Ancient Roots
Cacao has been used in ceremonies for at least 4000 years by the Mayans and Aztec people. The modern day term 'cacao ceremony' is a recent western creation but, we use it in ceremony to open the heart. This is due to properties that do this on the physical and spiritual levels, as well as the natural chemistry in it that opens the bliss, joy, and satisfaction pathways in the brain, bringing a calming loving energy through out the whole body. It gently and softly opens the heart and the third eye to receive more. Today this can be likened to mindfulness practices, taking us into presence through an open heart. It is not addictive and was considered the
"Food of the Gods", for its gentle and powerful support for our spiritual life as a daily food. It was also given to warriors and athletes to boost their energy and sustain their focus, it's a beautiful resource for our full lives
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CACAO is an APHRODISIAC
Mumā cacao opens the heart on all levels and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling, she activates the neural pathways in your brain to bliss and joy, and helps us to clearly connect to our higher consciousness.
Theobromine, tryptophan and phenylethylamine (PEA the same chemical we produce when we fall in love) are naturally occurring in Cacao. They have scientifically-proven benefits, such as improved mood, increased energy levels and heightened pleasure.
It effects people's moods and energy. This is why people in love feel energized, upbeat, and optimistic. They have scientifically-proven benefits, such as improved mood, increased energy levels and heightened pleasure.
Here's some science info for you to soak up.
The body uses tryptophan to help make melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and serotonin is thought to help regulate appetite, sleep, mood, and pain. The liver can also use tryptophan to produce niacin (vitamin B3), which is needed for energy metabolism and DNA production. Tryptophan (also called L-tryprophan) is an essential amino acid that acts like a natural mood regulator, since it has the ability to help the body produce and balance certain hormones naturally.
An important byproduct of tryptophan is 5HTP (5-hyrdoxytryptophan), which works in the brain and central nervous system to boost feelings of well-being, connection and safety. It does this by increasing production of one of the body’s main feel-good hormone serotonin. Research suggests theobromine may help protect the heart in several ways. For starters, it naturally lowers blood pressure. This, in turn, decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
There’s also some evidence theobromine may reduce “bad” cholesterol and improve “good” cholesterol. Additionally, the substance may improve blood flow throughout the body, further supporting the heart. It's believed theobromine opens the heart on a spiritual and emotional levels as well as physical.
Improved cognitive function & stem cells
A specific flavanol in cacao called epicatechin may help with some parts of brain health, including cognition and blood flow.
Epicatechin Increases nitric oxide production for improved vascularity, blood flow and endurance. Improving insulin sensitivity, regulating blood sugar levels and stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Lowering cholesterol levels due to its natural antioxidant properties. Improving brain and heart health that could lead to a lower risk of dementia.
Research shows flavanol-rich cacao helps to reduce inflammation, and that consuming just 10gms of high quality flavanols morning and night and your body will start to reproduce stem cells how amazing is that!
Joy and Bliss
Anandamide is a compound that is produced by the body. It is sometimes referred to as the "bliss molecule" because it is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Cacao contains compounds that can increase anandamide levels in the brain, which can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
"Ananda" the Sanskrit word for happiness, pleasure, joy and delight. Anandamide is one of the most important endocannabinoids, compounds produced in the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body.
After the discovery of anandamide, scientists started looking for cannabinoid receptors and discovered that the human body is filled with them! In addition to being found in several areas of the brain, they have been found in the central nervous system, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, skin, white blood cells, reproductive organs and in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. AMAZING!