11 Reasons Cacao Nibs Are Good For the Body

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Craving for some chocolate bar yet you're careful with your daily calorie intake? We have good news for you! Cacao nibs are exactly what you need. 

The broken bits of crushed cocoa beans, known as cacao nibs, offer a highly distinct chocolate flavour, as well as a delightful crunch. These nibs are also quite healthy for you.

Cacao nibs, in contrast to the majority of processed chocolate, are likely to fill you full with only a small amount of calories. A kilo of cacao nibs has just 130 calories, or around 7% of your daily calorie limit if you consume 2,000 calories. However, you'll receive an outstanding 9 grams of dietary fibre for those calories, depending on your age and gender. 

Interesting, right? Now, let’s dive in and know how beneficial cacao nibs are. 

Contain Lots of Antioxidants

Since cacao nibs are the primary ingredient in both cocoa powder and dark chocolate, they have many of the same antioxidant advantages as those two superfoods. For example, they contain flavanols, a family of heart-healthy antioxidants that aid in blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure regulation. Flavanols may also aid in the prevention of diabetes, according to some preliminary research.

Protect Against Cardiovascular Diseases

Consumption of foods high in flavonoids, such as cacao, is associated with decreased risks of cardiovascular-related death. Due to the impact flavonoids had on your vascular capillaries, they were known as ‘Vitamin P’ between the 1930s and the early 1950s. 

Source of Fibre 

Just one ounce of cacao nibs has a significant quantity of fibre. This can aid in the regulation of your glucose level and blood pressure. In addition to maintaining regular bowel motions, this fibre can reduce blood cholesterol, too. 

Rich in Flavonoids 

Plants produce flavonoids, which are involved in UV filtering, as well as supplying pigmentation and hues. They are comparable to antioxidants in that they can absorb free radicals, have anti-cancer capabilities, and certain flavonoids may be able to fight HIV. Fruits, vegetables, tea and a large amount of cacao are sources of flavonoids for us. 

Contain Magnesium

Cacao nibs are one of the greatest dietary sources of magnesium, with 64 milligrams. Due to its involvement in several bodily processes like protein synthesis, blood glucose management, blood pressure control and nerve and muscle function, magnesium is deemed as a vital part for our body.

The magnesium present in cacao nibs supports nerve function, energy production and protein synthesis. Magnesium is also essential for maintaining bone health. 

Packed With Potassium 

You may expect 183 mg of potassium in an ounce serving of cacao nibs. The efficient functioning of your heart, kidneys and other organs depends on potassium, which is vital to life. Numerous foods contain potassium, including cocoa nibs. However, the average individual does not consume a balanced diet. Moreover, insufficient potassium is linked to:

  • Heart problem
  • Risk of hypertension
  • Arthritis 
  • Cancer 
  • Infertility 
  • Digestive problems.

Mood Enhancer 

Your brain releases neurotransmitters that trigger your feel-good hormones, all thanks to cacao and chocolate. Phenylethylamine is one of the distinctive neurotransmitters generated by cocoa. By releasing endorphins, this ‘love drug’ makes us feel happier, more satisfied and more attentive.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Your body's natural defence mechanism, which aids in preventing damage and sickness, includes short-term inflammation. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is damaging and has been connected to a number of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

One potential cause of persistent inflammation is increased free radical production. Antioxidant-rich foods, like cacao nibs, can help mitigate this impact.

Boost Your Immunity 

Cacao nibs' high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities may benefit immunological function. Cocoa strengthens your immune system. For instance, cocoa flavonoids reduce inflammation, which enhances the immune system as a whole.

The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), a crucial element of your immune system, can function better as a result of cocoa consumption. Approximately 70% of your body's immune cells are found in the GALT.

Help Regulate Blood Sugar Level 

If you have trouble managing your blood sugar level, consuming cacao nibs helps. 

Cocoa can increase insulin sensitivity and assist blood sugar level control. Moreover, insulin is a hormone that aids in blood sugar absorption by cells.

Anticancer Properties 

Cacao nibs' potent antioxidant concentration may have anticancer benefits. Antioxidants included in cocoa, such as epicatechin and catechin, aid to lower inflammation, stop the spread of cancer cells and trigger the death of some cancer cells. Antioxidants also scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells.

Ways to Incorporate Cacao Nibs Into Your Diet

Compared to other chocolate products, cacao nibs have a significantly lower sugar content and have potent health advantages. These are readily integrated into a range of sweet and savoury recipes and generally accessible in supermarkets and online.

Nevertheless, take note that cacao nibs, which contain no additional sugars, have a deep flavour and a far more bitter taste than dark chocolates. This means that when using cacao nibs for ordinary chocolate recipes, you need to adjust the sweetness level. To incorporate cacao nibs into your diet, try these methods:

  • Mix homemade nut butters with cacao nibs
  • Add cacao nibs to your favourite lattes and other coffee drinks.
  • Use them in breads and other baked items.
  • For a distinctive flavour, add crushed cocoa nibs and use as a crust to your steak or duck.
  • Combine them with almonds and dried fruit for your high-energy snack. 
  • Top yoghurt with roasted cocoa nibs.
  • Blend your prefered smoothie with cacao nibs.

Key Takeaway 

These are only 11 of the many things that make cacao nibs good for the body. Cacao nibs provide many health benefits and should be considered an important part of a healthy diet. If you’re looking for a delicious way to add some extra nutrients to your diet, cacao nibs are definitely worth considering. 

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