Science of Cacao: Cacao and Minerals: What Your Cup Can Contribute
Updated: Oct 21
Cacao brings more to the table than chocolate flavor. Its naturally occurring minerals contribute to its nutritional profile, and serving size helps you understand what goes into your cup.
Three minerals worth knowing
Magnesium helps the body with normal muscle and nerve function.
Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Zinc supports normal immune function and wound healing.
These are three reasons those nutrients matter in a varied diet.
A serving matters more than a headline
Cacao products differ. Whole cacao, defatted cocoa powder, nibs, and sweetened chocolate do not have identical nutrient profiles. A measurement per 100 grams is also very different from the amount in one cup.
Check the Nutrition Facts for the product and serving you actually use. Comparing equivalent portions makes differences between products easier to understand.
Iron content is not the same as iron absorption
Cacao's iron is nonheme iron, the form found in plant foods. Absorption depends on the whole meal and individual needs. Vitamin C can help the body absorb plant-based iron.
Enjoy cacao as part of a varied diet
A cup can sit alongside other foods you enjoy, including beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and whole grains. Different foods bring different nutrients, making variety a useful foundation for everyday eating.
For your everyday cup, choose cacao for its flavor and texture, then let the product label guide your understanding of its nutrition.
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