Top 8 Benefits of Cacao For Your Skin
2 Cacao Beauty Smoothie Recipes for Healthy Skin
Top 8 Benefits of Cacao For Your Skin. Cacao, the raw form of cocoa, contains numerous compounds that can benefit skin health when consumed in moderation and applied topically. Incorporating cacao into your diet and skincare routine can offer a range of benefits for your skin, helping to keep it healthy, hydrated, and youthful-looking. However, it’s essential to consume cacao in moderation and choose high-quality, minimally processed products for the best results.
Top 8 Benefits of Cacao For Your Skin
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cacao contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. This makes it beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema.
- Antioxidant Properties: Cacao is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to aging and can damage skin cells, leading to wrinkles and dullness. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals, promoting healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
- Collagen Production: Cacao is a good source of minerals like copper and zinc, which are essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Improved Blood Flow: The flavonoids in cacao can help improve blood flow to the skin, which promotes a healthy complexion. Better blood circulation means that skin cells receive more oxygen and nutrients, leading to a brighter, more radiant appearance.
- Natural Exfoliation: When used as an ingredient in skincare products, finely ground cacao powder can act as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This can result in smoother, more radiant skin.
- Skin Hydration: Cacao contains fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which helps to nourish and hydrate the skin. These fatty acids help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and promoting soft, supple skin.
- Stress Reduction: Consuming cacao can also have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. High levels of stress can contribute to skin issues like acne and premature aging, so managing stress levels can indirectly improve skin health.
- UV Protection: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in cacao may offer mild protection against UV damage from the sun. While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, incorporating cacao into your diet or skincare routine may provide some additional protection against sun-induced skin aging.
2 Cacao Beauty Smoothie Recipes for Healthy Skin
Are you looking for a couple smoothies with the superfood CACAO? Check out the two below. They’re both great beverages for your skin.
Raw Chocolate Smoothie for Healthy Skin
makes two 8oz glasses
INGREDIENTS
2 c Coconut water
2 tbls Cacao Powder
1 tbls Coconut Oil
1 tsp Maca Powder
1/4 tsp Vanilla Powder
pinch of Sea Salt
Organic Honey to taste
1 tbls Chia Seeds
Ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients into a blender and give it a good whirl. Add ice to make the smoothie thicker
Cacao Smoothie for Cellular Protection
Cacao Smoothie for Cellular Protection
makes two 8oz glasses
INGREDIENTS
12 oz Nettle Tea
1/2 c frozen Acai
1/2 c Blueberries, frozen or fresh
1/2 c Strawberries, frozen or fresh
small handful fresh Spinach
1 tbls Hemp Seeds
1 tbls Chia Seeds
1 tbls Goji berries
1 tbls Cacao Powder
1 tbls Maca Powder
Honey or Stevia to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all ingredients into your blender and give it a good whirl.
Are you looking for other clear skin smoothie recipes? Visit our ACNE AND CLEAR SKIN SMOOTHIES page for more delicious blends. And check out the other SUPERFOODS and HERBS featured here.