Tag: Cocoa

Cacao, the raw source of cocoa powder and chocolate, is a bitter food that provides a multitude of benefits. This coffee bean-like cacao, which tastes like a 99% slab of dark chocolate, improves your health, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and simply improves your mood. Experiment with the taste by using the powder/nibs in milk, smoothies, or any dessert of your choice.

To get the most out of chocolate, learn how to pick the right kind. Look for minimal ingredients that list cocoa or cacao first. Experts recommend eating dark chocolate that’s 72 percent cocoa or higher. Watch out for allergen and high-fructose corn syrup, or any of its variations. For optimal benefits, buy organic and fair-trade. Choose quality over quality! A small bar of dark chocolate is better than a large bag of milk chocolate.

This paleo friendly coffee drink contains coconut oil, coconut milk, and cocoa powder. These ingredients help reduce inflammation and improve heart health by providing antioxidants and increasing levels of HDL without affecting levels of LDL. Freeze the coconut milk in ice cubes. Blend your coffee with the oil, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Pour the drink over the frozen cubes in a serving glass and enjoy.

Improper hair care, excessive sun exposure, and chemical treatment damage hair. Conditioning hair will help repair it and and make it more manageable. And, you can make your own at home using natural ingredients. Combine egg yolk with honey, olive oil, and vinegar for lustrous hair. Mix coconut oil with honey for a hydrating conditioner. Olive oil and peppermint oil strengthen hair. Lastly, combine cocoa butter, lavender oil, and almond oil to repair damaged hair.

Stretch marks aren't dangerous or painful, but people are often distressed by their appearance. They are caused by weight gain, growth spurts, and pregnancy. Some ways to reduce their appearance naturally are lemon juice, aloe vera, sugar, egg white, potato juice, coconut oil, olive oil, and vitamin E capsules. To prevent more from forming, stay hydrated, maintain your weight, and wear supportive underwear.

Natural sweeteners such as stevia and licorice are good for imparting flavor and managing diabetes, liver function, and even dental caries. Coconut flakes and sugar can be used for their mineral density. Cinnamon is an excellent anti-diabetic spice and adds its share of flavor. Cocoa powder makes your mocha extra strong and also serves as a mood enhancer. Vanilla beans can add a characteristic floral flavor to coffee. Some unorthodox ways could be to add sea salt and collagen powder, which makes the coffee sweeter with a creamy texture.

Coffee has many health benefits, but not if you add cream and sugar. A healthier option is pure vanilla extract, a classic flavor. Love mocha? Add a teaspoon of antioxidant-rich cocoa powder. For a fat-burning boost, spice things up with a dash of cayenne. Cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger offer anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative benefits. Maple syrup is a great alternative to refined white sugar. Don’t hesitate to mix and match ingredients for even more flavors.

Swap refined sugar with a pinch of cinnamon for your morning cup o’ joe. Add it to your oatmeal as well. Spread Grade B maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, and use it as a sauce for baking. Add banana puree to sweeten smoothies and desserts. You could build a puree by mashing a banana and mixing it water. You could also swap all your refined sugar choices with coconut sugar.

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Fatigue is common for all of us and all you might want all day is sleep. Luckily, several medicinal herbs and plant derivatives can help here. Ginseng, ashwagandha, and rhodiola are some of the better-known adaptogens that can fight stress. Surprise entrants on the list include coffee and cocoa. Ephedra is another herb that can help in small doses but is fatal when consumed excessively. When using herbs, exercise caution about dosage.

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Raw cocoa powder is not just healthy, but also incredibly versatile. From sprinkling it over toast and enhancing the taste of nut butters to yummy granola bars and fruit dips – each of these tips will help you and your family indulge your sweet tooth sans the guilt or the health concerns!

Hot chocolate is one of the guilty pleasures of a cold winter’s day. Whether we’re nursing a broken heart or freezing cold temperatures, there’s...

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can prevent cells from being damaged. Tomatoes contain lycopene that has been associated with a lower risk of cancer. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent cancer. Garlic and mushrooms may also help treat cancer. Catechins and other antioxidants in green tea and cocoa beans make them cancer-fighting foods.

Hickeys are temporary bruises on your skin, caused by kissing or sucking. Using aloe vera, cold compress, and cocoa butter are effective ways of getting rid of hickeys. Vitamin K aids blood clotting and can help to remove the bruise by healing the damaged capillaries. Massaging the affected area with a tooth brush reduces the bruise mark by increasing blood circulation.