Cacao Supplements?

[Velos]

I friend of mine gave me a book on the "Benefits of Cacao" several years ago, I didn't pursue it at that time but thought I would revisit.

Just wondering if anyone here is taking Cacao Supplements?

"Cocoa powder and cacao powder are very similar, the only difference being that cocoa is processed at a much higher temperature (and often packaged cocoa contains added sugar and dairy). Both start out as beans from the cacao plant (confusing, right?), which are separated from the fatty part known as cocoa butter. At harvest, cacao beans are fermented to develop flavor and texture. So, cacao powder is made from fermented beans that have not been roasted. They are processed at low temperatures and then milled into a powder. The result is a powder that's bitter in taste and higher in nutritional content. Cocoa powder on the other hand is made from beans that are both fermented and roasted, and then processed at a much higher temperature. The result is a less bitter, slightly darker powder that has lost some of its nutritional value.Cacao powder is often packaged as vegan, as it has been minimally processed with no additives". 
SOURCE:  https://www.allrecipes.com/article/difference-between-cocoa-and-cacao/

Health Benefits of Cacao Powder  
SOURCE:  https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cacao-powder#1
The fiber in cacao powder promotes healthy digestion and can reduce the risk and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.

Here are some other health benefits of cacao powder:

Lower Blood Pressure  Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids. These nutrients that have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and aid in preventing blood clots.
Reduced Diabetes Risk  The flavonoids in cacao powder may help increase insulin sensitivity, reducing your risk of diabetes.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk Cacao powder contains lots of potassium. Potassium has been shown to decrease risk of heart disease by reducing lower body inflammation and stress on cells.

Reduced Inflammation The flavonoids in cacao powder can help to reduce inflammation throughout your body. Reduced inflammation may lessen your risk of some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Nutrition Cacao powder provides more nutrition than cocoa powder and can be a healthier substitute in recipes. Cacao powder is also an excellent source of:
• Iron • Protein • Magnesium • Potassium • Fiber
Nutrients per Serving  Two tablespoons of cacao powder contains:
• Calories: 130• Protein: 7 grams• Fat: 6 grams• Carbohydrates: 13 grams• Fiber: 8 grams• Sugar: 0 grams

 

[Kirk W]

Interesting. I had never heard of that but since I have never been much for dietary supplements, I suppose that isn't surprising. I did go to the link on Web MD and read that. Our doctor has never been very supportive of most such products, but I've not asked about this one. I'll be interested to see what sort of responses you get.

[Velos]

There are several points of view regarding supplements here are a couple:

• One is you are just flushing money down the commode.
• Another is the processing of our foods have gone so far we are not getting the nutrients we used to in the same food so supplements in moderation to balance ones nutrition
• Only prescription medications should be used as the FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-dietary-supplements

My interest in supplements is a result of a pharmacy not being able to get a prescription for 3 weeks this past summer and then received the name brand formulation instead of the generic formulation that I had been taking for several years and subsequent reactions. The active ingredients are the same but they differ in inactive ingredients. 

According to the FDA, generic medications can cost, on average, 80 to 85 percent less than the brand-name equivalents.

Virtually no one is making generics in the USA. Most drugs utilized in the USA are generics.
Source : https://www.healthline.com/health-news/china-control-over-your-prescription-drugs

With the current hiccups in the supply chain and estimated resolution unknown at this time combined with 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients coming from overseas https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/politifact_missouri/fact-check-its-unclear-how-many-ingredients-raw-materials-are-imported-from-china/article_24a329cc-a04c-11ea-91c7-139bbfa702ee.html

I was looking up drug shortages and found this website listing the status of many common drugs https://www.drugs.com/drug-shortages/

One size will never fit all in anything no matter how hard we try to put that square peg in a round hole ...so as in investing.. spread your eggs among several baskets to minimize your risk.