Benefits of Ceremonial-Grade Cacao

Ceremonial-grade cacao is a superfood. It is made by sun-drying, fermenting and lightly roasting the beans, then peeling the husks and stone-grinding them down to create a paste. Unlike conventional cacao or cocoa powder, ceremonial cacao has NOT been defatted and contains a much higher quantity of beneficial, health, and mood-elevating compounds than any other cacao-based product on the market ( explanation below.)

Differences between Ceremonial Grade Cacao (Paste) and Cacao/Cocoa powder found at health food stores

Cocoa powder has been roasted for long periods of time at high temperatures, which changes the molecular structure of the bean, lowering its naturally abundant nutritional value.

Cacao powder, although it may be organic and labelled “raw” (which it is NOT) and a “superfood”, is also highly processed to commercial standards, removing the bean’s natural fat (under high temperatures) — the cacao butter. This means that many living enzymes, healthy fats and most of the subtle energetic properties of cacao have been neutralized.

Ceremonial-grade Cacao paste is traditionally made by by sun-drying, fermenting and lightly roasting the beans, peeling away the husks, then stone-grinding the beans which creates a thick paste and is poured into a mold to set. The bean’s natural cacao butter (which accounts for 50%) remains intact.

This is cacao in its pure, traditional form, utilized by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations for thousands of years in ceremony and celebration

Ceremonial Grade Cacao Benefits include:

• Contains theobromine - a naturally occurring stimulant that dilates blood vessels (instead of constricting them like coffee does) to increase blood flow. It gives the same boost of energy that coffee does—except it lasts longer, doesn’t have all the side effects of coffee (elevated heart rate/the “jitters” and subsequent caffeine crash, heartburn, upset stomach etc)

• Slows the signs of aging (contains polyphenol antioxidants called flavonols that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to cellular rejuvenation)

• Contains 20 times more antioxidants than blueberries

• Helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol (polyphenols prevent oxidation of cholesterol)

• Increases blood flow to the brain, strengthens focus

• Helps body heal, detoxify and give the immune system a boost

• Mood enhancer (cacao helps the brain release “happiness transmitters” aka endorphins, dopamine and serotonin)

• Reduces anxiety and stress : contains valeric acid (stress reducer) and tryptophan

• Ceremonial cacao is the richest edible source of magnesium, an essential mineral celebrated for its ability to reduce and regulate blood pressure – on average cacao beans contain 420mg of magnesium per 100 grams, which according to the USDA is 37 times more than 1 oz of broccoli and 17.5 times more than a banana.

• Rich in iron, calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, potassium

• Improves sleep

• Promotes heart health (reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack)

• Aids in digestion (acts as a probiotic and anti-inflammatory agent )

• Promotes weight loss (low in carbs, calories and fat)

• low in caffeine (an 8 oz cup of cacao contains 350-400 mg of theobromine and just 35mg of caffeine (a cup of coffee has 95mg))

• Not acidic like coffee (ph level between 6.5-6.8)

Our cacao is single-origin cacao, sustainably sourced from Mexico, Guatemala and Venezuela

Contraindications: do not take ceremonial cacao if you are on SSRIs (cacao acts on the same serotonin pathway as the SSRIs and can overwhelm the system resulting in a headache.) Drink lots of water before and after drinking your cacao as it absorbs moisture.

Resources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372056777_Benefits_of_homemade_chocolate_consumption_on_human_health

• https://www.dicardiology.com/content/cocoa-chocolate-may-repair-blood-vessels-increase-blood-flow

• https://medium.com/cacao-ceremonies/whats-the-difference-between-ceremonial-cacao-regular-cacao-powder-56937616119e

DISCLAIMER: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.