If you’ve seen our recent video over on YouTube, then you know that Melissa and I like to own our mornings by adding a special boost to our morning coffee. It’s called Cacao Power, and in the video, Melissa breaks down exactly how to make it!
But what’s so special about this tasty mix? Well, it all comes down to the natural properties of the ingredients. You see, each and every ingredient is chock full of health benefits that are especially important for those of us over 50.
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and why we chose to add it to our Cacao Power mix!
Cacao Power Ingredients:
- Cacao Powder
- Unflavored Collagen Powder
- Coconut Palm Sugar
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric Powder with Black Pepper Extract
Health Benefits of Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is made from ground-up cacao beans, which are the seeds of the fruit that grows on the cacao tree. And while you may not have realized it, cacao powder is actually quite healthy for you!
For starters, cacao powder is an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, and they’ve even been linked with a lower risk of some chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Cacao powder is also a good source of magnesium, a mineral that’s essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. Magnesium deficiency is actually pretty common, especially among older adults, so adding cacao powder to your diet can help to ensure that you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
Last but not least, cacao powder contains small amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can help to improve mental focus and alertness, and it can also give you a bit of a boost of energy. Just keep in mind that too much caffeine can cause side effects like jitteriness and insomnia, so be sure to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.
Health Benefits of Collagen Powder
Collagen powder is a relatively new addition to the health food scene, but it’s already become one of our favorite ingredients! Collagen is a protein that’s found in your skin, tendons, and bones, and it plays an important role in maintaining their strength and elasticity.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. Adding collagen powder to your diet can help counteract aging effects by boosting your body’s collagen levels.
Collagen powder is also a good source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are essential for many bodily functions, including muscle growth and repair. So if you’re looking to add more muscle, collagen powder can be a helpful addition to your diet.
Last but not least, collagen powder is rich in glycine, an amino acid that’s known for its calming effects. If you struggle with anxiety or stress, adding glycine-rich collagen powder to your diet may help to promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that’s been used in Indian cooking for centuries, and it’s recently become popular for its health benefits as well. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Curcumin has been linked with a number of health benefits, including improved brain function, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Turmeric can also help to improve joint pain and mobility, making it a great choice for those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
When shopping for turmeric, be sure to look for brands that contain black pepper extract. Black pepper extract helps to increase the absorption of curcumin, which means you’ll get more of the health benefits.
Health Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan pink salt is a type of rock salt that’s mined in the Himalayan Mountains. It’s become popular in recent years for its high mineral content and unique flavor.
Himalayan pink salt is rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it a great choice for those who are looking to improve their bone health. The magnesium in Himalayan pink salt can also help to relax muscles and reduce stress, while the calcium helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
Last but not least, Himalayan pink salt contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals are essential for good health, and they can help to boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage.
Coconut Palm Sugar vs. Refined White Sugar
When it comes to sugar, there are two main types: refined white sugar and natural sugar. Refined white sugar is made from sugar cane or sugar beets that have been stripped of their molasses, leaving only pure sucrose. Natural sugar, on the other hand, is found in fruits, vegetables, and honey.
Coconut palm sugar falls into the natural sugar category. It’s made from the sap of coconut palms, and it retains many of the nutrients that are found in coconuts. This includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
In comparison, refined white sugar has no nutritional value whatsoever. It’s simply empty calories that can lead to weight gain and health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
So which sugar is better for you? Both have their pros and cons, but overall, natural sugar is the healthier choice. Coconut palm sugar is a good alternative to refined white sugar because it contains nutrients that your body needs. Just be sure to consume it in moderation, as too much of any type of sugar can lead to health problems.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that’s made from the bark of cinnamon trees. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and it’s become popular in recent years for its health benefits.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good choice for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Cinnamon can also help to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for diabetics.
Last but not least, cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to boost their immune system or reduce their risk of infection.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! You can see why we make our Cacao Power mix a part of Owning Our Mornings each day! Not only is it a delicious way to spice up our coffee – pun intended – but we know that we are doing something great for our bodies and supporting our goal of staying fit and focused over 50!
Have you tried any of these ingredients, or do you have your own recipe for adding a dose of health to your morning coffee? Let us know in the comments!
