Cacao Nibs are another of our tastiest superfoods. Cacao nibs are raw chocolate, which are packed full of goodness and have unique properties. Not many people have experienced chocolate in its natural, nutritiously superior raw state. In South America cacao is known as the 'Food of the Gods'. Cacao beans contain no sugar and are extremely rich in:

• Magnesium

• Sulphur

• Anti-oxidants

Cacao seems to be the number one source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium balances the brain’s chemistry, builds strong bones and promotes happiness. Studies show that 80% of us are chronically deficient in Magnesium and it is the most deficient major mineral in the standard UK diet. As well as Magnesium, most people in the west also have a lack of the mineral sulphur in their diets. Cacao is also high in sulphur which is one of the most important building blocks in our bodies, being present in every single cell. It is known as the 'beauty and healing mineral' as it helps to build strong nails, shiny hair and beautiful skin. It also detoxifies the liver, supports healthy pancreas functioning, promotes circulation and decreases inflammation.

Raw Cacao is one of the greatest sources of anti-oxidants to be found in any food. According to research cited in the New York Times, fresh Cacao beans contain 10% flavonol anti-oxidants. This is twenty times more than is found in normal chocolate bars. Research has shown that the anti-oxidants in Raw Cacao are very stable and highly bio-available (readily absorbed by the human body). A study at Cornell University showed that Cocoa powder has nearly twice the anti-oxidants found in red wine and up to three times the amount found in Green Tea. Raw Cacao is truly one of Nature's most remarkable anti-oxidant foods.

Cacao nibs also contain:

• Monoamine Oxidase Enzyme Inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) which allow more serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate in the brain. These natural chemical are associated with happiness. MAO inhibitors may also be facilitated with youthening and rejuvenation, according to Dr Gabriel Cousens.

• Phenylethylamine (PEA) – known as the ‘love’ chemical because it is released when we are in love.

• Anandamide - known as the ‘bliss chemical’ because it is released while we are feeling great.

The quantities of these feel good chemicals found in raw cacao far exceed the amounts in roasted/processed chocolate. Many studies have concluded that chocolate really is good for us due to the raw cacao bean, the nut that all chocolate is made from. The cacao bean has always been and will always be nature's number one weight loss and high-energy food. Cacao beans are probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food.

Cacao Nibs can be eaten as they are or added to smoothies, sprinkled on muesli, used as choc chips in ice-cream or yoghurt, melted and frozen into solid chocolate bars, or blended into herbal teas along with Maca Powder. Cacao Nibs can be used to make a delicious crushed ice drink with rice milk, vanilla essence or mint. You must also try them raw to experience the taste extravaganza of raw chocolate! They are suitable for kids too.

Our Raw Cacao Nibs are of the highest quality. You can tell this from their purple hues, rich flavour and crisp taste. They are grown in Oxapampa, an area in the Peruvian Central Amazon Rainforest region.