Food For Thought 10/27

Ceremonial Cacao

I was first introduced to the term cacao through healthy food blogs and grocery stores aisles with “superfoods”. I would read recipes online on how to make “raw” healthy snacks that are low in added sugar. If you wanted to emulate something chocolatey without the added sugar folks would use cacao. I never stopped to wonder why it didn't contain so much sugar. Or why health conscious recipe writers favored it over traditional chocolate. So here I am. curiously exploring this wonderfully beneficial plant. The Cacao tree sweetley referred to as the tree of life.

Turns out there is SO much more to say about this wonderful plant. I’m even gonna go there by referring to the cacao plant as female because she is incredible. Check out some of these benefits.

Cacao has the ability to subtly release dopamine and serotonin boosting your mood

Packed with Magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium and iron
Stimulates cognitive function and helps get creative juices flowing
Polyphenols improving blood flow and lowers cortisol
High concentration of antioxidants
Connect deeper to yourself, your high self your soul or “source”, it creates space for self realization
Heart opening qualities, increase your ability to tap into your desires

The difference between cacao and cocoa.

Cocoa: Heavily processed, added sugar/milk, refined, no nutrients, sweet.

Cacao: Unprocessed, nutrient dense, healthy fats, sun dried/fermented, nothing added, has a bitter earthy taste.

I have been cooking with cacao nibs and high quality cacao powder now for a long time adding into low sugar desserts but not fully understanding the real story of cacao.

The Olmecs, the earliest known mesoamerican civilization, first discovered and used cacao around 1500 B.C. And then the Mayans began using it ritualistically around 600 B.C. and even incorporated it into their creation mythology.

The Cacao beans were used as currency as well as pulverized and mixed with water to create drinking cacao. This mixture was only drunk by elites and during ceremonies (of all types). The cacao was believed to be a gift from the Gods and drinking it calmed the spirit and connected you to the earth. The Mayans believed that cacao restored the balance between humans and nature.

By the end of the 16th and 17th centuries, cacao was being used for medicinal purposes and to experience euphoric feelings. Drinking cacao communally around open fire became a way to connect to the spirits and thank them for all that you had. Fast forward to more modern times, travelers who participated in these ceremonies felt their power and brought the practice back to cities around the world. Cacao ceremonies quickly became popular in many communities for their heart-opening effects and nutritional properties.

I happened upon a cacao ceremony early this year. I had seen people talking about drinking the cacao in the raw form and sourcing from a special indigenous tribe. I was excited to try it. My first taste was intoxicating, it IS chocolate! And my body immediately wanted a second cup. I remember feeling light weight, upbeat and incredibly happy. It seemed to take some of the “weight” off my shoulders. So I kept seeking out the cacao circle in the city and had many different effects with each ceremony.

Learning that this comes from an indigenous heritage doesn't surprise me. When faced with a lovely ritual that befits mind, body and spirit, my brain goes directly to colonialism. And how unfair it is that white people (me) have found this ritual and have capitalized on it. I immediately wanted to let sleeping dogs lie and not get too deep. But how beneficial is this wonderful beverage! It has so much wisdom to impart on us. Especially when technology and everyday stress seem to take us far away from our dreams and our hearts desires.

I have decided it is too precious not to share. I am careful to give credit where credit is due. And I encourage the discovery of this beneficial plant. I am currently hosting some cacao circles this year. It pairs so well with meditation and breathwork. If you are in the Chicago area stay tuned for announcements on where and when I will be hosting them.