The history of cacao goes back to preColumbian Mesoamerica. The Mayans cultivated cacao as early as 300 CE on the Yucatan Peninsula. The Aztecs, 1,200 years later, were still using it regularly for a drink called xocolatl.
The cacao bean, from which chocolate is made, is known as a superfood for its many nutritional benefits.
Cacao has a high phytochemical and antioxidant content. It’s nutrient dense, also is full of minerals, fiber, and healthy dietary fat. These nutrients in combination with the phytochemicals may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and more. It makes you happy. It’s full of chemicals that affect our brain and our mood. Cacao also contains the recently discovered messenger molecule, "anandamide" - also known as the "bliss molecule" and named for the Sanskrit word for bliss and joy. The combination of mood boosting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in Cacao is able to trigger the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Cacao is the highest whole food source of the mineral magnesium. This important mineral helps to regulate heart rhythm, co-ordinating the activity of the heart muscle and the nerves that initiate heartbeat. Low magnesium levels can cause heart palpitations and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
It is a heart opening herb and increases circulation and libido, it helps with anxiety, depression and irritability. It is a source of iron.
Cacao is packed with antioxidants many of which are flavonoids, including anthocyanidin. They prevent free radical damage and boost collagen production.
The cacao bean, from which chocolate is made, is known as a superfood for its many nutritional benefits.
Cacao has a high phytochemical and antioxidant content. It’s nutrient dense, also is full of minerals, fiber, and healthy dietary fat. These nutrients in combination with the phytochemicals may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and more. It makes you happy. It’s full of chemicals that affect our brain and our mood. Cacao also contains the recently discovered messenger molecule, "anandamide" - also known as the "bliss molecule" and named for the Sanskrit word for bliss and joy. The combination of mood boosting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in Cacao is able to trigger the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Cacao is the highest whole food source of the mineral magnesium. This important mineral helps to regulate heart rhythm, co-ordinating the activity of the heart muscle and the nerves that initiate heartbeat. Low magnesium levels can cause heart palpitations and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
It is a heart opening herb and increases circulation and libido, it helps with anxiety, depression and irritability. It is a source of iron.
Cacao is packed with antioxidants many of which are flavonoids, including anthocyanidin. They prevent free radical damage and boost collagen production.
Constituents
Cacao contains over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, and is high in magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, tryptophan, phytochemicals and antioxidants.
References
The Gaia School of Herbal Healing. Sage Maurer
Indigo-herbs UK
Indigo-herbs UK