How to substitute cacao for coffee (and why)
As we move into the colder months our morning hot cup of cacao (or coffee) becomes even more enticing.
Over the last few years we’ve been observing an unmistakable global trend steering individuals away from the pitfalls of excessive caffeine intake, prompting a quest for alternatives that foster a more balanced lifestyle.
The allure of caffeine, with its promise of heightened alertness and temporary energy boosts, has long been ingrained in our cultural fabric. Yet, as our understanding of its effects deepens, so too does our awareness of its potential drawbacks. From jittery nerves to disrupted sleep patterns and dependency issues, the downsides of excessive caffeine intake are well-documented.
ENTER: CACAO.
Long revered by ancient civilizations for its medicinal properties and ceremonial significance, cacao has experienced a renaissance in recent years as a wellness elixir. With its minimal caffeine content and abundance of theobromine, cacao offers a gentle, sustained lift in energy levels without the jitters or crashes commonly associated with coffee.
In the quest for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, the choice between coffee and cacao is not merely a matter of taste but a profound decision with far-reaching implications for our well-being.
The beauty of transitioning (even partly) from coffee to cacao is that this shift does not comprise of cutting out caffeine altogether, given cacao contains a small amount of this miraculous substance. Therefore, you are unlikely to experience any caffeine withdrawals, which, if you go cold turkey, can be extremely uncomfortable.
For some of us, those whose adrenal systems can handle its strength, caffeine is not the enemy, and in fact there are benefits of consuming caffeine. Studies have shown that coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, chronic liver disease, and even Type 2 diabetes, so it’s certainly not all bad in moderation.
It’s the moderation bit that is difficult, especially in Australia. According to Better Health Victoria:
espresso-style coffee (single shot) contains 110mg of caffeine per 250ml serving
instant coffee contains 120mg of caffeine per 250ml serving
drip or percolated coffee contains up to 240 mg of caffeine per 250ml serving
For reference, black tea contains 65–105mg caffeine per 250ml serving
By contrast an average cup of Soma Cacao contains:
Karkar Island Soma Cacao contains 37 mg caffeine per 25g serving
Daintree Soma Cacao contains 50 mg caffeine per 25g serving
Mexican Soma Cacao contains 70 mg caffeine per 25g serving
However, we are not comparing apples to apples here, given that there are other substances in cacao which impact the way in which our body responds to the caffeine, which helps explains why cacao gives us a completely different feeling to a cup of coffee.
Here’s the low down:
1. Stress Reduction: Cacao vs. Caffeine
Cacao and caffeine may both provide a boost in energy, but their effects on stress levels couldn't be more different. While caffeine, found abundantly in coffee, triggers the release of stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, cacao operates as a gentle stimulant that reduces cortisol levels and promotes relaxation. This distinction is crucial in a world where chronic stress has become all too common, offering a pathway to balance and tranquility amidst the chaos.
2. Heart Health: The Power of Cacao's Antioxidants
Unlike coffee, which has been linked to heart problems in some studies, cacao boasts a wealth of heart-healthy benefits. Rich in antioxidant flavonoids and the cardiovascular stimulant theobromine, cacao promotes optimal blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease. The remarkable health outcomes observed among the Kuna Indians, who consume copious amounts of cacao daily, underscore the profound impact of this ancient superfood on cardiovascular health.
3. Nutritional Superiority: Cacao's Mineral and Vitamin Bounty
When it comes to essential minerals and vitamins, cacao reigns supreme over coffee. From iron and calcium to magnesium and zinc, cacao is a nutritional powerhouse that far surpasses coffee in terms of its nutrient content. Additionally, cacao boasts a variety of vitamins, including vitamin E, B1, B3, B5, B6, and K, providing a comprehensive array of micronutrients essential for overall health and vitality.
4. Side Effects: Cacao's Clean Slate vs. Coffee's Risks
While cacao is renowned for its minimal side effects and gentle, sustained energy release, coffee can elicit a range of adverse reactions, from restlessness and jitteriness to disrupted sleep patterns and increased anxiety. Moreover, studies have raised concerns about caffeine's impact on fertility and its association with reduced sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In contrast, cacao offers a clean slate devoid of such risks, making it a safer and more sustainable choice for daily consumption.
5. Overall Well-Being: The Case for Cacao
At the intersection of taste and nutrition, cacao emerges as a holistic solution that nourishes both body and soul. With its ability to promote relaxation, support heart health, and provide a potent dose of essential minerals and vitamins, cacao represents more than just a beverage – it's a gateway to enhanced well-being and vitality. While coffee may have its merits, particularly in moderation and for certain health conditions, the allure of cacao lies in its ability to offer a gentler, more nourishing alternative that elevates our daily rituals to new heights.
OUR STANCE.
Cacao helps us relax, and is a gentler, longer-lasting, and more pleasant energy source than coffee. It is also one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, so with every cup you’re not just getting a ‘quick fix’, you’re getting a highly nutritious (and delicious) boost of goodness. Coffee, on the other hand, increases anxiety levels, sends us into ‘flight-or-fight’ mode, and is void of any nutritional value.
That said, studies have shown that coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, chronic liver disease, and even Type 2 diabetes, so it’s certainly not all bad in moderation. It also varies from person to person, according to our genetic make-up. We’re not suggesting you should remove coffee from your daily routine altogether, but we do recommend switching out a cup or two of coffee for our Soma Cacao.
Ready to try? Grab a sampler pack for just $29 to find out if cacao is for you, and if so which of our award-winning varieties you love the most.
