Why I love Cacao as a longevity food
Alison Lingwood
Cacao enhances our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being—all essential aspects of longevity and of course tastes delicious. While focusing on just one of these dimensions may extend life, true joy and fulfillment come from nurturing them all. Cacao supports our dynamic balance of wholeness.
As a relaxant
Cacao is one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium, a powerful muscle relaxant. Additionally, it contains a high concentration of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid often called the “bliss chemical.” Anandamide binds to the same receptors in the brain as THC, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It interacts with two key cannabinoid receptors: CB1 in the brain and CB2 in the periphery. Since our bodies host these receptors specifically for anandamide, this compound must be vital to our well-being. Chocolate also contains substances that slow the breakdown of anandamide, potentially prolonging its effects and enhancing its natural mood-boosting properties.
As a heart medicine
Cacao is wonderfully nutritious for the heart. Not only does it help reduce cholesterol and widen arterial vessels, but it is also believed to bridge the heavenly and earthly realms. Researchers are studying cacao not just for its physical benefits but also for its psychoactive and psychospiritual potential which works hand in hand with the physical health of the heart.
Consuming cacao—whether as a drink or in food—can provide access to hidden knowledge, wisdom, and ancestral memories. It opens our hearts and spirit to the unseen and subtle realms within us.
As a mind harmonizer
Additionally, cacao has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, harmonizing the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin—both of which enhance feelings of pleasure, happiness, and joy.
Cacao also contains Phenethylamine (PEA), a compound that stimulates the release of hormones that improve mood and alertness, albeit temporarily. Perhaps this explains why one or two pieces of good chocolate are sometimes just not enough for me!
Theobromine, a bitter alkaloid found in cacao and other foods like green tea, has demonstrated anti-aging benefits. Studies show that it helps lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, protects and increases good cholesterol (HDL), shields the brain and cells from oxidative damage, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cacao’s specific goodies
Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods. Cacao contains high levels of the flavonoid epicatechin, which has been shown to have nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and three times those found in green tea.
Procyanidins, another type of flavonoid found in cacao, may help prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together, potentially reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
However, reducing cacao to just a collection of chemical compounds does not do justice to this sacred medicine. Its complex and unique composition can never be fully defined in a laboratory. As a sacred plant medicine, cacao has its own natural wisdom and purpose, helping us to live long, healthy, and joyful lives.
References
Effect of cacao beverage and dark chocolate consumption on blood pressure in those with normal and elevated blood pressure: A systemic review and meta analysis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35804776/
Improvement of endothelial function with dietary flavanols is associated with mobilisation of circulating angiogenic cells in patients with coronary artery disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20620742/
Effect of cacao flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases events: the COcoa supplement and multivitamin outcomes study in brackets (COSMOS) randomised clinical trial.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35294962/
Daily Consumption of Chocolate Rich in Flavonoids Decreases Cellular Genotoxicity and Improves Biochemical Parameters of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30200398/