Introduction
Cacao is a superfood that can be used medicinally, as well as for culinary purposes. It is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth, containing over 300 bioactive compounds that support optimal health and general well-being.
Cacao is a tropical evergreen tree in the Theobroma genus. It's native to Central and South America, but today it can be found in Africa, Asia and Oceania as well.
Cacao can be taken in three ways: as food, as medicine and as a spiritual tool. The first two uses are the most common, but it is the third that has the most profound impact on our lives.
The Plant
Cacao is a tree, so it's not a fruit, but also not a bean. Cacao is technically a seed (or "nut") because it comes from the fruit of the cacao tree with seeds inside. Technically, it could be considered a berry since its texture and size resemble that of raspberries or strawberries. You'll also hear people refer to cacao as an "aril" or "pod." So what's the best word for this thing?
The Bean
A cacao bean is the seed of the cacao tree, which grows in tropical climates. The fruit of this tree is called a pod, and it contains between 20 to 60 cacao beans. The seeds are surrounded by a sweet pulp that is removed during processing.
Cacao beans are most commonly made into chocolate or cocoa powder, but they can also be used in other products like raw chocolate or nibs.
The Fruit
The fruit is the seed pod. The fruit is the source of cacao nibs, which are dried beans that have been fermented and roasted. The fruit is also the source of cacao butter and powder, which are made by grinding down the seeds in an industrial process.
The History of Cacao
While cacao has been used for over 3,000 years, it was the Olmecs who first discovered the sweet treat. They were one of the earliest civilizations in Mexico and Central America and lived from about 1200 BC to 400 AD. The Olmecs were thought to be responsible for many inventions - including writing and even chocolate!
And then there are the Aztecs and Mayans... While they didn't invent cacao (the Olmecs did!), they made good use of it too. Their love of this stuff is still apparent today—you can see their influence in many aspects of Mesoamerican culture such as their art, architecture, language, foodways...and yes...chocolate! It's not surprising then that when Cortés arrived on Mexican shores with his conquistadors in 1519 CE he met Montezuma II who had a palace full of cocoa beans as gifts from other tribes whom he had conquered. When Montezuma offered them some “drinks” made from cocoa beans mixed with spices such as vanilla bean powder or cinnamon sticks (and sometimes chiles), Cortés knew immediately what this was: "good wine."
In Yucatec Maya culture and tradition, chocolate was believed to be so powerful that mothers would offer their children small amounts of hot chocolate before they went out into the world on their first day of school or work - this way they would have good luck throughout their lives!
Cacao is an amazing plant that contains many beneficial nutritional compounds.
Cacao is a great source of nutrients - many of them have antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause inflammation and damage to your cells. Iron and zinc improve your immune function, magnesium reduces stress and boosts energy levels, copper improves blood flow to the brain and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and fibre helps you feel full longer so you can avoid snacking between meals. Cacao also has beneficial amounts of theobromine—a compound related to caffeine that may decrease blood pressure as well as increase mood-boosting serotonin levels in the brain.
Cacao is a magical food! It contains theobromine, which is a mild stimulant, and anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good!
Theobromine also dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, so it can be beneficial for those with high blood pressure or heart disease. Theobromine has also been shown to increase metabolism and aid weight loss by boosting thermogenesis (your body's natural process of burning fat).
Cacao contains serotonin and phenethylamine, which are both neurotransmitters that affect mood and happiness. Cacao also contains tryptophan, which converts into serotonin in our bodies. Serotonin is what makes us feel happy when we're having fun or eating chocolate! The amino acid tryptophan reduces stress levels while promoting relaxation; cacao contains this essential nutrient in abundance.
Phenethylamine produces feelings of euphoria, excitement, arousal and even giddiness when we eat chocolate or drink cacao!
Antioxidants - Cacao contains antioxidants such as flavonoids (anti-inflammatory), polyphenols (anti-inflammatory), epicatechin (anti-inflammatory) and catechin (antioxidant). Antioxidants help prevent damage caused by free radicals in our bodies.
There are many other benefits as well: cacao will help you sleep better at night, it makes your skin look younger by reducing wrinkles and fine lines, it strengthens bones (especially useful during pregnancy), boosts immunity against colds/flu viruses etc., increases libido by triggering endorphins which make us feel good about ourselves…
Cacao in Ceremony
Cacao is a sacred plant. It is used in ceremonies and rituals, most notably for divination, healing, spiritual practices and cosmology/mythology. In many traditions of Mesoamerican religion, cacao is considered to be the blood of the gods, or at least an earthly manifestation of Ix Chel (a Mayan goddess associated with the moon) who was believed to have created it with her own blood.
The Cacao Ceremony is a sacred exploration of the energetic properties of cacao. The cacao ceremony was originally created by Mayan elders as a way to connect with the divine through the consumption of the sacred plant.
The energetic properties of plants have been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples around the world to heal, awaken and nourish themselves. The cacao ceremony is a living tradition that can be performed in any way that feels right for you. It can be part of an intimate gathering or a large festival setting – whatever feels right!
Your Ceremony
You can hold your personal ceremony each morning, on special days, or in a group of consciously connected friends.
Find a quiet space, or set up your Sacred space with all the pieces that are special, Earthy and magical to you.
Give thanks to the Plant of Cacao, to the people who brought this medicine to you, and to yourself for setting the time to sit with the Sacred Spirit.
You may like to draw an oracle card, sit in nature or meditate with a candle.
Take time to focus on what feels joyful to you, and what feels like love to you.
Think of three things you are grateful for in your life, the world and yourself.
Take time to journal how you feel as you drink the Cacao.
Dosage and Recipe
Dosage varies depending on the person, situation, desired outcome/experience/effect/result, and product. When first starting out with cacao or chocolate consumption, it is best to start with a small amount (15g to start) and work your way up from there.
15g for a normal daily dose
25g for a stimulating dose
40g for a ceremonial dose
Do not exceed 50g - you may experience headaches, nausea or sweats.
Grind cacao (or add powder) into a saucepan.
Add a small amount of water over low heat to create a thick paste.
If you like, add cinnamon, turmeric (and black pepper) and cayenne pepper - or any other medicinal spices. Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt for extra minerals. Maca powder for earthy richness. Or coconut oil for extra creaminess.
Add more water and milk to make a full cup of cacao.
Serv by pouring it into your favourite mug.
You can try adding ingredients to a blender to create a light frothy version.
Conclusion
Cacao is an amazing plant that contains many beneficial nutritional compounds. It has a long history and has been used in ceremonies for thousands of years. The benefits of cacao are numerous and include antioxidants, mood-boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, as well as increased brain function. I hope this article has helped you learn more about the wonderful world of cacao! If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends! You can also check out my other articles in the health section of the site.
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