CACAO: THE FOOD OF THE GODS
Cacao is a superfood graced with important nutritional benefits. The biggest difference between Cacao and Cocoa is that Cacao comes from the raw bean, and Cocoa has been processed and heated to temperatures above 117 degrees. Most of the wonderful health benefits of chocolate are destroyed by the heating process.
Cacao is packed with Calcium, and Vitamin K, plus minerals such as Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Selenium. Cacao is also rich in Flavanols, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
On average 1 oz. of cacao has 4-6 grams of Protein, and 7-12 grams of Fiber.
Cacao contains a plant based component called polyphenols, a micronutrient that has been shown to reduce anxiety and enhance calmness. The sub polyphenols flavanols are associated with skin protection, increased brain function, blood sugar and blood pressure regulation.
WHAT MAKES CEREMONIAL CACAO SO SPECIAL?
Ceremonial Cacao is the highest grade, rarest cacao available. Ceremonial Cacao must be wildly grown, and uncultivated. The cacao tree will only grow 20° North or south of the equator and is picked with reverence and sustainable environmental practices. The nutritional benefits are more concentrated for native trees. The beans are minimally processed retaining more of the beneficial compounds found in cacao. Throughout the entire process all beans are handled with humility and grace honoring the divine Theobroma Cacao Spirit, and blessed by Shamans.
Cacao does not contain caffeine. Cacao contains theobromine, an alkaloid in the methylxanthine class of compounds. Caffeine, mateine, and other stimulants are also in this same methlxanthine class of compounds. The difference in the two experiences is that caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and theobromine is a cardiac stimulant. Using cacao relaxes blood vessels, produces an effect of 30-40% higher blood circulation. This increased flow improves the absorption of other important nutrients in the Cacao, as well as, the other superfoods that are partnered with it. The fat in the cacao helps to detoxify the body through waste elimination.
Cacao as an alternative to coffee can have therapeutic health benefits, including creating new neural pathways that change our daily experience to include more joy, love, and connections with the universe. Cacao contains beneficial neurotransmitters and neuromodulators already present in our brain, most
notably including:
Norepinephrine - The joy molecule.
Serotonin - Helps with wellbeing, and creates resistance to stress. Cacao also has MOA inhibitors, that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin.
Dopamine - Gives feelings of motivation and pleasure. Cacao also has MOA inhibitors, that inhibit re-uptake of dopamine.
Anandamine - The bliss molecule, it moderates pain, and is associated with the "runners high" effect. Cacao also has
N-linoleoylethanolamine, the re-uptake inhibitor for anandamine.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) - Helps with excitement, alertness, attention. Gives the perception of time slowing down.
Contraindications:
MAOI based anti-depressants are contraindicated with the tyramine in chocolate, so a larger dose of cacao is not recommended. Additionally, SSRI type anti-depressants, because of the MAOI's in cacao.
Serious heart conditions. The theobromine in cacao increases heart rate significantly and is a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure. If you have such a condition, consider consulting a physician and certainly go lighter on amounts.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding. The theobromine in cacao has a stimulating effect. Thus we recommend using lower dosages (ex. a maximum of 1oz in a ceremonial drink).
Pure cacao can be fatal to dogs (and possibly horses and parrots) so be sure to keep it away from pets.