What are cocoa nibs?

Cacao nibs are the least processed and most natural form of chocolate. The lack of processing and sugars do give them a bit of an acquired taste as they have a distinctive bitter but somewhat nutty flavour. They do however have lots of uses as you can add them into smoothies, as a topping on desserts, use in baking or even just snack on right out of the bag.

Nutritional benefits from eating this great ingredient.

Antioxidants

This is the one of the best reason to eat cacao nibs or dark chocolate in general. Antioxidants help fight off free radical damage in the body which can cause DNA damage, premature aging and even cancers. Think of antioxidants as firefighters putting out a blaze. And cacao is one of the highest sources of antioxidants

Flavonoids

Flavonoids come from plants and can be responsible for giving pigmentation and colours to being involved in UV filtration. They are similar to antioxidants in that they have a free radical scavenging capacity and have high immune system properties. We get flavonoids from fruits, vegetables, teas, wine and a significant amount from cacao. Essentially the antioxidant activity comes from flavanoids

Fibre

There is a huge amount of fibre in just a one ounce serving of cacao nibs. 9 grams! This can help control your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. This fibre can also help lower blood cholesterol as well as helping keep bowel movements regular.

Magnesium

A one ounce serving of cacao nibs has 64 milligrams of magnesium making it one of the best dietary sources of it. Magnesium is starting to be really recognized as a very key element for the body as it is involved in hundreds of functions in the body.

Potassium

This time in a one ounce serving you are looking at 183 mg of potassium! Potassium is crucial for life, it is key in heart, kidneys and other organs to function properly. Please google Potassium for the human body and the body needs for it!! You would be surprised what a lack of Potassium can do!!! Cocoa Nibs are high in Potassium!

Improved Mood

Chocolate and cacao help stimulate the brain into releasing neurotransmitters that can trigger feel good hormones. One of those unique neurotransmitters released by cacao is phenylethylamine. This “love drug” releases endorphins giving us alertness, contentment and a better sense of well-being.