Cacao- Superfood & Mysterious Plant Medicine
Oh beloved, Chocolate ! Otherwise known as, Cacao ( pronounced, “Kuh – Cow”), which comes from the Theobroma Cacao tree. The seeds from this tree (cocoa beans), are used to make all sorts of your favourite chocolate goodies! According to Wikipedia, The generic name is derived from the Greek words θεός (theos), meaning “god,” and βρῶμα (broma), meaning “food.” It translates to “food of the gods.” Not only is chocolate delicious and tantalizing around the globe in desserts and beverages alike, in addition, the Ancients considered it as a powerful spiritual gift and shared it in religious ceremonies. Fascinatingly enough, it was so highly revered, that it was traded as royal currency, rewarded to brave warriors after battle, & served at royal banquets!
It has been used in Ancient cultures for emotional and spiritual healing, sacred reflection, transformation, awakening and soul-expanding experiences. For me, Cacao is “ love in a cup.” ❤ I begin each morning with this delectable and highly nutritious beverage. As a bit of a morning ritual, as I prepare it, I infuse it with love, blessing and a grateful heart. Cacao is so satisfying in the morning, that it has replaced the other brown bean that I habitually used to reach for, for a “jump start.” Cacao is considered a Superfood and has very little caffeine in comparison to coffee while serving up : a gentle mood lifting benefit, PACKED with minerals, powerful neurotransmitters, and more antioxidants than a handful of blueberries! ( BONUS…. there’s no crash or “jittery” feeling with cacao. )
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Here are some of the remarkable Superfood Benefits Cacao is known to contain:
Theobromine- A naturally occurring stimulant in cacao, shown to be a physical and mental energizer. It offers a gentle energy boost and “natural -high,” increasing focus, without the same jittery effect that caffeine has.
It is also known to improve circulation, is a bronchodilator, a vasodilator, acts as a diuretic and heart stimulator.
Anandamide – Known as the “BLISS receptor” it acts as a catalyst for both mood enhancement and fear/ anxiety reduction. It is responsible for feelings of elevated mood and euphoria.
Phenethylamine (PEA) – This neurotransmitter is commonly referred to as the “Love Molecule.” Chocolate is known to have one of the highest levels of this that any other food. This is the same chemical produced in the brain when a person is in love. Studies have shown that it is effective as an antidepressant & effective for ADHD.
Norepinephrine- This is a brain neurotransmitter and hormone that is helpful to increase focus & concentration, and enhance mood .
Tryptophan, Serotonin & Dopamine- Tryptophan is an amino acid found in cacao and triggers an increase in serotonin which can help explain the “feel good mood stabilizing” emotions that arise from chocolate. Serotonin is known to regulate anxiety & reduce depression. Dopamine, another neurotransmitter, operates in the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. It is what makes us feel good when we consume chocolate and entices us to come back for more.❤
Antioxidants- it is said that raw cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries! These powerful flavonoids absorb free radical damage, which is a major contributor to inflammation, chronic disease and cancer.
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Cacao can also be incorporated into a sacred and beautiful community ceremony as a “heart and soul” medicine. The art and practice of cacao ceremony or cacao circles, can be considered a gateway to transformation and sacred connection.
One of the goals of a Cacao Ceremony is co-creating a spiritual journey for you to connect with yourself and others in a profound way. The art of this magical experience is anchored in facilitating a communal sacred space with live frequency healing music suitable for inner reflection, fostering inner and outer connections, deepening meditative experiences, and allows for greater clarity and insights .
Ancient Paths Wellness offers private and group Cacao Ceremonies & Circles & we would love to bring Cacao to your community or event!
(Inquire for pricing and possible venues. Contact Jenn: 905-809-9098 or [email protected] ❤)
