Cacao is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to mental health and function. Firstly, cacao contains theobromine, a natural, mild stimulant similar to caffeine, that interacts with adenosine receptors throughout our bodies. This can lead to boosted energy levels and enhanced cognitive function that provides an all-round uplifting effect. Cacao also contains several compounds that are similar to our own neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin and anandamide. These compounds include tryptophan, tryptamine, phenylethylamine (PEA), and natural cannabinoids called N-acylethanolamines. Together, these compounds are able to activate our natural reward pathways, improve focus, and elevate feelings of pleasure and joy. The combination of all these brain enhancing components in one superfood promotes positive mental health and provides a beautiful sensation of joy, happiness, bliss and wellbeing.

Oxidative stress is a state where there is an imbalance between reactive free radicals and our natural ability to inactivate them and repair the resulting damage. Free radicals are an important part of our natural immunity, but health problems can occur when there are too many of these reactive compounds in our body to handle. Cacao contains antioxidants called flavanols which scavenge free radicals and other reactive molecules in our bodies. This protects our cells from damage by oxidative stress and prevents the development of chronic inflammation. Flavanols in cacao can inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes in our body when they become over-active and mediate our bodies’ natural inflammatory response. This prevents excessive production and circulation of inflammatory molecules in our bodies and prevents the development of conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood and blood vessels, and their job is to transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste products around the body. This system is important to ensure that the body’s organs and muscles are well nourished and oxygenated for healthy function. Problems in the cardiovascular system can arise when one is dealing with oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure and diabetes and this may cause other issues. Cacao contains flavanols which can reduce oxidative stress and, in turn, reduce high blood pressure and chronic inflammation . Cacao also contains theobromine, a known vasodilator that can help reduce high blood pressure3.In this way, these components of cacao are able to support and improve cardiovascular health.

Cacao contains the natural stimulant, theobromine, which is derived from caffeine and exerts a similar uplifting effect in the body. Theobromine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the body and influences the effects of adenosine to boost energy, enhance focus and mood, and create an all-round uplifting effect. Theobromine has some significant benefits over caffeine as it is less potent as a stimulant and doesn't over activate the adrenal system, providing stimulation without burnout. The outcome is an uplifting effect that is sustained, without big peaks and troughs often experienced with caffeine.

The Aztecs may have been the first on record to draw a link between the cocoa bean and sexual desire: the emperor Montezuma was said to consume the bean in copious amounts to fuel his romantic trysts. Nowadays, scientists have analyzed the aphrodisiac properties of chocolate, and attributed it to two main molecules it contains. One, tryptophan, is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal and mood. The other, phenylethylamine (PEA), a stimulant related to amphetamine, that is released in the brain when people fall in love. combine these two with theobromine that acts to dilate and open blood vessels and for some the body may experience an increase in desire as a result. It is no wonder we gift chocolate to our loved ones on Valentines day, the perfect superfood to get you in the mood.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are both conditions that can cause a decline in skin condition and result in the development of acne. Psychological stress is also a known cause of reduced skin health and acne. These conditions have been documented to trigger acne in individuals and exacerbate these issues in a stubborn and continuous cycle. Cacao flavanols are capable of countering oxidative stress and mediating the inflammatory response of the immune system. This can help to reduce damage to skin cells and improve skin condition. Other components in cacao, such as tryptamine and PEA, are able to interact with serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways in our bodies to reduce mental and emotional stress, boost mood and enhance feelings of pleasure. Reducing mental and emotional stress is important in slowing down over-active sebum production, which may also lead to the development of acne. The key with cacao is not to consume it with too much sugar, as high sugar intake can exacerbate skin issues such as acne or blemishes. Further to this cacao butter in particular is an amazing antioxidant rich skin moisturizer that can be applied topically to improve skin quality and radiance. Combine periodical full cacao paste face rubs with daily use of cacao butter as a topical moisturizer with taking 20g of cacao orally to get your skin glowing again inside and out.