The short answer is YES, and so much more!
Studies show that consuming cacao daily can positively affect your appetite, prevent sugar urges and tame your sweet tooth.
Sacred, Potent Cacao
Chocolate comes from the cacao tree native to Central and South American tropical regions. The cacao bean, the rawest form of chocolate, can be harvested and consumed directly (cacao), roasted and turned into powder (cocoa) or made into chocolate.
Cacao is considered a superfood due to its high levels of antioxidants, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Cacao provides dark chocolate with health benefits, most notably flavonoids that benefit heart health. It is also a rich source of theobromine, a naturally occurring plant compound. A bitter alkaloid caffeine-like chemical, it helps boost your metabolism and reduce cravings while enhancing moods and energy levels.
Cacao is made by grinding cocoa beans and is minimally processed, while chocolate is made from cocoa butter with added ingredients, including sugar. Dark chocolate is better for you than milk or white chocolate, but some its most essential nutrients are lost during its intensive manufacturing process.
The How’s And Why’s Of Sugar Cravings
Sugar cravings are very common, especially among women, with up to 97% of women and 68% of men reporting experiencing it.
Cravings start from the top, specifically in your hippocampus, which is located in your temporal lobe and responsible for creating memories. The caudate nucleus area of the brain influences reward-seeking behaviour and forms new habits, like reaching for chocolate when you have the blues.
While sugar may make your taste buds dance, the constant spikes in blood sugar and crashes that follow a sugar binge can trigger symptoms like fatigue, irritability, stress and anxiety, according to Sanford Health. These side effects impact your cortisol, a hormone that, when elevated, alters your circulating levels of glucose and insulin. An imbalance in your blood sugar (glucose) and hormone fluctuations can trigger a sudden urge for sugar. While indulging brings relief from stress and a fleeting feeling of happiness, sugar can be addictive, and overconsumption can lead to overeating and illness.
How Cacao Can Help With Appetite Control
A study found that 86 per cent of people who had food cravings thought about high-calorie foods, and certain moments in the day can set off a sugar craving, from your drive to the office, the 3 pm slump, or the end-of-work day reward. When it hits, be sure trigger foods, such as cake, ice cream and chocolate, are well out of reach! Opt for a healthier substitute, such as a cup of Creation Cacao, for its calming and stimulating effect that boosts positivity while satisfying your hunger.
Research shows consuming chocolate with a high cocoa content can significantly increase the success of weight loss diets thanks to its magical ingredient, theobromine, a naturally occurring compound found in plants and a caffeine-like chemical that helps boost your metabolism and reduce cravings.
Pure ceremonial cacao increases serotonin and helps lower ghrelin levels, a hormone that naturally increases appetite. Consuming ceremonial cacao daily also increases the production of a protein called adiponectin, which has been shown to lower body fat levels. Cacao's high protein levels help you feel satisfied for longer and elevate your mood, which helps curb the munchies so you are less likely to overeat. Even just smelling chocolate can reduce your appetite!
Gain control over your appetite and sweet cravings in a simple once a day ritual, with Creation Cacao.
Click here to watch how to make a delicious iced cacao in under 30 seconds