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Cacao

Cacao is the dried and fermented seed of Theobroma cacao, used to make cocoa powder, chocolate, and cacao nibs. Unsweetened cacao is rich in polyphenols and has a naturally bitter flavor.

Beneficial properties

rich in polyphenols source of magnesium contains iron provides flavanols contains dietary fiber

Nutritional highlights

Unsweetened cacao provides magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, fiber, and antioxidant flavanols.

Information. Cacao naturally contains caffeine and theobromine, which may worsen reflux, trigger migraines in some people, or aggravate sensitivity to stimulants.

Conditions it helps with

Chronic Inflammation
Includes: Inflammation
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General Wellness
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Heart Disease
Includes: Heart Disease (Cardiomyopathy)
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High Blood Pressure
Includes: High Blood Pressure / Hypertension
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High Cholesterol
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Recipes featuring Cacao

Healthy Fudgsicles (Dairy-free, Soy-free)
10 min
Snack
Best Chocolate Milkshake
5 min
Happy Hot Chocolate
5 min
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
10 min
Snack
Chocolate Mint Ice-Cream
10 min
Snack
Chocolate Beet Cake
55 min
Snack
No-bake Cookie Dough Bars
40 min
Snack
Creamy Magnesium-Packed Chocolate Shake
5 min
Breakfast
Chocolate Tart
20 min
Snack
No Bake Almond Cookies
20 min
Snack
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
10 min
Snack
Fudgy Pumpkin Collagen Bites
40 min
Snack
Chocolate Hazelnut Balls
15 min
Snack
Chocolate Almond Crispy Bites
10 min
Snack
Sweet Potato Brownies (gluten-free!)
45 min
Snack
Chocolate Mug Cake (1-minute!)
6 min
Snack
Black Bean Brownies (gluten-free!)
30 min
Snack
One-Bowl Pumpkin Brownies
45 min
Snack
Chocolate Protein Pudding
5 min
Snack
Chickpea Brownies (gluten-free & healthy!)
30 min
Snack
Nutella Fudge Balls (Gluten-Free)
15 min
Snack
Brownie Energy Balls
15 min
Snack
Fruit and Nut Bars
30 min
Snack
Healthy Hot Chocolate
10 min
Snack
Protein Hot Chocolate
15 min
Snack
Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls
10 min
Snack
Salted Chocolate Protein Balls
10 min
Snack
Sweet Potato Brownies
83 min
Snack
Healthy Dirt Cups
20 min
Snack
Build a meal plan featuring Cacao
AIM's food and health information is educational, compiled from published nutrition research and public-health references — see Sources & References. It is not medical advice; talk with your healthcare provider about your health conditions and diet.