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BENEFITS OF CACAO


With over 300 nutrients and compounds in cacao, cacao is considered one of the most chemically complex foods on the planet.

Its crown jewel is theobromine: a gentle, long lasting stimulant that energises us like caffeine, without punishing us with brain-fog and jittery hands later in the day. It’s also rich in essential vitamins and minerals and produces mood-boosting bioactive compounds - dopamine, serotonin, anandamide (the 'bliss molecule') and P.E.A, an antidepressant also known as the 'love drug'. (The euphoric effects of cacao were so apparent when it was first introduced to Europe in the 1500s that it was temporarily banned by the Church!)

CACAO FOR THE BRAIN.

Cacao contains powerful bioactive neurotransmitters that uplift, focus and relax our mind.

MOOD-BOOSTING

Cacao contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and tryptophan, dopamine precursors that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

IMPROVES FOCUS

Theobromine, a stimulant in cacao, improves alertness and cognitive function by enhancing blood flow to the brain.

STRESS REDUCTION

Cacao promotes relaxation by reducing cortisol and calming the mind.

BRAIN FUNCTION

Flavonoids in cacao increase cerebral blood flow, promoting better memory and cognitive performance.

PROMOTES RELAXATION

Anandamide promotes a sense of calm by binding to cannabinoid receptors.

MENTAL CLARITY

Cacao’s flavonoids enhance mental clarity by increasing cerebral blood flow, improving cognitive function, focus, and overall mental sharpness.

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“Cacao is probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food.”

David Wolf.

CACAO FOR THE BODY.

Cacao boosts our immune system and protects our bones, brain, heart and gut.

SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH

Flavonoids improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, promoting heart health.

INCREASES ENERGY

Theobromine provides a mild stimulant effect that increases physical endurance without the crash associated with caffeine.

AIDS DIGESTION

Cacao’s high fibre content supports gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining gut flora balance.

IMPROVES SKIN HEALTH

Antioxidants in cacao protect the skin from aging and environmental damage.

SUPPORTS IMMUNE FUNCTION

Flavonoids help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

PHYSICAL ENDURANCE

Theobromine improves circuluation, allowing muscles to receive more oxygen and nutrients during physical activities.

CACAO FOR THE SOUL.


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"Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food".

Michael Levine.
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SPOTLIGHT ON THEOBROMINE.


Cacao contains large amounts of theobromine, a bioactive compound that scientists have described as remarkable. Theobromine acts as an antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protector molecule. While pharmacologically similar to caffeine, coffee and cacao produce noticeably different effects. Theobromine is more gentle, long-lasting and smooth, while caffeine is intense, fast-acting and short-lived.

Caffeine peaks in the blood 30–40 minutes after ingestion, and has a half-life of 2.5–5 hours, while theobromine attains peak blood concentrations 2–3 hours after ingestion, and has a half-life of 7 –12 hours. Theobromine has a wide range of benefits, including: improving cognitive function, relaxing smooth muscle tissue, reducing blood pressure, protect tooth enamel, and cough suppressant.

Unlike caffeine, theobromine is not a nervous system stimulant, which may explain why it doesn't cause the same jittery feeling. Instead, theobromine is a cardiac stimulant, muscle relaxant, and a vasodilator. Vasodilators increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Beta-blockers, used to treat anxiety, are vasodilators.

Theobromine is linked to oral health, improved sleep, and alleviating the symptoms of asthma. It's also known to be a powerful aphrodisiac.