Cacao, Food of the Gods!

Cacao or Theobroma Cacao, the bean which founded that treat we all love, Chocolate. Delicious to say the least! Cacao's cultivation, use and culture was extensive by Mesoamericans.  Residues in ceramic vessels from cacao beverage preparations where dated back to 1900-900 BC, thought to have been fermented and alcoholic.  These beans not only acted as a ritual beverage but a major currency system for Mesoamericans.  80-100 quality beans could fetch a new cloth mantle and apparently counterfeit beans existed.

Cacaos calories are divided, 34% Carbohydrates, 50% Fats and 16% Protein. Considered a super food Cacao is loaded with Cacao contains a bitter alkaloid named Theobromine, similar to caffeine and also belongs to the same group, known as xanthines. Theobromine is known for its stimulating and up lifting effects.

The main uses of Cacao today are culinary in nature and involving chocolate of course.  However, this bean has a list of positive effects on human health, short term studies have found it to benefit LDL cholesterol levels, may reduce blood pressure and raises levels of serotonin.   It is also believed that the increased blood flow after drinking or eating of cacao may help to achieve health benefits in hearts and other organs. Cacao was also believed to be ground by the Aztecs and mixed with tobacco for smoking purposes.  This powerful bean well do wonders worked into any diet!!

Blue Apples @ www.BlueApplesNaturals.com for your herbal needs including Cacao Beans...
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