Cacao Powder

People aged 50–80 consuming cacao powder daily for 14 days showed artery-wall thickness comparable to people 20–30 years younger. Cacao powder reversed arterial stiffness, making arteries more flexible. Raw cocoa powder retains more antioxidants and flavonoids compared to Dutch-processed cocoa. Cacao powder produced vasodilation comparable to moderate exercise in a direct comparison trial. Caffeine in coffee acts as a vasoconstrictor and should be separated from cacao by two hours to preserve arterial benefits. Cacao flavanols stimulate the eNOS enzyme, causing the endothelium to produce more nitric oxide rather than supplying NO directly. Cacao's cardiovascular effects are cumulative, progressively restoring the endothelium's ability to produce nitric oxide over time. Cocoa powder can be added to nutty pudding and stirred thoroughly to combine. Cocoa powder can be mixed with a nut butter made from macadamia nuts, walnuts, and sea salt. Cacao should not be added to boiling water because the heat destroys its active compounds. Standard unsweetened cocoa powder can be used as a substitute when raw cocoa powder is unavailable. Raw cacao powder is distinct from roasted cocoa powder an…