Does cocoa powder contain anti-nutrients?

[Laketon79]

I read somewhere that chocolate has anti-nutrients (like coffee). This made me sad because I have been able to enjoy coconut oil in the form of chocolates (coconut oil, cocoa powder, honey). Is this true?

[Vian]

Yes. The reproductive parts of any plant has anti-nutrients to protect the seeds from being digested. Chocolate is a bean, which is the reproductive part of the plant, much like coffee is a bean. Chocolate is not allowed on the AIP elimination diet due to the anti-nutrients and phytates in it, but it is reluctantly allowed on a whole30 for use in savory dishes mostly. (however, honey is not allowed)

[Laketon79]

Sorry I should've clarified, this is post whole30. I just don't want be consuming something that is not allowing me to absorb nutrients.

[Vian]

Unless you have specific health concerns, such as leaky gut or autoimmune disease, your body can deal with the small amount of anti-nutrients found in most paleo-friendly foods. They don't really cause issues for most people. However, if you DO have an autoimmune disease and a leaky gut (they almost always go hand in hand) then you should look into doing the Autoimmune Protocol. Check out the book The Paleo Approach by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne. 

[melbournegirl]

Most plant foods have protective chemicals - this is why some foods are more nutritious cooked. They also contain enzymes to help digestion - this is why its good to eat some raw foods. Raw cacao has many beneficial effects.