Cacao, commonly known as raw cocoa, is the processed product of cocoa beans after degreasing and grinding (retaining active enzymes), and the whole process is naturally dried at low temperature.

Cocoa generally refers to the cooked cocoa that is quickly dried in the factory. Chocolate and hot cocoa, which are common in supermarkets, are not natural foods. A lot of sugar, milk powder and additives are added, and the content of cocoa powder with nutritional value is not high.

The antioxidant in cacao is higher than that in cocoa, which can be proved by the free radical absorption capacity of oxidized radicals (ORAC).

The ORAC value of raw cocoa powder is 95500, that of raw cocoa crumbs is 62 100, and that of roasted cocoa powder is 26000.

Raw cocoa powder Cacao:

Raw cocoa powder refers to cocoa beans that have not been baked at high temperature and have not been chemically treated. After fresh picking, they are fermented at low temperature (about 45 degrees Celsius) and then directly ground into powder. The fermented nutrients are easier to be digested by the human body. Most cocoa powder sold in the market is chemically treated and baked at high temperature, which easily leads to a large loss of active substances and enzymes. Raw cocoa powder contains twice or more activity.

Raw cocoa contains more antioxidants than blueberries, Brazil berries and Lycium barbarum with the same weight. As a super antioxidant supplement (containing flavonoids), cocoa can repair the damage caused by free radicals and even reduce the chance of cancer.

Antioxidants in raw cocoa can help keep nitric oxide (NO) in the body at a healthy level. Although NO can maintain the health of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it will release some toxins, and antioxidants in cocoa can just neutralize these toxins, which can not only help protect the heart but also prevent some diseases.

Besides flavanol, raw cocoa contains high content of resveratrol (also in red wine, but not as much as everyone thinks). It is a super antioxidant that can dilate blood vessels and scavenge free radicals produced by oxidation, which is why people say that eating chocolate is good for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Natural cocoa powder not only has anti-oxidation effect, but also has anti-inflammatory effect, which can improve skin texture and is good for acne muscles.