Drinking Cacao Can Manage Your Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of managing stress and anxiety in our lives. In today's chaotic and turbulent world, finding effective ways to reduce stress and promote well-being is more crucial than ever.

One powerful tool for managing daily stress is drinking cacao and this blog will explain how.

Understanding Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common experiences that can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. From work deadlines to personal relationships, everyday life is filled with potential stressors that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and tense. Chronic stress and anxiety not only affect our mood and productivity but can also contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, insomnia, and depression.

The Power of Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial cacao has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. Here are several ways in which ceremonial cacao can help with reducing your stress and anxiety:

Feel Good Compounds

Ceremonial Cacao contains several compounds that can positively affect mood and stress levels, including:

·      Theobromine: a natural stimulant that can increase alertness and elevate mood,

·      Phenylethylamine: sometimes referred to as the "love chemical" because it can induce feelings of happiness and euphoria.

·      Dopamine: is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because it is involved in regulating mood. Optimal dopamine levels are associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation.

·      Serotonin: is involved in the body's stress response system. It helps modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol and regulates the activity of brain regions involved in stress and anxiety. By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, serotonin can help reduce feelings of stress and tension.

·      Anandamide: helps us get the "feel-good" effects because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and other neurotransmitter systems, involved in mood regulation, stress response, and reward processing. Its ability to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and enhance mood gives us a sense of well-being and happiness.

Magnesium Content

Cacao is a powerful source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in relaxation and stress reduction. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters responsible for mood and relaxation, such as serotonin.

Endorphin Release

Ceremonial cacao can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can lead to feelings of pleasure and well-being, counteracting stress and anxiety.

The Ritual of Preparation and Consumption

Engaging in a ceremonial practice around cacao consumption can itself be calming and meditative. The ritual of preparing and drinking ceremonial cacao can provide a mindful and grounding experience, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation (see April’s Ritual).

Mindfulness and Presence

Drinking ceremonial cacao mindfully, and paying attention to sensations, thoughts, and emotions can help individuals become more aware of their stressors and develop coping mechanisms to manage them effectively (see April’s Ritual).

Heart-opening Properties

Ceremonial cacao creates more flow of oxygen to the heart, giving the feeling of "heart-opening," meaning it can help individuals connect with their emotions and foster a sense of compassion and empathy, leading to greater resilience against stress and anxiety.

Drinking ceremonial cacao can help to physically reduce our stress and anxiety by promoting overall well-being. By incorporating mindfulness into our cacao drinking rituals, we can also cultivate a deeper sense of presence and connection in our lives.

This Stress Awareness Month, we encourage you to explore the healing potential of mindful cacao drinking for yourself. Set aside some time each day to savour a cup of cacao, and notice how it makes you feel.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, clarity, or simply a moment of peace, daily mindful cacao drinking can be a nourishing ritual to support your journey towards greater balance and harmony.

Here are a few testimonials from individuals who have incorporated cacao drinking into their self-care routines:

Jane W - Mar 11, 2024 - 5 out of 5 stars

‘In the past I have purchased both the ritual cacao pods and the ritual cacao bullion bars. The pods make it easy if you're in a hurry as each pod is the perfect weight for a daily cup of cacao and just needs to be put into a heated pan of liquid to melt down before serving. The bullion bars are beautifully presented and easy to chop and melts easily into the hot liquid of choice. In both instances the cacao is thick, bitter and delicious. This highly nutritious super food aids me physically and eases my state of mind, it truly is a bounty from nature and would recommend using Ritual Cacao as a reliable supplier.’

 Anna-Maria P - Dec 10, 2023 - 5 out of 5 stars

‘Having begun a gratitude ritual I ordered Ashaninka for myself and Ritual Cacao Crumbles as a gift for my sister. However I gave away the crumbles to a friend so had to order more. Three weeks in I’ve found the cacao so transformative I had to become an Ambassador for Ritual Cacao. I felt before I was running at 95% capacity, now 100%. I reckon I have recalibrated over the past 6 weeks! Thanks Ritual Cacao!

 Sian P - Oct 18, 2023  - 5 out of 5 stars

‘I am so grateful for Ritual Cacao. I wouldn’t be able to function in everyday capitalist society without her peace & guidance