As a superfood connoisseur myself, when I heard about something called “Cacao Nibs” I had to do some digging. I discovered an article by the Huffington Post that stated cacao nibs, which are cacao beans that have been roasted and broken into smaller pieces, have crazy health benefits that make them better for you than dark chocolate.
The following is a quick summary of a few health benefits from the article:
“Magnesium: Cacao beans are one of the best dietary sources of magnesium. It’s important for muscle and nerve function and keeps the heart rhythm steady.
Fiber: You don’t get any dietary fiber when you eat chocolate, but you do when you snack on cacao nibs: one ounce has nine gram.
Iron: It is necessary for red blood cell production, is found in cacao nibs.
Antioxidants: There is an antioxidant power of dark chocolate — well, that goes even more for cacao beans, especially when eaten raw. Antioxidants are important for health because they absorb the free radicals that cause damage in the body.
Mood Improver: Cacao stimulates the brain to release particular neurotransmitters that can trigger emotions — including good ones like euphoria.
Phenylethylamine (PEA): This is a chemical found in cacao, one that our bodies also make naturally. We produce PEA, an adrenal-related chemical, when we’re excited — it causes the pulse to quicken, making us feel focused and alert.”
If you would like to read the whole article feel from to check it out here.
After discovering the health benefits I decided these nibs are worth adding to any diet. I am going to share my own smoothie recipe that includes these little health boosters. This smoothie is one you can make easily in any college apartment by keeping fruit in the fridge, a few pantry items on the shelf and a blender on the counter.
What you need:
- Raw Cacao nibs (small handful)
- Chia Seeds (small handful)
- Goji berries (small handful)
- Lemon (half squeezed)
- Spinach (Handful)
- Banana (one)
- Strawberries (4-6)
- Blackberries (small handful)
- Raspberries (small handful)
- Baby carrots (small handful)
I took all these ingredients, put them in my Hamilton Beach single serve blender, blended, popped the top off the blender, added a straw and it was ready to drink. This smoothie is an easy way to put plenty of fruits and veggies in your body plus Cacao nibs. The goji berries, chia seeds and cacao nibs can all be found online here. The blender can be found here and is perfect for any college budget being only $19.99.
Keep cacao nibs in your pantry and add them into a smoothie anytime for those extra health benefits.
Cacao nibs, chia seeds and goji berries
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