The true benefits of ceremonial cacao, or cacao lavado, lie within its age-old preparation journey.
Not all chocolate is created equal.
Mass-scale cacao powders and even specialty chocolate are heavily processed to develop flavour profiles and texture. Exposure to excessive heat and physical grinding compromises the health benefits of the plant.
Ceremonial cacao is created with a core commitment to retaining bioactivity and nutrients. Low fermentation, small-batch processing, gentle washing and processing ensures nearly twice the antioxidant levels are retained along with the fiber, fat and nutritive compounds necessary for health.
Holistic Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao
Ceremonial cacao contains nutrient factors that contribute to our holistic sense of wellbeing:
Energy
Mental clarity
Mood support
Heart health
Cellular health and anti-aging
There are many vital vitamins, minerals and natural compounds to be found in rich densities in ceremonial cacao.
Theobromine
The namesake of the scientific name for cacao - Theobroma cacao
A plant chemical, diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, and vasodilator.
Theobromine’s fat-solubility and extended half-life means it is released into the body at a slower rate and stays in the body longer before it’s eliminated.
-Contributes to-
Stable and grounded energy release
Minimal impact to central nervous system
Reduction of blood pressure and LDL cholesterol
Increased blood circulation to key cognitive
Relaxation of the lungs helping with better breathing hygiene
Production of brown adipose fat tissue to help with weight management and metabolic health
Flavanols & Antioxidants
Plant chemicals and molecules that help the body fight off potentially harmful entities (free radicals and inflammation) that can cause damage over time.
Free radicals are always produced in the body as part of metabolisms but can also be introduced to the body through pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, and medication.
Free radicals are important for responses like fighting infections, we need them for a healthy immune system.
However, when free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it can lead to a state called oxidative stress which damages cells, proteins, and DNA, and can contribute to aging.
-Contributes to-
Reduced wear and tear on cells
Healthy skin and vision
Increased stem cell circulation - playing a vital role in repair and regeneration
Healthy cellular turnover
Prevention of damage to blood vessels and heart health
Phenylethylamine (PEA) & Anandamide
The consumption of ceremonial cacao can stimulate the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins in the body.
-Contributes to-
Release of mood boosting factors
Supported mood regulation
Insoluble Fiber & Probiotics
Key factors to contribute to a health cut eco-system.
Insoluble fiber provides bulk in the stool and can support regularity and prevent constipation.
Prebiotics act as nourishing food to the bacteria in the gut.
-Contributes to-
Healthy digestive and immune activity
Gut-serotonin production - the source of 95% of the body’s serotonin
Magnesium & Manganese
Two minerals.
-Contributes to-
RNA & DNA synthesis
Connective, bone, and nervous tissue production
Blood sugar and insulin regulation