing Up
Undoubtedly, raw cacao nibs are a very nutritious superfood containing a high amount of nutrients. From maintaining cardiovascular health to improving brain health, these small-size bits are very advantageous.
Furthermore, adding appetizing cacao nibs to any of the recipes is likely to boost good health while satisfying your chocolate craving.