BLACK GOLD

Everyone knows that chocolate is made from cacao. Do you know which health benefits cacao has? Hawaii Pharm describes main information about this plant.

This little bean is well known aphrodisiac and it is mood-elevating remedy, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant-rich food that we love. Cacao contains antioxidants, phytochemicals, mood-enhancing phenethylamine, amino acids, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium and other vitamins and minerals.  Cacao is used as an ingredient in cosmetic ointments and in pharmacy for coating pills and preparing suppositories. It has excellent emollient properties and is used to soften and protect chapped hands and lips.

Interesting historical moment that the Aztecs gave cacao the name "yollotl eztli," meaning "heart blood." They may have understood even then the heart-benefiting aspects of eating what is now known to be a boost for the cardiovascular system.

Bliss comes from a frothy mug of hot cocoa or a creamy bar of unadulterated chocolate. Here you can take one of the best recipe «Hot Cacao»:

You need:

1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup milk

1-2 tsp of honey

pinch of salt

pinch of cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

15 g dark chocolate

marshmallows

Mix together milk, cocoa, honey, salt, vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat to the boiling. Simmer for 5 minutes, do not stir. Remove the film, add chocolate and cinnamon. Blend it in the blender.

Top with marshmallows and dust with cocoa powder.

Drinking a cup of hot cacao before meals can help you shed fat.

And one more sweet and healthy delicacy:

Cacao Fruit-Nut Bonbons

1 cup dates

1/4  cup coconut oil

1/4  cup honey

1/2 tsp. cardamom powder

1/4  tsp. cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

3/4  cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans)

1/4  cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)

Place the dates in a food processor and process on high speed for 10 seconds. Add the coconut oil, honey, cardamom, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla and process again for 10 to 20 seconds or until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Add the coconut and cacao powder and process again for another 10 seconds. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, add the chopped nuts and dried fruit, and mix well.

Sculpt balls. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy it!