Theobroma Cacao is a plant medicine and a nutritional POWERHOUSE!
Modern research has uncovered cacao’s remarkable ability to support physical and mental well-being:
Heart Health & Circulation
Cacao is rich in flavonoids, particularly flavanols, which have been scientifically proven to support heart health by improving circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2016).
Pepe’s Story: Pepe, one of the caretakers of Villa Amanda, underwent a heart transplant and was placed on lifelong heart medication. Over time, he made a personal decision to stop taking his prescribed medications, instead relying on a daily routine of cacao and garlic. His doctor was initially concerned but ultimately had to acknowledge Pepe’s extraordinary health and well-being. Despite drinking chocolate daily, Pepe continues to thrive, challenging conventional medical expectations.
Sarah’s Story: A 55-year-old yoga teacher, Sarah struggled with high blood pressure and low energy. After incorporating ceremonial cacao into her morning routine, she noticed more stable blood pressure readings and increased vitality in her practice. Her experience aligns with research showing that cacao’s flavonoids enhance vascular function and oxygenation.
Mood Enhancement & Emotional Well-being
Cacao contains serotonin-boosting compounds, including anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule.” A 2013 study in Nutrients found that cacao supports cognitive function, reduces stress, and fosters emotional well-being. The presence of MAO inhibitors in cacao helps prolong the effects of serotonin and dopamine, further enhancing mood and emotional resilience.
Jake’s Experience: A musician battling anxiety, Jake attended a cacao ceremony hoping for clarity. As he drank the warm cacao, he felt a shift, his heart opened, emotions surfaced, and a deep sense of peace settled in. This mirrors what scientists have found: cacao naturally elevates mood and enhances feelings of connection.
Cognitive & Physical Performance
Athletes and biohackers now turn to cacao as a natural performance enhancer. Studies suggest that theobromine, cacao’s primary stimulant, improves focus, endurance, and sustained energy without the crash associated with caffeine (Journal of Physiology & Behavior, 2017). Phenylethylamine (PEA), another compound in cacao, enhances alertness and promotes joy and motivation.
Stem Cell Function & Vascular Health
Research from the University of California, San Francisco, indicates that consuming high-flavanol cocoa can significantly enhance stem cell function. Participants who drank a high-flavanol cocoa beverage experienced a doubling in the number of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), which are vital for blood vessel repair and maintenance. This suggests that cacao's flavanols may play a crucial role in cardiovascular health by supporting the body's natural repair mechanisms (Mars Inc. Research).
Diabetes Management & Prevention
Cacao's bioactive compounds have shown promise in diabetes prevention and management. A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that certain flavanols in cocoa, particularly epicatechin monomers, can enhance the function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, aiding blood sugar regulation. Additionally, a study highlighted by NPR found that individuals who consume a small, daily serving of dark chocolate have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, possibly due to cacao’s polyphenols improving insulin sensitivity.
Heart & Spirit (Shen) Nourishment
Cacao is considered a Heart tonic in TCM, helping to calm the mind, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is often recommended for those experiencing emotional blockages or seeking deeper connection.
Mei’s Journey: Living in Beijing, Mei constantly felt fatigued and cold, especially in the winter months. A TCM practitioner advised her to drink warm cacao with cinnamon and ginger to strengthen her Kidney Yang and warm her body. Over time, she felt revitalized, her digestion improved, and her emotions stabilized.
Warming & Circulatory Support
Cacao is classified as a mildly warming herb in TCM, helping to promote blood circulation, dispel cold, and restore balance. In traditional herbal medicine, it is often combined with ginseng or astragalus for vitality and resilience.
Middletown Acupuncture Clinic: Chynna Dee guided a cacao session for a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor and her patients at an acupuncture clinic in Middletown, NY. As they sipped cacao, the atmosphere shifted & focus deepened, connections strengthened, and an undeniable heart-opening took place. The TCM practitioner later shared how, from their perspective, cacao’s ability to warm and circulate Qi supported the group’s heightened awareness and emotional openness.
Digestive & Energetic Balance
In small amounts, cacao aids digestion, stimulates metabolism, and supports energy flow throughout the body. In TCM, the bitter nature of cacao helps clear dampness and stagnation, preventing sluggish digestion and bloating. Meanwhile, its slightly warming properties help invigorate the Spleen and Stomach, which are central to digestion and nutrient absorption. Cacao also nourishes the Kidneys, enhancing vitality and sustaining long-term energy. When combined with other herbs like ginger or licorice root, it can harmonize digestive fire while preventing excessive stimulation, ensuring a balanced and sustained release of energy throughout the day.
Cacao is deeply intertwined with the ecosystems and communities that nurture it. When cultivated with care, it supports a balanced relationship between people, plants, and the land. Unlike large-scale industrial farming, traditional cacao cultivation often takes place in agroforestry systems, where cacao trees grow alongside other native plants and trees. This method preserves biodiversity, protects wildlife habitats, and enriches soil health, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, cacao trees help retain moisture in the soil and contribute to carbon sequestration, making them a valuable ally in mitigating deforestation and climate change. Honoring cacao goes beyond consumption... it means respecting the land it grows on, the farmers who cultivate it, and the natural cycles that sustain its growth. Sustainable cacao farming ensures that both the environment and the communities who depend on it can thrive for generations to come.