Ceremonial Cacao Benefits, Properties & Natural Compounds
Ceremonial Cacao Benefits, Properties & Natural Compounds
Cacao is far more than the main ingredient in chocolate. This remarkable plant contains more than 300 naturally occurring compounds, including flavanols, antioxidants, minerals, theobromine, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Its exact composition varies depending on the cacao variety, where and how it is grown, and how it is fermented and processed.
Here are some of the compounds and nutrients that make cacao so interesting:
Theobromine — Cacao’s main natural stimulant. Similar to caffeine but generally gentler, it can provide a subtle sense of energy and alertness.
Flavanols & Antioxidants — Plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Cacao flavanols have also been studied for their role in supporting healthy circulation and blood-vessel function.
Magnesium — Supports normal muscle and nerve function, as well as energy production.
Iron — Helps transport oxygen throughout the body and supports energy metabolism.
Copper & Zinc — Essential minerals that support many important functions throughout the body, including immune function and iron metabolism.
Potassium & Phosphorus — Important minerals that support many of the body’s everyday functions.
Caffeine — Cacao naturally contains a small amount of caffeine—considerably less than coffee—although the amount varies.
Cacao is far more than the main ingredient in chocolate. This remarkable plant contains more than 300 naturally occurring compounds, including flavanols, antioxidants, minerals, theobromine, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Its exact composition varies depending on the cacao variety, where and how it is grown, and how it is fermented and processed.
Here are some of the compounds and nutrients that make cacao so interesting:
Theobromine — Cacao’s main natural stimulant. Similar to caffeine but generally gentler, it can provide a subtle sense of energy and alertness.
Flavanols & Antioxidants — Plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Cacao flavanols have also been studied for their role in supporting healthy circulation and blood-vessel function.
Magnesium — Supports normal muscle and nerve function, as well as energy production.
Iron — Helps transport oxygen throughout the body and supports energy metabolism.
Copper & Zinc — Essential minerals that support many important functions throughout the body, including immune function and iron metabolism.
Potassium & Phosphorus — Important minerals that support many of the body’s everyday functions.
Caffeine — Cacao naturally contains a small amount of caffeine—considerably less than coffee—although the amount varies.
The “Feel-Good” Compounds in Cacao
Cacao is often described as a heart-opening or feel-good food, and its natural chemistry may be part of the reason.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) — Sometimes called the “love chemical,” PEA is a naturally occurring compound associated with mood and emotional responses.
Anandamide — Often called the “bliss molecule,” anandamide is naturally produced by the body and plays a role in mood and well-being. Cacao contains small amounts of anandamide as well as compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Together, these naturally occurring compounds are part of what makes cacao such a fascinating and treasured plant.
Cacao is often described as a heart-opening or feel-good food, and its natural chemistry may be part of the reason.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) — Sometimes called the “love chemical,” PEA is a naturally occurring compound associated with mood and emotional responses.
Anandamide — Often called the “bliss molecule,” anandamide is naturally produced by the body and plays a role in mood and well-being. Cacao contains small amounts of anandamide as well as compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Together, these naturally occurring compounds are part of what makes cacao such a fascinating and treasured plant.