It is very important that raw cacao is not confused with cocoa, its roasted, processed and nutrient-poor distant relative. Cacao is busting with nutrition and an excellent source of magnesium in particular but also other minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and calcium, in addition to fatty acids. It is also full of polyphenols which makes it a great fertiliser for your microbiome.
Dietary supplements and SARS-CoV-2 infection
A recent study investigated whether there was a link between supplement usage and a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19. Good news! Being proactive about your health and nutrition reduces your risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. [Read more…]
The Urobiome – the urinary tract microbiome
For many years, scientists and healthcare professionals believed the urine to be almost sterile. Now we know much more about the bacteria that live in our body and know that we have a microbiome not only in our gut, but in the mouth, vagina, the placenta and in the urinary tract. [Read more…]
Low FODMAP for SIBO on a vegan diet?
SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is a common underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). SIBO has been shown to be present in up to 78% of IBS cases. Given IBS affects 11% of the worldwide population, this is a truly remarkable number of people. IBS is likely multifactorial but many symptoms can be attributed to a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Good news about cacao
You know we just love our polyphenols. Among other health benefits they act as a fertiliser for our microbes and support immune health. Cacao is one such polyphenol. Pure cacao has very high amounts of flavonoids and its scientific name theobroma cacao literally means “food of the gods”. We certainly think so.
