Madeleine Hull
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a diet that treats UC and IBS. The SCD has been modified over the years and continues to be modified by individuals based on how different people respond to different foods. While chocolate is not strictly allowed on the SCD diet, some people choose to consume it without experiencing any problems. Cocoa butter, on the other hand, is SCD-legal. It is the natural fat extracted from the cacao beans inside the cocoa tree pods. It has a texture similar to chocolate and is often used as a substitute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cacao allowed on the SCD diet? | Cacao butter is allowed on the SCD diet, but chocolate is not strictly allowed. However, some people on the diet do consume chocolate without any problems. |
| What is cacao butter? | Cacao butter is the natural fat extracted from the cacao beans inside the cocoa tree pods. |
| What is the process of extracting cacao butter? | The process of extracting cacao butter is quite involved and time-consuming. After being scraped out of the pods, the beans are laid out to ferment for about ten days. They are then dried, sorted, shelled, and roasted before being broken down into nibs and boiled. The fat that rises to the top during boiling is collected and made into cacao butter. Alternatively, the beans can be pressed or cold-pressed to extract the oil, which is then made into cacao butter. |
| What are the health benefits of cacao butter? | Cacao butter is a legal and gut-friendly ingredient on the SCD diet. It has a similar texture to chocolate and can be used as a substitute for people who miss the taste and texture of chocolate. |
| Are there any risks associated with consuming chocolate on the SCD diet? | The chemical makeup of chocolate is complex, and it is not known for sure if it is free of the carbohydrates avoided on the SCD diet. However, there is no compelling evidence that cocoa causes problems in the gut. |
| Are there any alternatives to chocolate on the SCD diet? | Honey and maple syrup are legal and gut-friendly sweeteners that can be used in moderation on the SCD diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Cacao tree facts
Cacao, or cocoa, trees are scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, which translates to "food of the gods" in Greek. They are tropical evergreen trees native to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Cacao trees are now grown commercially in the New World tropics, western Africa, and tropical Asia. They thrive at altitudes of 30 to 300 meters (100 to 1,000 feet) above sea level, with temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). While a cacao tree can live for over 200 years, it only produces quality cocoa beans for about 25 years.
Cacao trees are highly susceptible to disease and climatic variations, and they require specific humidity levels and significant amounts of water. They are pollinated by gnats, which transfer pollen between the trees' white and pink flowers. A mature cacao tree can produce over 6,000 flowers and up to 70 fruits annually. These fruits, also known as pods or cherelles, take about four months to grow and another month to ripen, turning from yellow to deep orange. Each pod contains around 20 to 60 cocoa beans surrounded by a sweet, sticky white pulp.
The cocoa beans derived from cacao trees are highly valued, with historical records indicating their use as currency, gifts, and offerings to the gods by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. Even today, the cocoa industry is significant, with 40 to 50 million people depending on cocoa for their livelihood and over 3.8 million tons of cacao beans produced annually. However, cacao growers often face challenges due to the crop's susceptibility to diseases and environmental stressors, impacting the industry's ability to meet the growing demand for chocolate worldwide.
The cacao tree holds a special place in human history and continues to play a vital role in the global economy, particularly in regions where it is cultivated. Its fruit, the cocoa bean, remains a beloved ingredient in one of the world's most popular treats—chocolate.
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Cocoa butter
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is used to treat UC and IBS. While chocolate is not strictly allowed on the SCD diet, cocoa butter is. Cocoa butter is the natural fat extracted from the cacao beans inside the cocoa tree pods. It has a similar texture to chocolate, melting and solidifying in the same way. It can be used in any capacity that chocolate or white chocolate can be used, such as in Christmas 'sugar' cookies with icing, 'white hot chocolate', 'white chocolate' mocha lattes, and heart-shaped 'white chocolate' cherry candies.
It is important to note that while cocoa butter is SCD-legal, chocolate is not, and some people with UC and IBS may choose to avoid it. However, there is no compelling evidence that cocoa causes problems in the gut, and some people on the SCD diet choose to consume small amounts of chocolate without issue.
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Chocolate alternatives
Chocolate is not strictly allowed on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). However, some people on the diet do eat chocolate without any problems, and some sources suggest that the diet should be individualized. The main issue with chocolate is its sugar content, which can be replaced with healthier alternatives such as honey (which is SCD-legal) and maple syrup.
There are several chocolate alternatives that can be made at home. One recipe suggests melting down two ounces of finely chopped unsweetened baking chocolate and mixing in one and a half tablespoons of liquid honey. You can then spoon the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper in the shape of a bar or any other desired shape. You can optionally pour over any kind of nut, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts, and let it cool completely. The texture will not be as hard or dry as a dark chocolate bar, but it will taste delicious.
