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I’m sure we’ve all had that experience of finding pleasure in a block of quality dark chocolate, or indulging in a mug of ceremonial cacao that elicits a bliss response that feels like a warm, comforting hug. In fact, we’ve had several people tell us our cacao is “like a hug in a mug”! It’s pretty clear that cacao makes us feel good.
What’s in cacao that lifts our mood? And what makes it such a powerful ally for our daily happiness and long-term mental health?
Mental health relates to our ability to cope with the ups and downs of life with resilience, joy and fortitude. This is our birthright and essential to our wellbeing.
When mental health and an overall state of wellbeing is flourishing, there is an ability to cope more easily with the normal stresses of daily life. We can connect and relate effectively with other people; we feel capable of being productive in all areas of life and can give back to the community.
If the modern lifestyle and pace we find ourselves in, is not conducive to this, it is crucial we find ways to support and balance ourselves, to lead us back into the well of our wellbeing.
With an abundant cocktail of goodness, and a plethora of health perks, more and more research is coming out showing the amazing benefits cacao has on our physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.
Many studies are emerging looking at the use of cacao for the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress reduction (1) and to improve cognitive function for diseases like Dementia (2) and Alzheimer’s. (3) It’s early days, but what’s coming through is very promising!
Cacao is literally overflowing with natural compounds that are known to make us feel better – so let’s explore some of them in more depth.
Derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Ananda’ which translates as bliss, joy and/or happiness, AKA the "bliss molecule”. This neurotransmitter belongs in the cannabinoid family and occurs naturally in cacao and the human body. It helps restore balance and homeostasis, and as its name suggests, the chemical anandamide can leave us feeling relaxed, happier, less stressed and may be supportive for depression (4). Essentially anandamide binds to brain receptors that influence mood and happiness, making you feel naturally euphoric and connected to the world.
Cacao is a super-rich source of flavonoids. These are a type of polyphenol that have a flood of amazing benefits, particularly as powerful antioxidants (5) Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules in the body that fight and neutralise free radicals (the baddies responsible for tissue degeneration and aging). Studies show emerging data that flavonoids are neuroprotective - which means they can help protect the brain from damage and prevent cognitive decline (6). The research also shows they can improve mood and brain function (7).
Studies suggest the polyphenols in cacao may enhance positive mood states (8) (9), and affect a broad range of mechanisms in the brain that can assist in the maintenance of cognitive and mental health (10). They can also act as antioxidants.
Works by stimulating the body to produce certain chemicals (like the happy hormones’ dopamine and serotonin) that are key players in depression and other mental health disorders (11). It’s been found to elevate mood, ease stress and anxiety, and improve brain function (12)
Is a neurotransmitter that has many functions in the body, one being how it influences and regulates your mood. It can’t be found in food, however cacao is rich in tryptophan, a building block of serotonin.
Is an essential amino acid and a precursor to Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood). It promotes better sleep (we have all, at some point, experienced the impact that lack of sleep has on our sanity!). It also supports feelings of increased emotional well-being and is considered a natural anti-depressant (13) and mood enhancer (14).
Is a known mood elevator, promoting calm, relaxation and helping us to manage stress. Cacao is a rich source of this macromineral (15). Studies suggest it can also be incredibly beneficial for treating depression (16).
Another mineral that cacao has in abundance, and research is emerging around the role of copper in the treatment and prevention of depression (17)
And let’s not forget the heart opening properties of cacao! Ceremonial cacao contains an abundance of theobromine that stimulates the cardiovascular system. This can give you the feeling of a warm and uplifting “hum” and may generate a warm and euphoric body-state not dissimilar to the elation some people experience when feeling deeply connected with life in a beautiful moment (18).
One of the wonderful benefits of cacao is that it improves blood flow to the brain, which in turn actually improves the brain’s thinking and memory functions (19), and might even be helpful for dementia (20).
Promising new studies are currently underway exploring the use of cacao and dark chocolate to support cognitive function, particularly in the elderly. These studies are indicating that ‘dark chocolate (85%) exerts prebiotic effects, as evidenced by its ability to restructure the diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria; thus, it may improve negative emotional states via the gut-brain axis’ (21).
Really, we could write a whole book about the amazing natural chemicals found in cacao and how they positively affect us! Actually, its already been done! But all you really need to know is there’s a perfectly logical reason you may feel euphoria after your daily ceremonial cacao (or dark chocolate). So you can sit back, sip away and enjoy the positive ripple effect it has on all areas of your life!
It may be true that nothing is a miracle cure. However when combined with an overall approach to health, we believe cacao can be a profound support to daily happiness and mental wellbeing.
Cacao is nature’s way of turning your frown upside down!
What are your thoughts? Have you experienced the mood-altering benefits of cacao? We’d love to hear your story, so please let us know in the comments.
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