Health benefits of cacao

• It contains cacao butter, the fat that occurs naturally in cacao beans. It is the "good fat" like the one found in olive oil. Mainly unsaturated fat which raises HDL cholesterol (the type that helps to protect your heart) and lowers levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol

• It is packed with minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and calcium

• Cacao contains high concentrations of antioxidants. A cup of cacao has twice as many healthy antioxidants as a glass of red wine and four times as many as green tea. Antioxidants are like bomb disposal experts whose job it is to diffuse the free radicals that cause premature ageing and destruction of body cells

• It contains theobromine which stimulates the brain and central nervous system and gives you a lasting burst of energy. It is not addictive like coffee

• Cacao makes you feel good. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine and N-linoleylethanolamine similar to the brain's pleasure chemical anandamide ("ananda" is Sanskrit for bliss)

• It is anti-inflammatory

• Cacao acts as an antihistamine, protecting against allergies

• It can be used as a beauty treatment - cacao can make you look good

Using Cacao in your everyday life for energy and nourishment

• Make it into a hot cacao beverage using water or your preferred plant-milk. Recommended single dose is 15-30g and maximum daily intake of 50g

  You can add sweetener of your choice, a sprinkle of cinnamon, salt, nutmeg or chilli

• For cacao ceremonies recommended dose is up to 40g per person

• Shave and sprinkle a bit of cacao on your food such as your breakfast porridge or fruit salad

• Use cacao as high energy food on hikes and adventures

• Cacao makes delicious chocolatey things such as energy balls, desserts and chocolate covered frozen banana lollies