What is cacao?
You may be hearing more and more about ‘cacao’ and ‘cacao ceremonies’, and thinking, “but isn't that just chocolate?” And while they share the same origin, cacao and chocolate are worlds apart.
Indigenous to Mesoamerica, cacao has a long and rich cultural history that begins with the Mayan people of Central America, who cultivated cacao for food, medicine delivery, and currency.
Unlike highly processed modern-day chocolate (known as cocoa), pure, ‘ceremonial grade’ cacao is processed minimally and by hand. The cacao pod is harvested from the tree and from there the beans are fermented, roasted and peeled by hand and then crushed into a paste.
And as much as the spiritual world would like you to believe that cacao ceremonies have this long and intricate history, the ceremonial part of ‘ceremonial cacao’ was actually invented by an American man named Keith about 40 years ago.
In ancient times, cacao was used in ceremonies for very specific reasons. Given to a mother during childbirth, in death rituals during times of deep grief and to warriors before battle in the form of a bitter and spicy hot drink. But it was also a staple food, grown and consumed alongside corn for its incredible nutritional value.
The modern-day ceremonial is new, but that doesn’t remove its validity. Cacao is a profound teacher of love and, on a scientific level, does in fact open the heart, something that I think is sorely needed at this time in history. I adore the intentional nature of modern-day cacao traditions AND the history, the land and the people that make up the story of this incredible plant matter and deserve to be known and honoured.
Cacao also has a dark history; the plant was removed from its place of origin and produced on a mass scale, inextricably linked to the transatlantic slave trade. Making it vitally important that we don't once again whitewash something that doesn't belong to us and give back in any way we can through ethical sourcing, education and deep gratitude and honour of the land and the farmers.
With all that being said, Cacao is truly unlike anything else in the world. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, minerals and feel-good chemicals.
The contents of cacao
Cacao also has more than 300 phytochemicals and nearly four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate. It contains protein, calcium (more than in cow’s milk!) , carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, copper, chromium, zinc and iron (highest plant based source)
Theobromine, a unique kind of caffeine that increases blood flow, literally expands your heart by dilating your arteries. Giving you increased energy and focus without the anxious buzz of coffee.
Anti-inflammatory flavonols and heart-protective antioxidants that protect against cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of stroke.
Polyphenol antioxidants found in cacao protect our cells from premature oxidation or destruction and can keep one looking and feeling younger longer. It contains up to 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries) Vit A, Vit C, Vit C, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, manganese, zeaxanthin, flavanols
Magnesium. Cacao has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium found in this natural food source.
Good fats - Omega 6 fatty acids (brain food)
Hormone production:
Anandamide (known as the bliss molecule).
The name anandamide comes from ananda, the Sanskrit word for "joy, bliss, or delight". It earned this nickname because of its profound impact on promoting emotional balance, well-being, and motivation.
PEA, or phenethylamine, a mood-enhancing compound that triggers the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, it is often associated with the "rush" feeling of falling in love.
Serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical (that is actually produced in the gut), helps you to feel calm and restore feelings of well-being.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that your body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood elevation, calm, and relaxation.
Oxytocin, driven by cacao's rich magnesium content and other mood-boosting compounds, they work together to reduce stress, relax muscles, and promote feelings of well-being and social connection.
I hope that next time you hear about cacao, you can send a little prayer to the land and the people and give thanks for the opportunity to build a relationship with this complex and awe-inspiring plant medicine.
