Coffee enthusiasts know the pleasures of their morning beverage aren’t limited to its delicious taste – caffeine and antioxidants provide benefits as well. Unfortunately, though, cacao provides similar health advantages without producing caffeine jitters or having any negative inflammatory effects on digestive tracts that could contribute to chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Cacao is an antioxidant-rich superfood packed with polyphenols – plant-based antioxidants which help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and protect against cardiovascular issues. Cocoa contains cancer-fighting flavanols which inhibit abnormal cell growth as well as DNA damage that leads to cancer; additionally it is an energy booster without the crash often associated with caffeine use, helping lift mood without producing energy crashes later on. Furthermore, Theobromine and other flavanoids found within cocoa can also help alleviate stress and depression by acting upon neurotransmitters present within our brains.

Cocoa contains amino acids called phenylethylamine (PEA) that have been found to boost mental alertness and memory retention, improving both focus and memory retention. A recent study published in Enhancing Human Cognition concluded that cocoa flavonoids could increase your capacity to pay attention, process information quickly and make quick decisions quickly.

cacao provides magnesium, an essential nutrient for heart and bone health as well as relaxation of muscles, relieving tension, and lowering blood pressure. If you want an enjoyable yet nutritious alternative to coffee, add one tablespoon of raw cocoa powder into your morning coffee cup and stir thoroughly – then enjoy an irresistibly flavorful mocha beverage!

Raw cacao can be found at many grocery stores, health food stores and online retailers. When selecting cacao from these sources, look for fair trade certified varieties to ensure farmers receive sustainable incomes while following an environmentally responsible production process. Adding sweetener such as Stevia to your mocha adds another tasty element.

If you’re concerned about acid reflux or digestion, switching up your morning coffee routine with some raw cacao can provide the same wake-up kick without the negative impact on your digestive tract. Cacao contains antioxidants which have been found to alleviate oxidative stress while supporting gut bacteria diversity, according to research in Antioxidants journal.

Add one teaspoon of cacao to either hot or cold coffee and stir until mixed, using either a milk frother to blend the cacao with coffee into an irresistibly smooth beverage, or create your own chocolate latte by combining cacao with maple syrup and ice cubes! Tiffany La Forge is an award-winning professional chef, recipe developer, food writer, and blogger at Parsnips and Pastries; where she offers real food solutions to balance out lifestyle needs with approachable wellness advice. When not working she enjoys hiking, organic gardening and spending time with her beloved corgi Cocoa!