ABOUT CACAO
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN?
Science & Nutrition
History
Ceremonial-grade Cacao Production
Mamá Cacao, Master Plant spirit-medicine
Elsita & Sacred Cacao
SCIENCE & NUTRITION
Consumed as a daily cup Cacao offers a plethora of scientifically-proven nutritional, health and wellbeing benefits.
Vitamins
C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9
Minerals
Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, Sulphur, Zinc
Antioxidants
Flavanoids, shown to lower blood pressure, aid in blood clots prevention, and improve blood flow to both the brain and heart.
Essential Fatty Acids
Lowered bad cholesterol, help with weight loss, improved functioning of the heart, circulatory system and brain, reduced inflammation, strengthened cell membrane condition and moisturisation of the skin.
Mental Health
Cacao helps to alleviate stress, fear, anxiety, symptoms of depression and increase levels of happiness and mood.
She connects directly to the nervous system, triggering serotonin (mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire), dopamine (pleasure, satisfaction and motivation), phenylethylamine (love, upbeat, optimistic, energised), and the endorphin Anandamide (memory, appetite, sleep, and pain relief). These essential neurotransmitters, or ‘bliss’ molecules, act as chemical messengers to communicate messages between nerve cells in the brain, and throughout the body.
Inflammation
Reduced inflammation conditions, e.g. Arthritis
Sleep
In releasing serotonin, Cacao helps the body to feel naturally calm, relaxed and restful, to aid with a better night’s sleep.
Brain
Rich in magnesium and tryptophan, Cacao balances the brain chemistry, boosts memory power and focus.
Energy
Cacao’s theobromine stimulates the central nervous system and dilates blood vessels causing tensed muscles to relax and energy levels to increase. She provides sustained energy levels, contrary to the quick boost-and-crash effect of coffee.
CEREMONIAL-GRADE CACAO PRODUCTION
The cacao tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and grows in a limited geographical zone, of about 20° to the north and south of the Equator.
Ceremonial cacao or ceremonial-grade cacao, unlike conventional chocolate or cocoa powder found in stores or factory-made, has not been ‘defatted’ - it is a pure cacao paste that has been minimally processed through traditional ancestral production. Without this method the cacao paste does not retain its beneficial properties and therefore cannot be classified as ‘ceremonial-grade’.
The paste is created by fermenting the beans: The highest quality ones are heated at low temperatures on a hotplate, which eliminates any bacteria, then hand-peeled and ground down on a heated mill (traditionally a stone mill) to form the final paste.
One half of the bean is fat, and in grinding it the cells are broken up liberating the fat. This process retains most of the Criollo bean’s health properties and activates its fat content - A beneficial process for human absorption into the body.
The Cacao Elsita SANA works with is non-GMO, additive-free, gluten free, sugar-free, vegan, and fair trade. It is ethically-sourced and imported directly from indigenous and mestizo communities whose mission is to conserve the ancestral Cacao and traditions surrounding it. A fair price is paid to these communities so that they can continue to protect their land from illegal drug activity, logging, and other environmentally destructive industries.
By growing cacao trees and wild-harvesting in small-batches, with integrity and a wholeness of love and knowledge using traditional farming methods, the indigenous way of life, the natural environment, its biodiversity and natural resources are consciously preserved and respected. This ancient farming technique transcends into the energy medicine of the plant.
Mamá Cacao, Master Plant spirit-medicine
Cacao is a Master Plant. She is psychoactive, yet not psychedelic.