The Best Superfood is Cacao (Chocolate), But It Doesn’t Need Sugar

Today is National Chocolate Day.

You may be surprised to learn that I’m a huge fan of real chocolate (cacao).

Now, bear in mind that I’m not recommending creamy, sugar-filled, calorie-laden, commercially processed stuff.

No, I’m referring to the real stuff — to deep, dark, sophisticated, raw, sugar-free cacao or Theobroma cacao, “food of the gods,” which is the source of original, natural chocolate.

And I bring you great news:  When you cut out sugar or even dairy, you can still enjoy amazing, tasty, healthy cacao.

Many health experts consider cacao, which is rich in minerals and plant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, the healthiest food in the world.

[shareable cite=”Connie Bennett, The Cravings Ninja”] Cacao (chocolate) was once used as currency![/shareable]Of course, back in 1998, before I quit sugar, the kinds of chocolate I overate — and which, I imagine, you overeat — were full of those vegetable oils, GMO soy lecithin, milk and sugar.

Now, I’m so impressed by cacao’s remarkable resume. Thease are some of its many wonders:

    1. It’s been touted as an aphrodisiac.
    2. It can help you lose weight.
    3. It can increase your energy.
    4. It may improve your mood.  In fact, it’s “thought have interactions with neurotransmitters which contribute to mood modulation and appetite regulation.”
    5. It provides cardiovascular protection.
    6. It can reduce your risk of heart disease.
    7. It’s a powerful source of antioxidants — in fact, cacao nibs have more antioxidant activity than tea, wine, blueberries and even goji berries. (
    1. It can improve cognitive function. (In fact, Scientific American wondered if cocoa is the brain drug” of the future.)
    1. It can prevent premature aging.
  1.  It can balance hormonal swings.
  2. It can reduce stress.
  3. It can help fight diabetes.
  4. It can boost your immunity.
  5. It can protect your human skin from harmful UV rays, which cause cancer. note, however, that you will not get such benefits from conventional chocolate.
  6. It can help with digestion.
  7. It can keep you regular, because it contains fiber.
  8. Cocoa contains fiber to help keep you regular. The cocoa in chocolate is made from the seeds, or “nibs” of the cocoa tree, and you can buy these tasty fiber-rich morsels and munch a small handful of them as a snack.
  9. It can prevent premature aging.
  10. It can boost your metabolism.
  11. It’s can work as a cough suppressant.
  12. It can improve blood flow.

[shareable cite=”Connie Bennett, The Cravings Ninja”]Did you know that cacao butter and coconut oil make a great moisturizer? [/shareable]Dark chocolate may help your brain work better, no matter what your age, perhaps through improving blood flow to the brain or via its caffeine and caffeine-like substances.

Please note, however, that not all health experts tout cacao. Some even believe that it’s toxic.

Assuming you have no issues with cacao, how will you or do you include it in your diet?

Coming Up Soon: Stay tuned for the recipe to my Awesome Cacao-Chia-Coco Shake. Yummy!

Connect with Us and Join the Conversation: Share your sugar-free cacao recipe here. (Please note that your recipe has to have no gluten, dairy, agave, honey or another sweeter.)