From improving our mood to alleviating stress, the food that we eat plays a significant role in our physical and mental well-being. We are all familiar with the habit of surrendering ourselves to sweet or comfort treats whenever we feel stressed out, but the aftermath tends to leave us feeling worse. As good as sweets taste, they are generally bad for our health, which is why cacao powder is growing in popularity among many. Cacao is the rawest form of chocolate, with all its good but none of its bad qualities.
The Science Behind It:
Cacao powder is made by cold pressing raw cacao beans, without any processing or addition of preservatives. This is what keeps most of its original nutrients intact and makes cacao powder so healthy. The science behind cacao powder being effective for boosting mood is due to the presence of a compound PEA (or phenethylamine). This compound triggers the release of endorphins and mood-enhancing neurochemicals inside the brain. These are the same hormones that are released when you fall in love.
Cacao powder is also excellent at banishing stress, all thanks to its high levels of stress-reducing substances such as valeric acid and magnesium. And if this isn’t enough, cacao powder also contains serotonin (which helps in improving the mood and decreasing stress), anandamide (also called the “bliss” chemical that provides feelings of euphoria), and theobromine (a mild stimulant used sometimes to treat depression).
Other Factors:
Here are some more active compounds and nutrients present in organic cacao powder that can help you alleviate anxiety and improve your mood.
- Polyphenols: This natural compound present in cacao powder is considered a mood food, which also supports brain health. According to studies, polyphenols improve cognitive functions as well as psychiatric disorders like depression.
- Salsolinol: This compound stimulates the production of dopamine, which is also known as the “feel-good” hormone. Dopamine gives you a sense of pleasure and motivation when you are feeling pressured.
- Tryptophan: It is a natural anti-depressant that transforms into serotonin and melatonin.
- Magnesium: It is actually a relaxer mineral in which most people are actually deficient. Magnesium is important for energy and nerves, but it is especially vital for muscle relaxation. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to insomnia, muscle twitching, anxiety, and palpitations, which are all signs of stress. The magnesium present in organic cacao powder is a great way to keep anxiety systems at bay and reduce irritability.
Buy the Best Quality Organic Cacao Powder:
Juka’s Organic is one of the leading suppliers of organic superfoods in the USA from the continent of Africa. We have women farmer partners in the villages of Africa who use traditional methods to bring you high-quality organic cacao powder, where the cacao beans are fermented, dried, cleaned blended, and packed. To buy our cacao powder, follow this link: https://jukasorganic.com/products/buy-cocoa-powder-16oz