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Raw Cocoa / Cacao Nids.
Cocoa or the chocolate tree is native to the Amazon rainforest of South America. These wonderful beans have played a central role in many native mythologies. They are highly regarded for the physical benefits gained from eating the beans and using the oil extracted from them, and has also been used as a currency (a practice that continues in some areas)
New scientific research is being carried out in to the benefits that these beans have and some research suggests that they may help to prevent heart and liver disease,
Cocoa beans contain an alkaloid called Theombromine, which acts in a similar way to caffeine, however it has less of an effect on the central nervous system but more of an effect on the muscles, kidneys and heart,
Cocoa is valued as a powerful diuretic.
  
Eat as they are, or make a wonderful real hot chocolate!
To make a real hot chocolate:
- Grind the nibs into a fine powder (this can be done well using a hand held blender)
- Use 2-3 teaspoons or the powder per cup
- Add hot water or milk
- And sugar or honey to taste.
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