Are a pure unadulterated form of chocolate, they were originally drunk by the Mexican Mayan kings who valued them for their strength. These Cacao beans are unfermented and are raw which means that they retain all their rich antioxidants and anandamides.

How to Use Cacao Beans

If you love an energy boost and that chocolate buzz then Cacao beans can be eaten on their own for an instant energy boost. They also are a excellent addition to a trail mix, or if you want to put them in your smoothies or hot chocolate then you can just grind them up in a spice or coffee grinder and add them in, you can also add them to cakes or any desserts of your choice as they make a perfect alternative to chocolate chips.

These Cacao beans being raw cacao means that they are said to have a whole array of unique properties that in conventional chocolate are destroyed due to the processing and heating that they go thro.gh. You may prefer Cacao powder also, as it has the same benefits, however comes in powder form

Benefits of Cacao

*Cacao is said to contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any food. Antioxidants play an important role in preventing health conditions and illnesses that occur in old age and they help to mop up free radicals which diminish your immune function.

According to some research over 80% of North Americans are deficient in Magnesium and the same can be said for people who eat a standard westernised diet, this is why Cacao is such an important attribute to our diets as it is one of the richest sources of magnesium known to man. This mineral is vital for a healthy heart and plays many important roles in the functioning of our bodies, not only does it help to relieve premenstrual syndrome but increase brain power and builds stronger bones

*There are also other important minerals contained in Cacao. Like Chia seeds, they are very high in iron, which plays an essential role in the body as it aids in keeping our blood healthy as well as fighting anaemia.

* Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a type of compound that is in Cacao beans and are released when we fall in love which maybe why chocolate is often associated with romance, furthermore these PEA's help to improve focus and alertness. The PEAs combined with magnesium also appear to help supress appetite .