Ceremonial Cacao and Skin Health
Ceremonial cacao is not only a delicious drink, it also promotes healthy skin.
This unprocessed cacao drink is packed with benefits that go beyond just satisfying your chocolate cravings. It’s important to note that ceremonial cacao is not the same as regular chocolate; chocolate undergoes a different processing and contains fewer beneficial nutrients than ceremonial cacao.
But what exactly is cocoa?
Cocoa originates from Central and South America and is not called the 'food of the gods' for nothing. Indigenous peoples saw the power of the cocoa bean 3000 years ago and drank it as a beverage, even before chocolate was invented!
Ceremonial cacao is made from the whole fermented and dried cacao bean. With ceremonial cacao you drink the whole bean, with all its good nutrients and beautiful properties still intact.
And did you know that this drink also has many benefits for your skin? I experienced this myself after drinking ceremonial cacao daily for a month and I had to know more about it!
The benefits of ceremonial cacao for the skin:
1. Anti-aging effects
Cocoa promotes better blood circulation in the skin and has an antioxidant effect thanks to the presence of polyphenols (antioxidants in cocoa). These polyphenols fight free radicals, slow down wrinkle formation and reduce fine lines.
2. Hydration
Cocoa is rich in healthy fats such as oleic acid, which nourishes and hydrates the skin, improves its barrier function and prevents moisture loss. Research shows that daily intake of flavanol-rich cocoa resulted in thicker and more hydrated skin after 12 weeks. The skin felt smoother and showed less flaking.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Cocoa contains an abundance of antioxidants such as flavonoids, which fight inflammation in the body. They act as little shields to protect your skin from wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage.
4. Sun protection
People who regularly consume cocoa have a better tolerance to UV radiation, which means they are less likely to suffer from sun damage.
5. Zinc
Cocoa is a good source of zinc, a trace element essential for healthy skin. Zinc supports your skin's ability to recover and contributes to the process of cell renewal.
In short, ceremonial cacao can not only pamper your taste buds, but also keep your skin healthy!