Cacao: Your Delicious Secret Weapon for Fitness?

Cacao has long been revered for its rich, complex flavor. But beyond its decadent taste, cacao is gaining attention for its potential benefits in the fitness world. Could this ancient superfood be the key to unlocking your athletic potential?

Let's dive into the science and explore the potential perks of incorporating cacao into your fitness routine.

What Makes Cacao Fitness-Friendly?

Cacao is packed with a variety of compounds that may positively influence athletic performance and recovery. Here are some of the key players:

• Flavonoids: As a cardiovascular booster, cacao promotes heart health by improving circulation. The flavonoids in cacao help dilate blood vessels, improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise. This improved blood circulation can increase stamina, allowing you to work out longer and with greater intensity.
• Magnesium: An essential mineral for muscle function, magnesium plays a role in muscle contraction, relaxation, and protein synthesis. Cacao is a good source of magnesium, potentially supporting muscle health and reducing cramps.
• Iron: Crucial for oxygen transport, iron is vital for endurance activities. Cacao contains iron, which can help maintain healthy iron levels, particularly important for athletes who may experience increased iron loss.
• Nitric Oxide Precursors: Cacao can stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, further enhancing blood flow and potentially improving exercise performance.
• Theobromine: This mild stimulant promotes increased blood flow and can help boost your energy levels and focus, all without the sharp spikes and drops associated with caffeine. 

Based on the compounds mentioned, cacao may offer several benefits for fitness enthusiasts:

• Enhanced Endurance: Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery could translate to increased endurance during prolonged exercise.
• Reduced Muscle Fatigue: Magnesium and the antioxidant properties of flavanols may help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
• Improved Recovery: Enhanced blood flow can aid in faster muscle recovery after intense workouts.
• Increased Energy Levels: Theobromine can provide a subtle, sustained energy boost, potentially improving workout performance.
• Antioxidant Protection: Cacao's rich antioxidant content can help combat oxidative stress caused by exercise, protecting cells from damage.

How to Incorporate Cacao into Your Fitness Routine:

• A daily Cacao ritual: Whip up a daily Cacao brew to enjoy before or after a workout. We suggest our PNG Paste and 2 kg blocks. 
• Cacao Powder: Add our deliciously smooth cacao powder to smoothies, homemade energy bars, or baked goods.
• Weave 70% Dark Chocolate: A wonderful snack with a high cacao content.

Conclusion:

Cacao's rich nutrient profile and potential fitness benefits make it a promising addition to any athlete's diet. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, the existing evidence suggests that this delicious superfood can support endurance, recovery, and overall athletic performance. So, go ahead and indulge in some delicious, smooth Pacific cacao – your body will thank you for it!

References:

• Rampersaud, G. C., & Valim, M. F. (2009). Cocoa and human health: a review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 28(3), 205-216.
• Allgrove, J. E., Farrell, C. J., Gleeson, M., Williamson, G., & Cooper, A. L. (2011). Regular dark chocolate consumption's reduction in oxidative stress and increase in flow-mediated vasodilation in healthy adults. Physiology & behavior, 104(4), 706-713.
• Scapagnini, G., Davi, V., Di Renzo, L., De Lorenzo, A., & Cicero, A. F. G. (2014). Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients, 6(8), 3202-3213.
• Magrone, T., Candore, G., Caruso, C., Jirillo, E. (2019). The beneficial effects of magnesium supplementation. Nutrients, 11(11), 2697.