At Dream Life NZ we believe in enriching our lives by exploring wellness practices from around the globe. One such fascinating gem we've discovered hails from the ancient civilizations of Central and South America: the sacred, nourishing, and downright delicious cocoa.
Theobroma Cacao, the scientific name for the cocoa tree, translates as 'food of the gods.' The term perfectly encapsulates the immense value that ancient societies, like the Mayans and the Aztecs, placed on this incredible plant. Today, we understand this 'godly' food as the main ingredient in our favourite chocolatey treats. But there's much more to cocoa than meets the eye - or, indeed, the taste buds.
The Sacred Rituals of Cacao Consumption
Cocoa was central to Mayan and Aztec religious events and social rituals. They believed it had the power to connect them to their gods and their ancestors. By drinking cocoa, they felt elevated, enlightened, and in touch with the spiritual world. The beans were often used in ceremonies, served in golden goblets and revered as a divine offering.
Nutritional Powerhouse
In our modern health-conscious world, cacao has become recognised as a potent superfood. High in antioxidants, it aids in reducing the harmful effects of free radicals in our bodies. It's also rich in magnesium, iron, and other essential minerals that help in promoting cardiovascular health and enhancing mood.
Furthermore, cacao has a high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are plant compounds with numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and potentially improving brain function. The presence of 'phenylethylamine' in cacao and cocoa stimulates the body to release endorphins and neurotransmitters, which create feelings of happiness and love.
Sacred or raw cacao, unlike its processed counterparts, retains a bounty of nutrients. This superfood is packed with antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals, promoting overall health. Studies suggest that these antioxidants can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and even aid in preventing cancer.
Sacred cacao is also rich in dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and a host of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing addition to your diet. Moreover, it contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that our body naturally produces when we feel in love, leading to cocoa's famous reputation as a mood-enhancer.
An Elevator of Consciousness
Sacred cacao isn't only about physical health. Its role in enhancing mental well-being and spiritual awareness is equally noteworthy. Traditionally, cocoa ceremonies were a way to connect with the divine and facilitate self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Cocoa contains theobromine, a gentle stimulant that promotes a sense of clarity and focus. When coupled with meditation or mindfulness practices, it can help enhance your consciousness, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Additionally, the serotonin, tryptophan, and anandamide present in cocoa contribute to feelings of happiness and euphoria, thereby enhancing overall mood and mental health.
Cacao and Mental Wellness
The sacred use of cocoa is not a forgotten ancient practice; it's finding its place in modern wellness routines. A growing number of people now engage in 'cacao ceremonies' – gatherings where participants drink cocoa and meditate. These ceremonies create a space for introspection, emotional release, and profound personal growth. With cocoa's natural mood-enhancing properties, it's easy to see why it's such a popular choice for these gatherings.
How to Incorporate Sacred Cacao Into Your Daily Life
Adding sacred Cacao to your daily routine can be simple and delightful, particularly if enjoyed with full mindfulness and awareness of the present moment. Here are a few ideas:
1. Sacred Cacao Hot Drink: The traditional way of consuming sacred cocoa is in a hot drink. Simply blend raw cacao powder with warm water or plant-based milk, and sweeten it naturally with honey or agave nectar if desired.
2. Cacao Smoothies: Add a spoonful of raw cacao powder to your morning smoothie. It pairs beautifully with bananas, berries, and nut butter.
3. Cacao in Baking: Substitute processed cocoa with raw cacao powder in your baking recipes for a healthier, more nutritious treat. I like adding a large pinch of raw cacao nibs to my morning porridge for extra texture and flavor!
Remember, when sourcing your cacao, always opt for ethically sourced, organic raw cacao to enjoy its benefits in the purest form. I bought some incredible pure cocoa at a recent festival celebrating different countries who are represented in the community. This cocoa came straight from Papua New Guinea, and was some of the best I've tried!
At Dream Life NZ, we advocate for holistic wellness, acknowledging nature’s role in physical health and cultural enrichment. As you savor chocolate or hot cocoa, reflect on its historic reverence and consider increasing its presence in your diet. Start your wellness journey with us, discovering the benefits of cacao and other natural elements, and enriching your dream life. Subscribe to Dream Life NZ for health tips and inspiring content straight to your inbox. Your dream life is just a click away. [Subscribe Now]
NOTE
Cacao and cocoa both come from the Theobroma cacao tree, but differ in processing and characteristics.
1. Cacao is the raw, unprocessed product of the plant, often linked to higher nutrition due to less processing. Cacao powder and butter come from cold-pressed cacao beans, preserving enzymes and removing fat.
2. Cocoa, unlike raw cacao, is produced by fermenting, drying, and roasting cacao beans. The roasted beans are ground and separated into cocoa powder and cocoa butter. Despite being heated, cocoa still provides antioxidants, but less nutrient-rich than cacao due to processing.
In summary, both have health benefits, but cacao, being less processed, may retain more nutrients.