Cacao in Summary - Peru Naturals Corporation

About Cacao

A concise overview of Cacao, created as a summary page to present the most relevant information about the ingredient, including its origin, traditional context, composition and key points for Peru Naturals visitors.

Key Topics

Origin · Traditional uses · Nutritional profile · Key benefits

What is Criollo Cacao?

Family
Malvaceae

Genus
Theobroma

Species
Cacao

Common name
Criollo Cacao

Parts used
Seeds

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) types are classified into three main groups: Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario. Criollo Cacao refers to the original cacao variety, as it can be found in South America.

Its characteristics are distinctive, with a thin-walled red or yellow fruit, large and round seeds of white or pale purple color. Its flavors are not astringent and it definitely produces the highest quality chocolate in the world. It also has nutritional values that are impressive.

Criollo Cacao is rare in cultivation and therefore most chocolate found in the market is made from the Forastero variety, whose biggest producers are African countries.

Open cacao pod showing cacao beans — Criollo cacao pod showing the seeds inside the fruit.

What is Criollo Cacao good for?

With over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, cacao is one of the most complex and enjoyable foods on the planet. Because of this variety of nutrients, it has many positive effects on health.

There is a huge number of studies done on cacao. A few things to highlight:

Stimulant effects from theobromine and phenylethylamine in cocoa
Anti-depressant and euphoric effects from tryptophan in chocolate
General improvement in health and well-being
Acts as a strong antioxidant, as cacao has a very high ORAC value
May help improve blood pressure condition
Can lower cholesterol
May lower the risk of heart diseases

How does Criollo Cacao work?

In its raw form, cacao contains anandamide, an euphoric substance; arginine, a natural aphrodisiac; neurotransmitters that stimulate and balance brain activity; tryptophan, an anti-depressant; antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Cacao is high in minerals, including magnesium, which is essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently and lowering blood pressure. It also increases brain activity, helps to regulate metabolism and provides muscles with energy.

In fact, the strong desire for chocolate during the female menstrual cycle may be related to cravings for magnesium, a mineral with calming qualities. Cacao is also a good source of sulfur, a beauty mineral responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair.

Dry cacao beans may contain as much as 12–18% polyphenols, known as cacao polyphenols or cacao flavonoids, which have a potent antioxidant capacity and have been shown to scavenge free radicals and inhibit the oxidation of LDL.

They may also have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulator activity and may promote cardiovascular and immune health.

There is much more to talk about the benefits of high-quality cacao, simply because it is a very nutrient-dense superfood.

What does Criollo Cacao contain?

The great amount of magnesium in Criollo Cacao is the highest of all plant sources. Raw cacao beans contain a similar amount of iron to spinach, approximately 2.7 mg iron per 100 g.

Some more nutrients to highlight in cacao:

Great source of dietary fiber
Great source of proteins
Great source of magnesium, manganese, calcium and phosphorus
Great source of iron, zinc, molybdenum, copper and potassium
Great source of polyphenols
And many other nutrients

Is Criollo Cacao safe?

Certainly, there is a very long and strong consumption history for cacao, which is the best safety information possible, besides the large number of studies done. It is recommended to use cacao as a wonderful addition to the daily diet. Excessive use is not recommended, as with any food.

Criollo Cacao:

Is a food
Has no toxic actions
Has no side effects
Should be used to enrich the daily diet
Can be used during pregnancy
Is good for children, adults and elders

Other things to know

Early colonial records indicate that cacao was valued not only as food, but also as part of traditional preparations and daily practices during the 1500s.

In addition to the cacao bean, cacao butter has historically been used in topical and cosmetic applications. Today, cacao butter is widely known as an ingredient in chocolate confectionery, skincare products and other preparations.

According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times, people who suffer extreme depression as victims of unrequited love have an irregular production of phenylethylamine. Such individuals often go on chocolate binges during periods of depression.

Cacao is particularly known for its phenylethylamine content, a compound often associated with mood and the traditional appeal of chocolate.

This content is provided for educational and reference purposes. It summarizes general information about Criollo Cacao, its traditional use, nutritional profile and role as a food ingredient.