Cacao
Mother Nature’s Superfood.
Cacao as a superfood is not widely known, however is slowly gaining popularity among western culture. Laurel has spent the past year diving deep into this world through daily consumption, completing a 10-week training course and traveling deep into the Guatemalan rain forest to gain first hand experience with this incredibly powerful yet gentle plant medicine that has positively affected her life in many ways. She is excited to bring her studies and knowledge to her events, classes and retreats so you can also experience the profound benefits this simple little seed can hold
Benefits & Properties of Ceremonial Cacao
Physical:
Some of the highest amounts of plant based antioxidants, specifically polyphenols
Reduced inflammation, blood pressure, atherosclerosis & reduced risk of Alzheimer’s & stroke
High in minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron & selenium
Contains alkaloids
Caffeine: Contrary to popular belief, cacao does contain varying amounts of Caffeine, which affects the central nervous system (brain & nerves)
Theobromine: A “feel good” chemical that affects the cardiovascular system (heart & arteries). However, cacao can contain up to 3x more theobromine than caffeine, which makes it a more gentle drink, softly waking you up, lifting you throughout the day without the typical crash or cravings that caffeine is known for. Theobromine also increases blood flow
Mental:
Neurotransmitters: Cacao contains Anandamide, which is known as the “bliss molecule”. It also releases dopamine, serotonin and phenethylamine (all mood regulating transmitters) and contains tryptophan-the precursor to serotonin
Energetic:
We call cacao the Heart Chakra drink. After drinking many report feelings of warm fuzzies, open hearts, deep gratitude, and increased connections to emotions such as empathy, compassion, forgiveness and self-love
Cacao can help aid in any meditative practice by deepening focus through introspective practices. It can also bring insights, clarity and help with decision making
Cacao can provide a sense of ritual which can be an important and grounding practice
Plant Medicine
Cacao is considered a plant medicine due to its therapeutic effects on the mind, body and soul. It can gently help aid and guide us on a journey that allows us to co-create our own experiences in life. Cacao is not a psychedelic and in no way does it alter one’s state of awareness or consciousness. Think of how caffeine can affect the body, cacao is similar but better!
A special note about cacao
Ceremonial grade cacao is a beautiful, gentle plant medicine that can can greatly expand the energy of the heart, mind and soul for deeper awareness, healing, joy and creativity. However, it is recommended that anyone with severe heart issues, severely high blood pressure or anxiety, is pregnant or taking MAOI’s or high doses of SSRI’s avoid drinking cacao until they speak with their doctor.
The Process of Cacao
The cacao that we source starts out as a little seed in a seed pod hanging from a tree, weighing only 1 gram and is grown using organic methods. Once it is harvested, it is prepared using traditional methods through fermentation, sun drying, fire roasting and grinding into a liquid paste. This paste is then poured into molds and left to harden into solid blocks. No additives, sugar, dairy or other substances are added. Just pure cacao
The People of Cacao
Cacao was brought to life by the ancient Mayans of Meso America thousands of years ago. It was an integral part of their culture, even used as currency. Today, the indigenous people of these ancestors still carry on many of their traditions, keeping their practices and cultures alive and well. The collectives that grow, harvest and process the cacao we use at Ananda Healing Arts have long family roots back to these historic civilizations, they still employ many of the same rituals and techniques that were used back then. However, as history has charged on, these people have suffered great oppression, exploitation and pillaging over the last 500 years. It is a daily struggle for them to care for loved ones, put food on the table and practice their traditions freely. Something that most of us take for granted in the Western world. During my visit in December 2022 these people graciously took us into their homes, shared their lives with us and introduced us to their culture and their ceremony. Giving us permission to spread their messages as far as we can. I am forever grateful to these humble beings and the love they shared with us
The Purchase of Cacao
At Ananda Healing Arts we are excited to be an affiliate of Soul Lift Cacao out of Portland Oregan. The owner, Nick Meador has spent years traveling to Guatemala, researching cacao and assuring that every part of the process from seed to cup is carried out in an ethical, mindful way that honors the people and culture it comes from. There is a lot of unethical practices in the chocolate industry including slave and child labor. Nick sources his cacao only from small independent collectives that have zero ties to these large corporate industries. In addition Soul Lift Cacao operates above a “Fair Trade” standard, assuring that 1100% the “fair trade” rate per pound of cacao goes back to the source country. Since the cacao trees are grown using organic methods supported by agroforestry, we can also know that these efforts are also benefiting Mother Earth. Working directly with Nick who is in constant communication with these collectives gives us comfort in knowing that through the purchase, promotion and consumption of this ancient food, we are making a positive difference in people’s lives, well beyond our own reach, by improving the lives of indigenous people and helping to promote the ancient traditions of cacao.
As a result of our partnership with Soul Lift Cacao, we are pleased to offer you a 5% discount though our affiliate portal on any products purchased from Soul Lift. Click the button below to get started!
“Youre not working. You’re sharing Love”
-Izaias Mendoza, Lavalove Cacao