What is special about cacao?

What is special about cacao?

And in its raw form, cacao is one of the best sources of powerful polyphenols, flavanols, and antioxidants on the planet! Plus, it's rich in fiber, nutritious fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

Is cacao psychoactive?

While cacao has a mild effect on the mind, it's “not about blasting off the planet,” Marita explains. Or, to put it scientifically, it's “neuroactive but not strongly psychoactive,” says James Giordano, professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center.

What did cacao mean?

1 : the dried partly fermented fatty seeds of a South American evergreen tree (Theobroma cacao of the family Sterculiaceae) that are used in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter. — called also cacao bean, cocoa bean. 2 : a tree having small yellowish flowers followed by fleshy pods with many seeds that bear cacao.

Can you get 100% cacao?

Let's get some basics out of the way: 100% dark chocolate is unique in the chocolate world because, by definition, it's unsweetened. ... Either version can be sold as 100% dark chocolate because it contains only cacao-based ingredients. Either version is a savory, rather than sweet, food.

Why is cacao a Superfood?

The superfood of all superfoods, cacao—the dried seeds at the root of chocolate—is also one of the highest sources of magnesium in nature, full of antioxidants, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. Cacao contains more antioxidants per gram than blueberries, goji berries, red wine, raisins, prunes and even pomegranates.

Is it OK to eat cacao everyday?

Cacao is a top source of antioxidants packed with a full, unadulterated taste. ... Its high antioxidant and nutrient level makes it a healthy choice to incorporate into your daily diet.

Is raw cacao a stimulant?

The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression. It may cause the brain to produce more of a neurotransmitter calledanandamide which would account for the euphoric sensation some feel when indulging in chocolate.

What happens during a cacao ceremony?

Cacao ceremonies vary depending on the ceremony facilitator (or shaman). People usually sit in a circle and set intentions, pray, sing together with heartfelt music or sound healing and then dance ecstatically or share as a group together. It is a fun, uplifting experience in a safe and open community.

Where did cacao originate?

Criollo cacao (Theobroma cacao ssp. cacao) was cultivated by the Mayas over 1500 years ago. It has been suggested that Criollo cacao originated in Central America and that it evolved independently from the cacao populations in the Amazon basin.

How did the Aztecs drink cacao?

The Aztecs preferred their cacao cold. They also were early practitioners of “latte art” and poured it carefully to create a foamy top for a frothy drink. ... It was considered to be of divine origin and the cacao tree was revered as a conduit between heaven and earth, with the tree being a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.