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How are Cacao Nibs Made?  Cacao Nibs are produced from the seeds or beans of the Theobroma Cacao Tree or Cocoa Tree.  After harvesting, the beans are firstly fermented, dried and then roasted and cracked, to produce small dark bits or cacao nibs. 

History of Cacao:  The Incas knew of Cacao’s health benefits and labelled it the drink of the Gods, which led to the tree it grew on being aptly named Theobroma – Theo (Greek for God) and Broma (Tree)!  In Mesoamerica, Cacao beans were so valued, that they were even used as currency! 

Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to encounter Cacao Beans, and they and other Explorers documented the health benefits of the bean such as assisting digestion and healing the nervous system, even alleviating conditions such as Tuberculosis, gout and fever.

• Cacao Nibs have a bitter, chocolatey flavour, and are full of nutrients and healthy plant compounds.
• High in Antioxidants – Cacao contains more antioxidants per gram than blueberries, goji berries, red wine, raisins prunes or pomegranates.
• Naturally low in Sugar
• Good source of fibre, protein and healthy fats
• Increase satiety
• Rich in minerals and health promoting, potent plant compounds, including flavonoid antioxidants.

Ways to use Cacao Nibs:

• Blend into a smoothies or hot chocolate
• Replace choc chips with cacao nibs
• Process into nut butters
• Blend with avocado and dates for a natural icing or pudding
• Grind to create exfoliating bath scrubs
• Add to muesli, ice cream, chia pudding, sauces or just eat as is.

Benefits of Cacao Nibs

Anti-inflammatory Properties:  Cacao Nibs and other cocoa products are high in antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals.  Increases in Free Radicals are one of a suspected cause of chronic inflammation. Some studies have indicated that the Polyphenols in Cocoa products can reduce the activity of a protein called NF-kB, that has a part to play in the inflammatory process.

May Boost Immune Health:  The powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Cacao Nibs may assist with boosting immune health through their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Gut Health: Cocoa may also improve the function of the gut-associated Lymphoid tissue (GALT), a crucial part of the immune system located throughout your intestines.  The GALT contains approximately 70% of all immune cells in your body!

Diets rich in Cocoa have been shown to decrease sensitivity to oral Antigens or toxins by improving the function of a specific layer of your intestines, responsible for gut health and protection against allergies.

A study in rats indicated that a cocoa-enriched diet inhibited the release of anti-bodies and inflammatory molecules that can result in serious allergic reactions, by strengthening the immune system.

May Improve Heart Health:  There have been numerous studies that indicate that the Polyphenols found in Cocoa can benefit heart health by reducing the risk factors of high blood pressure and raised cholesterol that contribute to heart disease.

A compilation of twenty studies indicated that consuming Flavonoid rich Cocoa products was associated with a significant blood pressure decrease over two to eighteen weeks.

Population studies have linked cocoa intake to a reduced risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease and stroke.

Mood Enhancing:  Cacao Nibs contain healthy fats and compounds that affect the hormones, Serotonin and Dopamine levels in the brain, boosting mood.  Cacao contains the compound PEA or phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins and mood enhancing neurochemicals in the brain.  It is also a great stress reliever as it contains high levels of Magnesium and Valeric Acid.

Precautions related to Consuming Cacao Nibs:  Cocoa Beans contain the stimulants Caffeine and Theobromine.  When consumed in excess, they can induce anxiety, jitteriness and insomnia.  When consumed in normal amounts, these are unlikely to be problematic.

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are more vulnerable to the side effects of consuming caffeine.

There is also some concern over ingestion of cocoa products in late stage pregnancy, relating to the constricting effect of cocoa antioxidants on the foetal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. As such, pregnant women should consult their Health Provider before consuming Cacao Nibs.

Also, Cacao nibs should not be consumed if allergic or sensitive to chocolate or dietary nickel.

Top Selling Cacao Nibs

Nutrition

Average per (28 grams Serving) of cacao nibs provides:

FAQ

How do you reduce the bitter flavour of Cacao?

Toast them in a dry frypan over a medium heat, until they emit a warm toasted aroma and take on a little colour.  Be careful not to burn them.

What is the difference between Cacao and Cocoa? 

Both Chocolate and Cacao Nibs are made from the beans or seeds of the Theobroma Cacao Tree. The use of the terms, Cacao and Cocoa, is inconsistent, and can be used to differentiate between the stage of processing of the bean.  For some, the term Cacao is used before the fermentation process of the beans and Pods.  Once fermented and roasted, the term, Cocoa is used, to denote a more processed product, such as Cocoa Powder, which is what is left after removing the fat out of the ground up beans.   As all cocoa beans have to be fermented and roasted, before consuming, essentially Cocoa and Cacao are the same product.

What is the storage life of Cacao Nibs?

Unopened, Cacao Nibs will last up to two years, if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they will last for up to three months.

With it’s Superfood status, Cacao Nibs, provide a superior healthy alternative to alleviating those chocolate cravings! With their body and mind boosting properties, they can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet, by adding to smoothies, baking, hot drinks, natural puddings, in powdered form or just eaten naturally. As with many of life’s treats, enjoy in moderation!