Health Benefits of Cacao

The first time I saw a bunch of hippies drinking hot chocolate and calling it sacred, I was skeptical. Sitting around a fire with a full moon high in the sky, I sat patiently staring into a cup of brown liquid. What’s the big deal? I thought to myself.

It’s been 2 years… I know what the big deal is.

What is cacao?

The first time you try cacao, you might be put off by its bitter taste. Cacao is the raw form of chocolate. Unprocessed, the bean has numerous health benefits that I’m going to talk about in this article. The information I share comes from personal experience working with the plant and doing cacao farm tours when I was in Central America.

Cacao’s Origins

Cacao originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. The plant has been used by indigenous people in a ceremonial way for thousands of years (often paired with chili). It wasn’t until recent history that cacao was prepared in the form of a bar. Originally, people would eat the bean directly from the pod, after fermenting and roasting it, or in a ceremonial drink. When colonizers started rolling around the world, they took this medicine back to Europe and used it as an antidepressant. Everything really went downhill with the invention of milk powder though. With the addition of dairy, the super food lost a majority of its healing properties.

Cacao’s Impact on the Body

Mood Booster

When someone eats or drinks cacao, they will experience a boost in their mood. That’s because cacao causes the brain to release oxytocin and other feel good hormones. People who drink cacao are more likely to relax when they feel stressed and are more open to human connection. 

Caffeine

Something you might be excited about is that cacao contains caffeine! The caffeine in cacao isn't that , but paired with another compound called theobromine, it gives you an incredible boost of energy. Unlike coffee, the effects of cacao are gradual. Instead of experiencing a peak and drop in energy, people who drink cacao will feel a steady rise and fall. It’s not recommended to have too much cacao before bed because of the caffeine. There have been one too many times when I’d drink a ceremonial cup around 8 pm and spend the night blissfully staring at the ceiling wondering why I can’t sleep. But, if you’re looking for a gentler dose of caffeine in the morning, consider switching to cacao.

The Good Stuff

Ingesting cacao is helpful for the heart. Not only is it the highest plant based source of iron, but it’s also packed with a good dose of magnesium and calcium. Surprisingly, it has more calcium than cow’s milk. Additionally, it is an antioxidant rock star. The super food prevents/delays cell damage which can be especially helpful if cancer runs in your family.

Cacao as Medicine

You might be thinking that it’s crazy to suggest that chocolate can be used as a medicine, but honestly, it is. Before the pharmaceutical companies started making a profit off of healing, plants in their most natural form were our medicine. Free from added sugar and cow’s milk, cacao has medicinal properties that can help a person heal, especially in the mental, emotional, or spiritual sense. 

Because of cacao’s gentle nature, I didn’t recognize the healing at first. I feel like this is true for a lot of people which is why I like to mention it. In the plant medicine world, cacao is a mother and she is the heart opener. Cacao doesn’t take you on a trip like mushrooms or Ayahuasca; Mama Cacao offers you an energetic hug and an abundance of love.

Drinking or eating cacao before a difficult conversation helps everyone involved open up to sharing and receiving. Ingesting cacao before dancing can help you loosen up and be more free to express yourself without fear of judgement. In a world where we are constantly overstimulated, this medicine is a soft nurturer. I don’t think we’re used to this kind of treatment.

Preparing the Cacao

1. Bring water to a boil. Add ginger, cinnamon, or other flavors you like that are activated by heat. (Use coconut water if you're lazy for flavors)

2. While the water boils, use a knife to shave or cut the cacao into the smallest pieces possible.

3. Once the water is boiling, turn it off and remove it from heat. Remove any ginger or cinnamon sticks.

4. Add the cacao and stir until it's melted into the water. Add any additional flavors (vanilla, honey, plant based milk, etc)

5. Optional: Put it in a blender for the best texture

Personal Experience

In Central America, I first encountered Mama Cacao in Costa Rica. I barely noticed her and avoided the bitter tasting drink at all costs. When I went to Nicaragua, things changed. Cacao became a regular part of my life. Friends would bring it when we’d hang out, ecstatic dance events offered cacao every Friday, kirtans often included cacao, and I supported ceremonies, too. Cacao was everywhere and being offered to me all the time. This period of my traveling journey was the most heart opening. I took up space and it was ugly. Crying at kirtan, needing brothers and sisters to hold me, being triggered in public, singing too loudly… I was in the process of healing. Outwardly, I appeared to be calm and grounded. People admired my “courage and vulnerability” as if emotionally vomiting was a choice. I just stopped holding back… It wasn’t an option to keep it in anymore.

Things to Consider

If you want to capitalize on the magical properties of cacao, here are some things to consider:

1. Cacao is an acquired taste. Like coffee, it takes time to get used to the taste.

2. If possible, buy cacao from the source. If you buy a bar, 70% dark chocolate or higher with no added sugar is preferred. You can start with 50% and gradually work your way up as well.

3. Avoid the cacao powder. During the processing, they expose the beans to high heat killing most of the good stuff.

4. Don’t add cow’s milk. If you want to lighten the taste, a plant based milk is okay. Also, substituting with coconut water or adding cinnamon, vanilla, or honey is helpful.

5. It is possible to “overdose” on cacao. Ingesting too much can cause a stomach ache or headache. A ceremonial dose is 40-50 grams (3 tablespoons).

---

If you feel like you’re getting value from my content and would like to support my craft, consider offering a donation at Buy Me a Coffee! Your support is deeply appreciated and well received. Wishing blessings and abundance to you and your loved ones in return!