Dante Carrillo
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is designed for people suffering from autoimmune disorders and inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory. Cacao is derived from seeds, which are avoided on the AIP diet because they contain phytic acid and digestive enzyme inhibitors. These compounds can irritate and inflame the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut. As a result, chocolate is typically not allowed on the AIP diet. However, some people with autoimmune disorders can tolerate chocolate, and there are AIP-friendly chocolate recipes that use carob powder as a substitute for cacao. Carob powder is made from the edible pods of the carob tree and has a similar taste and texture to cacao powder. It is also a good source of calcium and fibre, which are important for a healthy microbiome and lowering cholesterol. Ultimately, the AIP diet is meant to be personalized, and some people may choose to include chocolate in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cacao allowed on AIP diet | No, it is derived from seeds which are avoided on the gut-healing protocol. |
| Substitutes | Carob powder, toasted carob |
| Cacao during the elimination phase | Not allowed |
| Cacao after the elimination phase | Can be reintroduced to see if the body tolerates it |
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What You'll Learn
Cacao is avoided on AIP as it is derived from seeds
The AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol diet, is designed to help people suffering from autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory.
However, some people following the AIP diet do choose to include cacao, especially in the form of chocolate, as it is not always easy to give up. Some people also react differently to chocolate, with some being able to tolerate chocolates with a lower cacao content better than others.
If you are craving chocolate on the AIP diet, carob is often recommended as a substitute. Carob powder is made from the edible pods of the carob tree. The pods are dry-roasted and ground into a slightly bitter, nutty-tasting powder that is extremely reminiscent of cacao powder. Carob is also a good source of calcium and is high in fibre, which can help feed a healthy microbiome, maintain healthy bowel movements, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.
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Carob is a popular substitute for cacao on AIP
The AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol diet, is an elimination diet designed to help people suffering from autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory.
Chocolate is not allowed on the AIP diet, which can be difficult for some, as chocolate is life for many. Cocoa powder, cacao powder, and chocolate are all derived from seeds, which are avoided on this gut-healing protocol because they contain phytic acid and digestive enzyme inhibitors. These compounds can irritate and inflame the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut, which is what the AIP diet aims to combat.
Carob, on the other hand, is allowed on the AIP diet and is a popular substitute for cacao. Carob is made from the edible pods of the carob tree. The pods are dry-roasted and ground into a slightly bitter, nutty-tasting powder that is extremely reminiscent of cacao powder. Carob is given a pass on the AIP diet because only the ground-up pod is consumed, which does not contain compounds like lectins, which are avoided by eliminating beans.
Carob also has some nutritional advantages over cacao. It is a fantastic source of calcium without oxalates, a compound that blocks mineral absorption. Carob is also incredibly high in fibre, which is an important part of the AIP diet as it helps to feed a healthy microbiome, maintains healthy bowel movements, controls blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol.
There are many recipes available that use carob powder to satisfy chocolate cravings during the AIP diet. Some popular examples include Chocolate Raspberry Pudding Parfaits, Pomegranate Carob Bites, and Chocolate Orange AIP Truffles.
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Cacao is allowed in Amy Myers' autoimmune book
Cacao is allowed in Amy Myers' book, 'The Autoimmune Solution: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing and Reversing Inflammatory Diseases Through Functional Medicine'. In her book, Myers recommends cacao in her list of elimination-phase legal spices. However, she also emphasizes the importance of reducing intake of inflammatory foods, which includes eliminating cocoa for at least 30 days, and then trying to reintroduce it to see if the body tolerates it.
Myers' book provides a comprehensive guide to preventing and reversing inflammatory diseases through functional medicine. It is based on her own journey with Graves' Disease and her experience as a physician. The book details how the immune system mistakenly attacks inflammatory agents and offers solutions such as healing the gut, reducing inflammatory foods, limiting toxins, and managing stress. This approach is referred to as 'The Myers Way'.
The book has received mixed reviews. Some readers appreciate the easy-to-understand language and find the information helpful for dealing with autoimmune diseases. They also appreciate the recipes included in the book, such as a salmon avocado bowl. However, other readers have criticized the book for its egotistical tone, repetition, and lack of scientific evidence. Some have also found the content alarming and anxiety-inducing.
It is important to note that while cacao is allowed in Myers' book, it is not compliant with the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet, which is similar to Paleo but removes additional pro-inflammatory foods. The AIP diet recommends eliminating cocoa for 30-90 days and then gradually reintroducing it to see if it is tolerated. During the elimination phase, carob powder is suggested as a substitute for cacao or cocoa powder.
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Cacao is not allowed in the elimination phase
The AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol diet, is designed to help people suffering from autoimmune disorders and inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory.
Instead, carob powder is recommended as a substitute for cacao during the elimination phase. Carob is made from the edible pods of the carob tree, which are dry-roasted and ground into a slightly bitter, nutty-tasting powder. It is a fantastic source of calcium without oxalates, which block mineral absorption. Carob is also high in fibre, which is an important part of the AIP protocol as it helps to feed a healthy microbiome, maintain healthy bowel movements, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.
While it is recommended to eliminate cacao for at least 30 days, some people may choose to do so for anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on their unique journey. After this period, cacao can be reintroduced to see if it is something the body tolerates.
It is important to note that AIP is meant to be personalized, and individuals should work carefully towards reintroductions, ensuring that their AIP journey is customized to their body's needs.
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Cacao can be reintroduced after 30-90 days
The AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol diet, is designed to help people suffering from autoimmune disorders and inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory.
Chocolate is not allowed on the AIP diet because it is derived from seeds, which are avoided on this gut-healing protocol. Seeds contain phytic acid and digestive enzyme inhibitors, which can irritate and inflame the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut and dysbiosis.
However, cacao can be reintroduced after 30-90 days of elimination. During the elimination phase, carob powder is often used as a substitute for cacao powder and chocolate. Carob is made from the edible pods of the carob tree, which are dry-roasted and ground into a slightly bitter, nutty-tasting powder that is extremely reminiscent of cacao powder. Carob is a better choice than cacao from an AIP perspective because it does not contain the same compounds, like lectins, that are avoided by eliminating beans. Additionally, carob is a fantastic source of calcium without oxalates, which block mineral absorption. This means that foods containing both calcium and oxalates, like cacao, are not effective sources of calcium. Carob is also incredibly high in fibre, which is an important part of the AIP protocol as it helps to feed a healthy microbiome, maintain healthy bowel movements, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.
When reintroducing cacao after the elimination phase, it is important to do so carefully and intentionally, making sure your AIP journey is customized to your body's needs. Not everyone reacts to chocolate in the same way, so it is important to pay attention to how your body responds to the reintroduction of cacao. Moderation is key to keeping your body happy and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cacao is not allowed on the AIP diet because it is derived from seeds, which are avoided on this gut-healing protocol. Seeds contain phytic acid and digestive enzyme inhibitors, which can irritate and inflame the gut lining.
The AIP diet (Autoimmune Protocol diet) is designed to help people suffering from autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory problems. It is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional foods that are pro-inflammatory.
Carob powder is often used as a substitute for cacao on the AIP diet. It is made from the edible pods of a carob tree and has a nutty taste. Carob is also a good source of calcium and fibre.
Chocolate is not allowed on the AIP diet because it contains sugar and is often made with whole milk. However, some people on the AIP diet have reintroduced chocolate to their diets after the elimination phase and consumed it in moderation without any issues.