Another recipe for homemade chocolate involves boiling a mixture of honey, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan with milk. You can then remove the mixture from the heat and add chopped unsweetened chocolate, letting it stand for a minute. This recipe is not strictly SCD-legal because it contains cocoa and lactose-free milk. However, you can modify it by using almond or pecan milk, which are introduced in Stage 1 of the SCD diet.
If you are craving something chocolatey but don't want to consume chocolate itself, there are other options. For example, Wellbees offers a product that looks and tastes like chocolate syrup but is actually made from dates. This can be drizzled on SCD-legal baked goods or ice cream for a chocolatey treat.
It is important to remember that the SCD diet is meant to treat conditions like UC and IBS, so it is essential to prioritize gut health and individual responses to different foods. If you are just beginning the SCD diet, it is recommended to avoid chocolate and test it out later on, as it may cause gut issues for some people.
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Gut-friendly sweeteners
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a diet that is geared towards reducing sugar and lactose intake. It is completely grain-free and low in sugar. The SCD was originally developed in the 1920s by Dr. Sidney Haas, a specialist in treating celiac disease. While the SCD does have strict rules on sugars and sweeteners that can be consumed, there are still several options that are legal within the diet.
Honey is one of the most commonly mentioned sweeteners that is allowed on the SCD diet. Clear, pure, pasteurized honey is considered fine, whereas cloudy honey should be avoided as it may contain pollen, which can irritate a damaged gut. Manuka honey is also considered legal on the SCD diet, although this is not specifically mentioned on the SCD website. Honey is primarily made up of glucose and fructose, which are easy for the body to absorb directly.
Some fruits can also be used as natural sweeteners on the SCD diet. These include apples, apple cider, bananas, cherries, dates, figs, melons, mangoes, pineapples, plums, prunes, and raisins. Using ripe bananas or apple slices in recipes such as banana bread or apple crumble can add a natural sweetness to these dishes.
On the other hand, sweeteners like maple syrup, molasses, evaporated cane juice, and agave syrup are not allowed on the SCD diet. Monk fruit and stevia are also not recommended, although some people on the SCD diet consume them in small quantities.
It is important to note that the SCD diet has had many modifications over the years, and individuals may modify it further based on their responses to different foods. Additionally, while chocolate is not strictly SCD legal, some people on the diet do consume it without any problems.
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Customised SCD diets
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a restrictive grain-free diet designed to help manage gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. The diet allows easily digestible foods like fresh fruits, most vegetables, unprocessed meats, and homemade yoghurt, while banning grains, starches, processed foods, and lactose-heavy dairy. The SCD has been modified over the years and continues to be modified by individuals based on how different people respond to different foods.
- Identify your specific health goals and needs: Before making any changes to your diet, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that any changes are safe and appropriate for your individual needs. For example, those with celiac disease must maintain a strict gluten-free diet, so a customised SCD diet for celiac disease would need to carefully avoid any gluten-containing grains.
- Focus on allowed foods: The SCD allows for a variety of foods, including fresh fruits, most vegetables, meat without additives, and homemade yoghurt. Emphasise these allowed foods and experiment with different combinations and recipes to create a diverse and enjoyable meal plan.
- Modify recipes: The SCD eliminates certain ingredients, such as grains and starches. Customise your favourite recipes by substituting banned ingredients with allowed alternatives. For example, use cauliflower rice or spiralised vegetables instead of grain-based pasta or noodles.
- Be mindful of portion sizes: Even with allowed foods, it is important to practise portion control. For example, while the SCD allows fresh fruits, it is best to consume them in moderation due to their natural sugar content.
- Gradually introduce changes: Making sudden and drastic changes to your diet can be challenging. Start by gradually incorporating SCD principles into your daily routine. For example, you could begin by eliminating grains from one meal per day and gradually increase it over time.
- Monitor your progress: Pay attention to how your body responds to the dietary changes. Keep a food journal to track the foods you eat and any symptoms or changes you experience. This will help you identify which foods work best for your body and customise your diet accordingly.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can provide personalised guidance and ensure that your customised SCD diet is safe and aligned with your health goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Cacao beans and cocoa powder are not allowed on the SCD diet. However, cocoa butter, which is the natural fat extracted from the cacao beans, is allowed.
Cacao beans are not allowed on the SCD diet because they are processed and contain added sugars and preservatives that are not compliant with the diet.
Some people on the SCD diet choose to consume small amounts of chocolate or cacao because it provides a steady energy boost and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Consuming cacao on the SCD diet may cause gut problems and worsen symptoms of UC and IBS, which the diet aims to treat.
Yes, cocoa butter is a legal alternative to cacao on the SCD diet. It has a similar texture and taste to chocolate and can be used in recipes that call for cacao butter or chocolate.
