What is Cocoa?
Cocoa comes from fermented cocoa beans harvested from the cacao tree (aka Theobroma cacao), which is native to tropical climates like Central and South America. The cocoa beans or seeds are cleaned and roasted to bring out their deep flavor. The outer shells are then removed, and what remains is what’s commonly called cocoa or cacao nibs.
What does Alkalized or processed with alkali mean? Cocoa powder processed with alkali is also known as the dutch process. Dutch process means it has been chemically manipulated to reduce acidity! This is an important process that does a few things. First, it will make the cocoa darker, and second, it gives it a more rich flavor. (Read more about it here)
Keto Status?
Acceptable
Why?
Low in carbs and full of health benefits including:
- Rich in Magnesium, Potassium, Copper & Manganese
- Prevents Cancer
- Promotes lower blood pressure
- Decreases insulin resistance
- Prevents cognitive decline
- Promotes better mood, less fatigue & lower depression
- Helps balance electrolytes
- Promotes better dental health
Possible Side Effects From Ingesting Cocoa or Cacao Nibs?
N/A if no allergies are present.
Source
PLEASE NOTE – I Heart Keto Mart will add more sources and up-to-date research articles as they come to our attention. We welcome any of our viewers to send us any information/research/articles that you think would be of interest to our rating decision. Keep in mind – we are not rating ingredients solely on their general health benefits or side effects. To see our rating process, click on the link below.
I Heart Keto Mart Rating Guide
I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients through a “keto diet” & “low carb diet” lens. As an example, peas would be rated as “Acceptable” on a non-keto healthy diet; however, due to their carbohydrate level, we rate them “Objectionable”. We also rate all sweeteners that typically cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin levels as “Objectionable”. If you prefer a natural sweetener, like honey, over a sugar alcohol like erythritol, you may not agree with our “Objectionable” rating. I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients based first and foremost for those that have a sugar/carbohydrate addiction. Ingredients are rated for those who must moderate if not completely abstain from any sugars. If you have questions about this, please refer to this article: Why Some Whole Foods Are Not Keto Friendly
***I HEART KETO MART DISCLAIMER / AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
I Heart Keto Mart is not a health care provider. We are an online keto educational site that shares keto approved products and low carb products and defines and rates their ingredients. I Heart Keto Mart’s hope is that our viewers will educate themselves on “all things ingredients” so they can easily identify keto approved ingredients and eliminate or greatly restrict unacceptable keto ingredients. I Heart Keto Mart is the best online keto store and online low carb store with 1000s of products and an informative blog that shares keto articles and keto recipes, interviews keto coaches and keto product manufacturers and so much more. We are keto affiliates and each of the keto approved products we rate is linked to the vendor’s site where the product may be purchased. I Heart Keto Mart may earn a small commission from these sales. Amazon is one of these affiliates.