Cacao

The raw cacao bean is one of nature's most fantastic superfoods due to its wide array of unique properties, many of which are destroyed or corrupted by cooking.

What is Cacao?

Cacao is the seed of a fruit of an Amazonian tree that was brought to Central America during or before the time of the Olmecs. Cacao beans were so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that they used them as money!

Cacao beans contain no sugar and between 12% and 50% fat depending on variety and growth conditions. Nature's First Law cacao beans are around 40% fat content (low compared to other nuts). There is no evidence to implicate cacao bean consumption with obesity.

Magnesium
Cacao is remarkably rich in magnesium. Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. This is likely the primary reason women crave chocolate during the menstrual period. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium!

Stimulant or Superfood?

Cacao contains subtle amounts of caffeine and theobromine. However, experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw than cooked.

Consider the following: Experimental provings of chocolate by homeopaths indicate its stimulating effect when cooked. One experiment conducted with a decoction of roasted ground cacao beans in boiling water produced an excitement of the nervous system similar to that caused by black coffee, an excited state of circulation, and an accelerated pulse. interestingly, when the same decoction was made with raw, unroasted beans neither effect was noticeable, leading the provers to conclude that the physiological changes were caused by aromatic substances released during roasting.

MAO Inhibitors
Cacao seems to diminish appetite, probably due to its monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) - these are different from digestive enzyme inhibitors found in most nuts and seeds. These rare MAO inhibitors actually produce favorable results when consumed by allowing more serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate in the brain. According to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MAO inhibitors facilitate youthening and rejuvenation.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in chocolate. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that is also created within the brain and released when we are in love. This is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.

Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical)
A neurotransmitter called anandamide, has been isolated in cacao. Anandamide is also produced naturally in the brain. Anandamide is known as "The Bliss Chemical" because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies' ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer, when we eat cacao.

Allergies?
A recent study showed that only one out of 500 people who thought they were allergic to chocolate actually tested positive. Allergies to chocolate are quite rare. It is typically the case that the person is in fact allergic to milk and dairy products.

What to do with Cacao Nibs?:

Try eating them straight, a tablespoon at a time. Chew thoroughly and experience the taste extravaganza of raw chocolate.
Add to coconut-based or fruit-based smoothies to enhance the flavor.
Add agave nectar or honey or another sweetening agent to the raw cacao nibs and chew!
Freeze cacao nibs with sweeteners (agave nectar or honey are fantastic). Eat cold.
Blend cacao nibs into herbal teas with the Peruvian superfood maca.
Add cacao nibs to raw ice creams for the best chocolate chips in the world.
Create a raw chocolate bar! Blend the following raw ingredients together: cacao nibs, agave nectar, carob powder, maca, coconut oil, angstrom calcium, and cashews. Pour into a mold and freeze. Eat cold and experience the truth about the food of the gods!

Refrigeration of these cacao nibs is not required, although recommended. Cacao nibs keep well in cool, dry conditions.

Why Nature's First Law Cacao Beans and Cacao Nibs lead all others on the world market in quality and certification:

* Raw, Organic: This is a 100% raw product that is certified organic by Skal International.
* Criollo Variety: Our beans come from a non-hybrid ancient Criollo variety of cacao. Criollo beans are the mostádelicate andáprized beans produced and they represent an astonishing 1% of the world mass production.á This variety is often referred to as the "King of Cacao." They are generally pricedáfar higheráon the international cacao market and are usually blended with other beans to create a more economic price and a less exotic flavor. The highest quality chocolate often has the highest percentage of Criollo cacao in its composition.
* Low Microbe Count: Because of the exceptional quality and standards under which these beans are processed, any foreign microbe/bacteria activity is virtually nonexistent on the skin and inner nib. This is an extraordinary feat considering that cacao beans come from a moist and slimy fruit grown in the hot jungle. No other cacao bean sources can claim this safety feature.
* Pleasant, Tasty: The unique process we useáretains the purity, fine aroma, fairly uniform large size, purplish-brown color, easy peeling (of the beans) and the nutritional impact that nature intended.
* High Flavor, No Roasting: Because of the quality of the bean and of our processing, you get to enjoy a rich, raw chocolate flavor and aroma without roasting.
* Low Acid: Our beans have extremely low acid levels. Most other varieties have much higher levels of acid.

Special Notice: Beware of other cacao beans and nibs available on the world market because they are typically heated, fumigated, conventionally-grown and are contaminated by bacteria and fungus.

226gram / 8 oz. bag (equivalent of approx. 200 cacao beans)

All sales of Nature's First Law cacao products support indigenous farmers in Ecuador. To supply our quality, raw, unfermented, organic cacao and products made from this cacao, we pay each farmer 25% more than the price for regular, organic cacao in Ecuador. We have also been helping to fund the growth of infrastructure and irrigation on each farm to ensure quality cacao to our customers and to allow each farm to increase production (and therefore increase income). Also, at the processing location, where cacao butter is pressed and cacao powder is separated (amongst other things), we help provide education (regular courses on health, sanitation, etc.) and higher than standard salaries to all the workers. Your support of our cacao products has already inspired the recent planting of 100,000 cacao trees in Ecuador.

Price: 226gram for 14,50euro

Available via post or for collection from Amsterdam Noordermarkt. To make an order or arrange a collection please contact us.