Spotlight: Cacao and Nutritional Yeast
So many plant-based whole foods contain unique healing qualities specific to the body. Here’s this month’s spotlights!
CACAO:
What is it?
Cacao is a raw superfood found in the pods of the cacao fruit tree. It’s most commonly found in the form of cacao powder, paste, butter, or nibs. Similar but not the same as cocoa, which is more processed and therefore contains less nutrients and enzymes, making cacao the more nutrient dense choice.
What makes it great?
Cacao is believed to contain the highest amount of antioxidants of any food, which reduces the risk for disease. It’s also high in magnesium and contains iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, and fiber, and helps to lower blood pressure. My favorite fact is that it contains the mood booster, anandamide, which comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda” meaning "joy, bliss, delight.” ….All the chocolate lovers say AMEN!
How do you use it?
Use cacao anywhere you’d use cocoa powder. Bake with it, add it to a smoothie, use it in Raw Cacao Milk, make homemade chocolate sauce by combining it with honey and almond milk. The options are endless. When heated it will lose some of its enzymes, but will still be a higher source than processed cocoa.
What does it taste like?
Cacao tastes richer than baking cocoa. It is unsweetened and mildly bitter.
Where can you buy it?
You can find the powder form on Amazon and in most grocery stores. Costco sells a large bag for a great price.
How much is a serving size?
The recommended serving size is 1 Tablespoon, but serving size isn’t hugely important here, so enjoy it based on desired taste. It does contain small amounts of caffeine, so be aware of having it earlier in the day if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine.
Nutritional Yeast:
What is it?
Nutritional yeast is made from sugarcane and beet molasses. It begins as a seed yeast, is cultivated and purified, then is concentrated into a liquid cream, pasteurized, and finally dried into flakes or powder. Unlike active yeasts, it won’t make your bread rise, but is typically used as a seasoning. Other names include nooch, yeshi, and brufax.
What makes it great?
Nutritional yeast contains a full spectrum of amino acids, providing protein to the body. It also contains zinc which is important for immunity, digestion, and metabolic health. It’s most commonly known as a great source of B vitamins, which are critical in converting food to fuel and keeping you energized.
How do you use it?
On Pinterest you can find a lot of recipes that use nutritional yeast to provide a “cheesy flavor” in things like dairy-free queso or dairy-free mac and cheese. Stephen and I love to sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, salads, potato wedges, rice, or on homemade popcorn.
What does it taste like?
It has a cheesy, nutty, savory taste.
Where can you buy it?
You can order it on Amazon or find it at most health grocers, sometimes even in the bulk bins section.
How much is a serving size?
1 teaspoon contains around 70% of your daily vitamin B needs! Use based on desired taste.
***The above information is based on my research and education, and is not to be used as a medical diagnosis. You should always consult your doctor and find what works best for your specific body and needs.