Cacao Nibs - What Are They Really? - Uses and Benefits

Cacao Nibs are small pieces of fragmented cacao beans, which have a bitter, chocolatey taste.

Produced from beans derived from the cacao tree or Theobroma, (its scientific name). After a fruit harvest, the cacao is fermented for 5 to 7 days and then dried for about 5 more days.

After this process, the cacao beans are roasted and ground to produce small dark pieces or cacao nibs.

Nibs are loaded with nutrients and powerful plant compounds that have shown health benefits in many ways.
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NUTRITION

Although the size of the nibs is very small, cocoa beans are loaded with an impressive amount of nutrients.

It is considered the least processed cocoa derivative on the market, which makes it a healthier alternative for lovers of chocolate and healthy food in general.

They are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, nutrients that help promote a feeling of fullness.

They are rich in many minerals, such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper. Magnesium is a mineral necessary for more than 300 enzymatic reactions in our body, but it is lacking in most people's diets.

Phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese are vital for healthy bones, while copper and iron are needed to produce red blood cells that supply our bodies with oxygen.

As if that weren't enough, cocoa nibs are packed with powerful plant compounds, including flavonoids, which are antioxidant substances that promote vasodilation, reducing or stabilizing blood pressure.

Cocoa also has the ability to improve the lipid profile, increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing the oxidation of bad cholesterol.

The tryptophan present in cocoa is an essential amino acid precursor of serotonin, it is our hormone of happiness and a necessary neurotransmitter for the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep and rest.

Ways to eat cacao nibs

1. As a healthy snack: They are ideal at those times when you need to "snack" something.

2. Spicy infusions: They can also be added to spicy infusions such as Chai Teas as it provides them with a unique bitterness.

3. Smoothies: You can include a small handful in your smoothies in the morning.

4. Pastry: If you like to cook, it is an excellent option to use them as a substitute for chocolate chips in ice cream or cookies.

5. Breakfast: One of the most recommended options. If you like to start the day with energy, a bowl with your yogurt, favorite fruits, oatmeal and Cacao Lua Nibs.

Get you cacao nibs here: https://www.summersunfoods.com/collections/cacao-beans