7 blissful benefits of having cacao

Cacao, the heart of chocolate, is so much more than a satisfying 'treat'. Instead of seeing it as a guilty pleasure, perhaps we could radically shift the old narrative attached to this nutrient dense, super food and hero it as a therapeutic 'treat-ment' that has the potential to strengthen our bodies, minds and hearts!

What is a good 'medicinal' dose? Every body is different, however, between 4-6 teaspoons of pure cacao paste at least 3-4 times per week could significantly enhance your vital force, resilience and overall well-being. Here's why...

1.  40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries

Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. That's incredible! It has a whopping ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400. ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.

2.  Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron

Plant based? Vegan? Pregnant? Training? Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at an incredible 7.3mg per 100g. This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg.  

3.  Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain

Cacao is also one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world. Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to feel clear and focused.  Also wonderful for PMS, menstrual cramps and the peri menopause. 

4.  More Calcium Than Cow’s Milk

Cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.  

5. Cacao and Your Emotional and Mental Well Being

When you consume cacao the mood enhancing neurochemicals found in it ignite, signalling your nervous system to:

• Increase blood flow and nutrition to your brain, heart and skin
• Nourish your whole body
• Heighten your awareness and focus
• Intensify your sensations and high vibrational emotions
• Drinking this age old “food from the Gods” deepens your meditations, opens your heart and allows you to sit with your stories and identify any areas that are still causing you pain or limitation. When you find yourself in this beautiful safe space you can relax deeply, receive insights, connect with your highest self and allow inspiration and divine guidance to flow through you.

6. Elevate Your Bliss With Cacao 

Another compound found in cacao is anandamide. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that binds to the THC receptors. It’s been called the “bliss molecule,” aptly named after ananda, the Sanskrit word for “joy, bliss, or happiness.” It is considered an endocannabinoid — a substance produced in the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors. Anandamide has been found to do a lot more than produce a state of heightened happiness. It’s synthesised in areas of the brain that are important in memory, motivation, higher thought processes, and movement control. It plays an important role in pain, appetite, and fertility. It also helps put the brakes on cancer cell proliferation. By increasing neurogenesis — the formation of new nerve cells — anandamide exhibits both anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. Anandamide, like all neurotransmitters, is fragile and breaks down quickly in the body which is why it doesn’t produce a perpetual state of bliss. Cacao is thought to contain both anandamide and compounds (N-acylethanolamines) that slow its breakdown. This gives you a net gain of anandamide which leaves you feeling temporarily happier after drinking cacao.

7. Get Motivated with Cacao

Cacao also contains tyrosine. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, which fuels the body's pleasure/reward system.

You + Cacao = Joy!

Cacao can help you see that life is meant to be enjoyed. When you allow yourself to fully surrender to its power, and step into a higher state of awareness, you remember that nothing here on earth is permanent, and all of life is simply a game to be enjoyed right here, right now.

Learning how to open your heart is probably the most important thing you can
do as a human being. It connects you to your truth, gives you courage to be
vulnerable, and encourages you to embrace your imperfections.
The more you practise getting out of your mind, dropping into your heart and
connecting to love, the more you can make more loving and conscious
decisions for yourself, your community, this planet and the greater good.

Let cacao support you as you invite wellness into your body, mind and heart.