ENDORPHINS

Cacao stimulates the release of endorphins which activates a light, pleasurable natural high or the euphoric feel good factor sometimes referred to as “runner’s high”. Endorphins interact with the brain in such a way as to reduce our perception of physical pain and stressful situations, as well as stimulating the release of sex hormones, reducing appetite and acting as a natural anti-depressant.

Anandamide

(“The Bliss Chemical”): Activates blissful feelings, euphoria, deep relaxation and the sense of a liberated mind. It is a natural pleasure molecule which activates the heart with the very same feelings that we experience when we become awash with orgasmic energy. Anandamide is naturally produced in the body but cacao is the only food on the planet that actually contains small amounts of it!

Magnesium

It is a power-aid in supporting the metabolic process, relaxing the musculature system and thereby helping to regulate the heart and blood pressure. Magnesium is a great healer for the pituitary gland and endocrine system and it is essential in balancing the brain’s chemistry, memory and concentration, as well as being a wonderful support against stress and an ally to the nervous and skeletal systems. Due to its capacity to relax the muscles in the body and regulate progesterone, which is the hormone responsible for PMS mood swings.

Serotonin

Our primary neurotransmitter Serotonin is helpful if you suffer from anxiety, stress and PMS symptoms. Serotonin can help to re-balance the endocrine and central nervous systems, allowing a sense of harmony, peace and well-being. It is a natural antidepressant, not only is Serotonin an anti-stress regulator, it actually builds and fortifies our stress-defence shield. When our Serotonin levels are well-balanced, there is a sense of being able to cope psychologically and emotionally, and a capacity to connect with an innate sense of peace and happiness.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

(“The Love Chemical”): This neuromodulator is the very same adrenal-related chemical activated in the brain and released into the body when we fall in love. PEA is a super-powerful mood enhancer and heart medicine, helping to create feelings of euphoria, contentment, well-being, connectedness, as well as acting as another deep inner practice aid for increased focus, attention and alertness, helping to slow down the perception of time, abate hunger and other external distractions.

Arginine

Arginine is nature’s Viagra! This aphrodisiac amino acid dilates blood vessels and increases the blood flow to the genitals in such a way that stimulates sexual arousal and heightens skin and tissue sensitivity. It is often utilised by bodybuilders due to its capacity in strengthening and repairing damaged muscle fibres and tissue. In addition, up to 40% more blood goes to the brain, expanding our creativity and ability to think about issues from a new perspective; ‘blue sky’, or ‘out of the box thinking’.

Vitamins & Minerals

Cacao is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including being a top source of Manganese, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Copper and Chromium, and in its raw state, cacao lands enough of a power punch to reverse many of the deficiencies common in Western diets.

Dopamine

Cacao also contains Dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that aids greatly in metal concentration, focus and the cultivation of positivity towards life and feelings of joy. Cacao is even being used as a natural support for the symptoms of ADHD and Parkinson’s Disease!

Theobromine (relative of caffeine)

Although Theobromine stimulates the cardiovascular system, it does not “charge up” the nervous system in the same way that caffeine does. Rather, it helps to relax smooth muscle, stimulate the heart, enhance mood, act as a vasodilator enhancing oxygenated blood flow to the brain and major organs, as well as being a potent diuretic and a wonderful aid in the detoxification process.

Antioxidants

Cacao is the number one antioxidant food in the world. These precious antioxidant flavonoids help in trapping damaging free radicals and heavy metals, clearing up corrupt cells from the system and supporting detoxification, as well as aiding in the optimisation of blood function and fortifying blood vessel and artery walls. This helps to improve circulation, supports the heart muscle and regulates blood pressure.

Essential Fats

Cacao is rich in cacao butter which is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Virtually all 23 of the fats present in cacao are of the healthy kind, which support the function of the brain, growth development, regulate metabolism, support the reproductive and skeletal systems, and are a beauty aid for healthy, supple glowing skin and hair.