We've all heard that we should eat more antioxidants for healthy aging and everyday wellness. Blueberries, green tea, and leafy greens are the usual recommendations. But minimally processed cacao contains a higher concentration of antioxidants than almost any other food, and most people don't know it.
At Moksha Chocolate, a small-batch chocolate maker based in Boulder, Colorado, we source and craft ceremonial-grade cacao specifically to preserve these naturally occurring compounds. This post covers what the research says about cacao antioxidants and why processing method matters.
What Are Polyphenols and Flavanols?
Cacao is a rich source of polyphenols and flavanols, two members of the same family of plant-based antioxidants. They differ in structure, sources, and the ways researchers have studied them.
Polyphenols are plant compounds found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, red wine, and cacao. They are present in chocolate and cacao in meaningful concentrations and are among the most studied plant compounds in nutrition research. Researchers have looked at polyphenols in relation to oxidative stress, gut microbiome activity, and cardiovascular and neurological health.
Research reference: PMC2835915
Flavanols are a specific type of polyphenol and among the most extensively studied compounds in cacao, particularly epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. These compounds remain intact when cacao is processed as minimally as possible, which is why ceremonial-grade cacao is one of the richest dietary sources available.
What Researchers Have Studied About Cacao Flavanols
Researchers have studied cacao flavanols extensively in relation to circulation and cardiovascular function. Flavanols have been observed to prompt the body to produce nitric oxide, which researchers associate with blood vessel relaxation and dilation. Studies have looked at these effects in relation to circulation, vessel elasticity, and blood pressure.
Research reference: PubMed 27979037
Researchers have also studied cacao flavanols in relation to brain blood flow, oxygen delivery to brain cells, memory, processing speed, and concentration. Studies have examined angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and its potential long-term relationship to cognitive function as we age.
One study found that a daily intake of 900mg of cacao flavonoids over one month was associated with cardiovascular markers in low-risk, healthy adults aged 35 to 60.
Research reference: PubMed 26348767
Why Ceremonial Grade Matters
Not all cacao delivers the same antioxidant content. Commercial processing methods, including alkalization (Dutch processing) and high-heat treatment, significantly reduce or eliminate the polyphenols and flavanols naturally present in the cacao bean.
Moksha's ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed with no alkalization and no added ingredients. This preserves the full spectrum of polyphenols and flavanols naturally present in the bean from origin to cup.
Moksha Ceremonial Cacao: Available in Boulder and Online
Our ceremonial cacao line is available for local pickup in Boulder, CO, local delivery, and shipping nationwide.
- Ceremonial Reserve™ Organic Ceremonial Criollo Cacao Powder — pure, single-origin, minimally processed cacao powder
- Forest Blend™ Ceremonial Cacao Paste with 6 Functional Mushrooms — cacao paste with lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and three additional functional mushrooms
- Ceremonial Reserve™ Ceremonial Cacao Paste, 100% Single Origin — whole-food cacao in its most traditional form
- Moksha 70%+ Craft Chocolate Bars — single-origin dark chocolate for those who prefer a bar format
How to Enjoy Cacao Every Day
Cacao is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here are a few ways to work it into your day:
- Prepare it as a warm drinking cacao (hot or iced)
- Add cacao powder to your morning smoothie
- Sprinkle over granola, yogurt, or fresh fruit
- Eat a square of 70%+ dark chocolate as a daily treat
Moksha cacao is available for local pickup at our Boulder, CO location, local delivery across the Boulder and Denver area, and online shipping nationwide. Chocolate is sensitive to heat, so during warm months, local pickup or local delivery is the best way to keep your order in great condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ceremonial-grade cacao?
Ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed cacao that has not been alkalized or treated at high temperatures. This preserves the naturally occurring polyphenols and flavanols in the cacao bean.
What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?
Cacao and cocoa come from the same plant. Cocoa typically refers to cacao that has been processed at higher temperatures or alkalized, which reduces its antioxidant content. Cacao, especially ceremonial grade, is processed minimally to retain more of its naturally occurring compounds.
Where can I buy ceremonial cacao in Boulder, Colorado?
Moksha Chocolate offers ceremonial cacao and mushroom chocolate available for local pickup in Boulder, CO, local delivery, and online shipping.
Is Moksha Chocolate available for local delivery in Denver?
Yes. Moksha offers local delivery across the Boulder and Denver area. During summer months, local delivery is recommended over standard shipping to ensure your chocolate arrives in great condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
