Health Benefits of Cacao
There is much to know and share about the physical aspects and health benefits of cacao. Cacao is rich in beneficial ingredients, such as magnesium and antioxidants, along with various love chemicals that relax muscles and tissues, increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance oxygen levels in the body.
• Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators
Cacao contains neurotransmitters like serotonin, tryptophan, and dopamine, which help in creating feelings of well-being, resilience against stress and anxiety, and contribute to healthy motivation.
It also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which begins to flow through your brain when you fall in love, helping to create feelings of excitement and euphoria. It also enhances our focus and helps us stay alert. With healthy levels of PEA, it feels like time slows down, and we are not distracted by hunger or excessive stimulation from the external world.
• Anandamide
Cacao is the only plant-based source that contains anandamide, a cannabinoid also known as 'the bliss chemical.' Anandamide is a type of lipid (oil). The word 'ananda' (from which this chemical is named) translates from Sanskrit as 'bliss.' This naturally produced chemical (part of the endorphin group) is most concentrated in the body after moderate exercise, also known as the runner's high.
Cacao contains both anandamide and anandamide reuptake inhibitors, which are molecules that slow down the breakdown of anandamide. This allows anandamide to stay in the brain longer, sustaining the associated blissful feeling.
• Magnesium
Cacao is the highest natural dietary source of magnesium. Magnesium plays a crucial role in all metabolic processes. It aids in relaxing all muscles in the body, making it essential for the effectiveness and strength of the heart muscle's pumping, stress management, post-exertion recovery, gut mobility, regulation of pre-menstrual muscle function, and many other functions.
Magnesium is also involved in almost all major brain functions, including those related to memory and concentration.
• Antioxidants
Cacao is also one of the primary sources of antioxidants. The specific antioxidants in cacao belong to the phenolic group of flavonoids. This class of antioxidants is crucial because they both capture free radicals and chelate redox-active metal properties. This results in a reduced risk of cells in the body, such as lipids (fats that often line artery walls), undergoing oxidation (corruption).
Flavonoids also support the cleansing of blood vessel walls, artery flexibility, and blood thinning, all of which contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced buildup of fat deposits (plaques) along artery walls, and reduced stress on the heart muscle.
Flavonoids come in two types – epicatechins and catechins. Catechin is abundant in chocolate products and minimally processed cacao. This substance helps prevent heart disease and cancer issues. It also acts as a genuine immune system booster, as concluded in recent scientific research. The amount of catechins found in cacao is three times the amount found in tea.
• Theobromine
The name theobromine means "divine food" and is derived from the Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao.
Cacao makes you happy! This is also due to the presence of theobromine. It causes the heart to beat faster, widens blood vessels, and relaxes lung muscles, resulting in a calming effect. Another effect of theobromine (and caffeine) is that it stimulates fluid secretion. This can be important in medicine: when a person has too much water in the body, consuming cacao can help excrete the excess water.