What’s the difference between Cacao and Cocoa?
Did someone say chocolate?
Most of the general population is very familiar with cocoa. But, have you ever questioned the difference?
What is Cocoa?
Cocoa powder is very popular and has many general uses. You have likely used it in baking, hot chocolate or smoothies. It is a purer form of chocolate as it contains less cocoa butter and more cocoa solids. Cocoa and cacao are similar, but the main difference is that cocoa is processed at high temperatures, usually contains added sugars and dairy.
What is Cacao?
Cacao is processed at much lower temperatures and contains a higher nutritional value than cocoa.
Benefits of Cacao
Cacao has a tremendous amount of health benefits. After ingestion, there are certain chemicals that positively influence our brain and body.
These include:
- Anandamide: A neurotransmitter that evokes a sense of bliss and euphoria.
- Serotonin: Cacao enables the body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, sleep, memory, appetite and much more!
- Theobromine: This chemical acts as a vasodilator, hence widens blood vessels. It increases heart rate, reduces blood pressure and inflammation.
- Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral found in our bodies! It's involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions.