How does it relate to chocolate? IS it chocolate? Is it the same as cocoa? And why would I even want it when chocolate is so satisfying?

Cacao (pronounced kuh-COW) is 100% dark chocolate because it contains no sugar, dairy or other additives like the chocolate bars you find at the grocery store. Nor has any part been taken away, such as the cocoa butter/fat removed (yes big name chocolate sells this part to other markets for more money and uses a cheap replacement, like milk fat).

It is simply pure, organic cacao.

 

Maybe you’ve heard cacao is the RAW form of chocolate, but if we get technical about it, “raw” foods are not heated above 118°F. However, cacao beans are roasted and this likely occurs at a higher temp than that.

Cocoa – as in hot cocoa – is a highly processed version in a powder form, with parts removed and may contain a lot of the bean husk ground down. And then also tends to have a ton of sugar and milk added.

Packaged chocolate from the grocery store is nothing like pure, raw cacao. 90% of the beneficial compounds are removed or destroyed and packed with much more sugar and additives. Sure the grocery store chocolate bars taste good but there is a whole other level of what this amazing superfood can do on it’s own.

 

What Makes Cacao So Special & Magical

 

Love + Heart Opener + Bliss + Aphrodisiac + Connection

  • The active component theobromine, is a heart stimulant. It dilates blood vessels and opens the heart, creating feelings of love and connection.
  • Cacao contains anandamide, aka the bliss molecule which may cause the aphrodisiac effect.mug of hot cacao with chocolate shavings in a heart shape
  • It leads to serotonin production which has the same impact as love in our brain.
  • Chocolate is often associated with love and Valentine’s Day for many of these reasons! 

Gives us Warm Fuzzy Feelings

  • Contains Magnesium that helps relax the muscles and body
  • Iron boosts blood and oxygen transportation
  • Leaves the muscles and body feeling relaxed but also energized due to additional blood flowing throughout the body

Boosts Mood + Reduces Stress

  • Is rich in tryptophan, which is a powerful mood-enhancer, crucial in the production of serotonin, which diminishes anxiety and reduces stress.

Intuition + Meditative Aid

  • Theobromine increases blood flow through the heart and brain, therefore leading to heart and third eye activation, connection and intuition.hands holding a cup of warm cacao next to an open book
  • Cacao is a plant medicine, it’s spirit helping you to deepen your connection with the Earth and self. You may experience a feeling of being held by a higher power in meditation, or as if on a journey.

Brain Activation + Memory + Focus

  • With the increased blood flow throughout the body from theobromine, and magnesium relaxing blood vessels, blood really gets flowing to the brain, boosting memory and focus ability.

Antioxidants + Longevity

  • Cacao has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants which protect from aging and many health conditions.

Who wants a magical cup right now?!

cup of hot cacao

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wondering where to buy?

Where To Purchase Ceremonial Grade Cacao

I recommend Soul Lift Cacao.

I love the flavors, they feel full-bodied compared to other ceremonial grade brands I have tried. And I feel a deep connection when I drink the varieties this company provides.

  • You can purchase single packets, 1/2 lb (6-10 servings) or 1 lb (10-20 servings) of cacao at a time.
  • Purchase either pre-ground or in a block of cacao paste (which you chop).
  • 5 high quality varieties direct from Guatemala.
  • Nick has relationships with the farmers who grow and bless this sacred plant in all steps from cacao tree to cacao paste.
  • Ethical and high quality, ceremonial-grade.

*I am an affiliate and learned my cacao facilitation training from Soul Lift Cacao.

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