Cacao – Benefits and My Personal Experience
LIFESTYLE – I never thought so much of Cacao before, in my perspective it was just another fancy word for chocolate. I thought it was simply something that you buy in the supermarket, a sweet and delicious treat, something that mostly woman crave for as comfort food. But that perspective changed completely now I learned more about it. Cacao is more than just chocolate and nice treat, it has serious benefits for your health and in some cultures it is used as a medicine. So I quickly learned that chocolate is the sweetened, processed version, stripped of its natural goodness and meant for mass consumption. This blog is written to explain more about raw and pure Cacao. I believe I have discovered the essence of it, including its antioxidants, minerals, and all the goodness as nature intended.
Just as rich as the flavour of raw Cacao is, so is its history. I thought it would be worth being transported back in time to the ancient civilizations. From the markets of Meso-America to the palaces of Europe, its rich history is woven into the fabric of human culture. There’s so much to tell about this sacred gift of nature. In this blog, I will share my personal experiences and the benefits I’ve experienced. Cacao has the potential to transform your life too!
Mindset Explained"Cacao is a gift from the gods, meant to be shared with love and respect."
A quick Lesson in History and Ancient Rituals
There is much to tell about the history of Cacao, the stories and anecdotes are endless. However, I will keep it brief for now and share the most important lessons. Going back to ancient Meso-American civilizations, Cacao was revered as the “food of the gods” by the Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs. Used in sacred rituals, marriage ceremonies and as a medicinal elixir, its importance was deeply integrated in these cultures. Mayan hieroglyphs depict gods holding Cacao pods, highlighting its divine connection.
For the Aztecs, Cacao was of immense importance, believed to be a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. Their frothy brew, “xocoatl” was consumed for energy and vitality, associated with wisdom, strength and enhanced libido.
Fast forward to the 16th century, when Cacao reached European shores thanks to explorers like Hernán Cortés. Initially received with scepticism, it was transformed into a sweetened delight by Spanish monks. This marked the transition from a sacred ritual to a mass-produced treat like the chocolate we know today.
In the present moment, Cacao ceremonies are performed, breathing new life into old traditions and honouring its rich history and healing properties. These rituals offer a deeper connection to nature and community, reminding us of its significant role in human civilization.
Mindset Explained"The history of cacao is as rich and complex as its flavor, weaving tales of ancient civilizations and sacred rituals."
The Sacred Ritual of Cacao Ceremonies
My first experience with raw Cacao was during a so-called Cacao ceremony. I had absolutely no clue what to expect, but it was a fascinating event. It was treated like a holy substance, given by Mother Earth with healing and sacred powers. I was told that it opens your heart and is beneficial for your brain and overall health too! The taste could not be compared to the flavours I associated with chocolate, it was much more bitter and strong. It’s definitely interesting to learn more about the Cacao Ritual if you are unfamiliar with this ceremony.
A ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience that honours the rich history and healing properties of raw Cacao. Rooted in ancient traditions, these ceremonies are designed to open the heart, elevate the spirit, and create a sense of connection and community.
The ceremony began with setting an intention, followed by the preparation and consumption of a rich but, as mentioned before, very bitter Cacao drink. To make the flavour less intense, the Cacao was enriched with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, and mint. Everyone sat in a circle, sharing their thoughts and feelings, guided by a facilitator who led meditations, chants and gentle movements.
The Cacao itself acts as a powerful heart-opener, helping me achieve more emotional clarity and a deeper sense of inner peace. I also felt a sense of respect and gratitude that filled the room. The facilitator spoke of Cacao’s ancient roots, its journey from bean to cup, and the many benefits it offers. I also noticed that I felt a connection to the earth and to those around me. It is hard to explain, but it was a moment of pure joy and tranquillity.
Mindset Explained"The cacao ceremony is a sacred journey, a ritual that connects us to the wisdom of the earth and the depths of our souls."
The Sweet Symphony and Effects
There are some remarkable effects that I noticed since I start drinking Cacao. First of all, there’s the mood boost. After drinking a cup, I feel those serotonin levels raise instantly. It’s like a hug in a mug, popularly said.
Thanks to its richness in antioxidants, Cacao is a real superfood for our insides. It helps to fight off free radicals and keeping the cells happy and healthy. Besides that, it is packed with essential minerals like magnesium and iron, making it a nutritional powerhouse.
Another thing I noticed, is the energy boost I experienced. It is a serious competitor and good alternative for that other drink I really love: coffee! With just the right amount of caffeine and theobromine, Cacao gives you a gentle boost without the restless feeling or crash after coffee. It’s like nature’s own energy drink, minus the artificial stuff.
Charles M. Schulz"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Effects of Cacao on Brain Health
Cacao offers numerous benefits for brain health. Its rich content of flavonoids and antioxidants supports cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain, it stimulates neuroplasticity and protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. Cacao contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can improve mood and increase alertness. Regular consumption has been linked to improved memory, focus and overall brain health. Its natural compounds work synergistically to nourish and protect the brain, making Cacao a delicious and beneficial addition to a healthy diet for maintaining cognitive function and mental well-being. One thing is for sure, it is a much smarter drink of choice than alcohol if you care for your brain!
Unknown Mayan Shaman"Cacao is a sacred gift, a reminder of the sweetness of life."
Let's drink a cup of Cacao!
Drinking Cacao helps me feel less tired and stressed without feeling anxious, unlike coffee when consumed in excess. However, as I mentioned before, I also enjoy a good cup of coffee. So, I found a solution for that: sometimes I mix caffeine-free coffee with one scoop of raw Cacao powder. It’s the best of both worlds, definitely worth trying!
It also helps me to get more clarity and focus, concentration-levels significantly improve. It isn’t just about increasing productivity or lowering stress-levels. Drinking Cacao is delicious and a good way of rewarding myself. It became a ritual for me, a calm moment of mildness to reconnect with myself and the present moment. The good thing about it, is that I can drink it at any moment in a day. It taste good in the morning, but also in the evening when I’m switching off already and when I try to calm down and relax. Now we’ve come to the end of this blog, I hope you are inspired to start implementing it into your life too. Think I deserved a nice cup of Cacao now!