THE CALMING SIDE OF CACAO
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A cup of cacao before a meditative/restorative yoga practise or even before bed can work wonders. It not only warms you from inside out, it also makes you euphoric and calm. Why? Because of the magnesium and tryptophan found in cacao powder. But what about the caffeine? Isn’t it a stimulant? Most of us associate cacao as being a stimulating food. Think again. Most cacao out there contains a minor amount of caffeine (less than 1%), not enough to disturb you, or prevent you from a deep sleep or meditative state. Even for those of you that are highly sensitive to caffeine, it’s worth giving it a try as it will actually nourish you with the calming powers of magnesium and tryptophan. However, the thought of cacao being an energizer is largely due to the Theobromine it contains, which is a stimulant, but does not affect your central nervous system like caffeine.
CALMING + SOOTHING AGENTS
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Magnesium: Magnesium is a powerful mineral that is instrumental in sleep and is a natural relaxant that helps deactivate adrenaline. A lack of magnesium can be directly linked to difficulty going and staying asleep. Magnesium is often referred to as the sleep mineral. Magnesium also fights acid buildup, neutralizes toxins, calms sensitivity to pain, quiets nerves, builds strong bones and teeth and is essential for many other functions. Cacao is said to be the highest magnesium containing food on the planet.
Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an amino acid that when ingested gets turned into the neurotransmitter serotonin and then converted into the hormone melatonin. Raw cacao boosts the body’s natural production of serotonin, increasing our mood and ability to fend off stress. Both magnesium and tryptophan, are necessary chemicals for the production of serotonin. Tryptophan is heat-volatile and therefore non-existent in cooked chocolate, making raw chocolate an excellent way to obtain dietary tryptophan.
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EUPHORIC AGENTS
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Theobromine: A bitter alkaloid found in cacao, Theobromine has been studied to reduce blood pressure, support against oxidative damage, cardio-protective, raises HDL levels (good cholesterol), protects the brain, anti-inflammatory, and more. Cacao’s minimal caffeine content is often confused with a similar alkaloid, theobromine. Caffeine is said to be a nervous system stimulant, whereas theobromine is a cardiovascular stimulant, increasing heart function and blood flow and has about one quarter the stimulating power of caffeine. Cacao contains about twice as much theobromine than caffeine.
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BLISS AGENTS
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Phenylethylamine (PEA): is a neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body when we fall in love. It is contained in high amounts in raw Cacao.
Anandamide: Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that has been isolated in Cacao, and is released naturally in the brain when we are feeling happy. Aside from containing Anandamide, Cacao also contains enzyme inhibitors, which inhibit the breakdown of anandamide in the body, thus increasing its uptake and contributing to sensations of ‘bliss’ associated with raw Cacao. In Sanskrit, Ananda means ‘bliss’, making this the ‘bliss chemical’.
What are you waiting for..? There are many great cacao products out there but please ensure you do your research !! I can personally recommend these products : FOREVER CACAO or KEITHS CACAO or FULL POWER CACAO
For 5% off at Foreever Cacao please use following voucher code: Lisa5
Or why not come on one of my events to see the benefits, I find it works beautifully along side meditative restorative practices.
Above Info sourced from animamundi herbals
MORE ABOUT CEREMONIAL CACAO
A little bit about Ceremonial Cacao, is much more than just chocolate. It contains health restoring, mood elevating and consciousness altering compounds such as theobromine, serotonin, calcium and magnesium as well as many others that when consumed generate a particular heart warming sensation in the body.
Its active ingredients include theobromine, which translates in Mayan culture as, 'Food of the Gods'. It has been used for thousands of years in ceremony and rituals as a way of connecting to ourselves, and opening our heart. Cacao is SELF LOVE, and self love is our greatest medicine.
It is made by fermenting the beans, slightly heating them and hand peeling them before grinding them down on a heated mill resulting in a powder that congeals to make a paste.
A ceremonial dose of Cacao is 25-40g it becomes a powerful plant medicine that calms the mind and reconnects us to feelings of love, peace and connection. Connecting to the spirit of cacao to release blockages around the heart and heal emotional wounds.
Cacao when consumed creates a heart warming and heart opening sensation, it brings a uniquely expansive, elevated, yet peaceful mental state. She helps us consciously explore our own inner world so that we can access healing, and lasting transformation, bringing us to our true nature and giving us a sense of joy.
Important information about a Cacao and some CONTRAINDICATIONS.
1. Antidepressants:
If you're on antidepressants, avoid Cacao or start cautiously with a homeopathic dose (5g) or only a sip.
Observe your body's response before considering an increase.
2. Caffeine:
Reduce coffee intake on Cacao consumption day to avoid potential discomfort.
Caffeine and Cacao clash may lead to issues like a rapidly beating heart and headaches.
3. Heart Conditions:
• Theobromine in Cacao significantly increases heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Unsuitable for those with serious heart conditions; seek medical advice if you are uncertain.
4. Fasting for Ceremonial Dose:
Consume Cacao on an empty stomach. Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before the ceremony for optimal effects.
5. Stimulant Sensitivity:
Cocao can sometimes act as a stimulant and may impact sleep (please note with the dosage I am offering this should not be the case, and you may find will allow you to sleep better due to the high content of magnesium.
6. Pregnancy Precaution:
Theobromine's stimulative effects increase heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Use a very small dose of Cacao during pregnancy, observing both your body's and the baby's reactions.
Seek medical advice if unsure.
7. Health First:
If you ae unsure please reach with a healthcare professional before engaging in a Ceremonial Cacao.
Benefits:
Gentle but powerful
Won’t push you through a door rather gently leads you there if you are willing
Can sit with her and feel the support even when not drinking her
Helps you understand yourself
Can aid clearing emotional blocks
Enables the letting go of past relationships
Connects you with your creativity
Enhances focus and mental agility
May find you no longer crave crappy chocolate
Cacao can be enjoyed as an alternative to coffee or tea